What is a Strobotron? ‘Strobotron’ lamps became popular during the 1930’s as a source of producing high energy pulses of light with an extremely short duration. The gas used was neon at a pressure of 15 Torr (20 mBar). In effect they functioned rather like a thyratron valve but optimised for light output. Although the flash of light only lasts for about 10 milliseconds, the current is of the order of several hundred amperes, resulting in a very high intensity flash. These lamps found widespread applications both in traditional stroboscopic type equipment, and in specialised units that were driven from the high tension ignition circuit in an automotive engine, producing synchronised pulses of light to assist in adjusting its timing.
One such example can be seen here, a Stroboscope model E-10N from the Wabash Instrument Corporation, Indiana, USA. Other examples included the Strobotac from the General Radio Company which uses the 631-P1 Strobotron tube.
For sale here are fully built, plug and ‘play’ Strobotron devices including a NOS strobotron tube. Given that this device produces bright and intense flashes of light, then it should not be operated near people who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy.
A complete Strobotron is available for $199. For electronic kits and more technical details please visit the Sgitheach website here.
The construction manual can be found here: All-Toob Strobo V1.2 if you are interested in how these things are put together and how they function.
As usual, if you have any questions then please contact me.
All sales in CA will be charged sales tax and only actual shipping charges apply. Custom engraving can also be accommodated.