Re: suggestions for plasma globe that is slow to turn on?

On 6/11/25 2:49 PM, ehsjr wrote:

On 6/11/2025 11:46 AM, Bill Abers wrote:

I own several plasma globe type devices basically similar to this:

https://www.arborsci.com/cdn/shop/products/
PlasmaGlobe8inch1500x1000.jpg?v=1652122477

I also have a dome, a disc, and another device resembling a spiral
glass tube.

Several years ago, I took a look inside all of them and they basically
all have the same type of circuit: a single transistor driven small
flyback in the 3-8 KV range coupling to the glass tube or globe.

One thing that sort of bothers me about my devices is that, over time,
a couple of them have become slow to turn on, especially after sitting
for a period of time, but not in every case: one of my plasma domes is
difficult to turn on all the time.

What I mean by the aforementioned is that, once the device switch is
activated, the glass will remain dark for a few seconds before it
starts to show "plasma".  In the case of the plasma dome, there are
two controls on the front of it controlling intensity and frequency
that I have to fiddle with for maybe 30 sec sometimes before the globe
will activate.

My question is, what causes this behavior and how do I rectify it?
Thanks.

Bad power supply electrolytic capacitor.
Replace it.  One possible way to locate
it is if it is bulging. Otherwise, can
you troubleshoot?

There are 3 electrolytics in the unit and I just tested them.  All good.
  What Liz said suggests cleaning the glass which I am going to be doing
shortly.  No water, Windex, or anything of that sort, just dusting off
with a dry cloth.

Another thing I wonder about is the twist in connection between the
plasma bulb and base.  Wondering if I could lightly coat the interface
there with something for better conductivity and/or clean it?

Ed