Bulb wattage for UV EPROM Eraser?

[ryanmoore]

I building a UV EPROM eraser to help with some repairs on old 80s computers. What sort of wattage do I need for the UV tube? Does higher wattage just erase the chips faster, or can they be damaged if I go too high?

[mij59]

Got a old one with a 4W tube, but why not buy a eraser for about 15 Euro on eBay ?

[ryanmoore]

I looked at those, but I wasn't too sure how well they'd last. Plus I already have all the bits to make one except for the tube, and I can buy those for £4-7 from a local fish tank place.

[mij59]

An eraser uses UV-C lamps, are they also used for fish tanks ?

[Deathwish]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0078LQYBI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00531O7J6&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0MYD3Z77R2291DC12NE4

[wraper]

The is no need for many watts. Wavelength is way more important. If you get the wrong bulb, you'll have a trouble erase even if it  is 100W.

[Fraser]

UV erasers are unfiltered UV sources and do not use the 'blacklight' type sources found in aquariums. The correct UV tubes are clear and not the dark blue black found on a blacklight filtered UV source.

If you do decide to make an eraser and use the correct lamps, ensure that you do not look at the UV light. It will make your eyes itch and it is bad for them.

I made a UV eraser in a project box using a ballast and a 4W tube from Radio Spares.The tube was mounted on the box lid. I fitted a micro switch safety 'cut-out' to the box working against the lid.I also  placed a layer of anti static carbon impregnated foam on the bottom of the box. Aluminium foil placed behind the UV tube enhances performance. I also owned a unit that was basically an 8W strip light assembly fitted with an 8W UV tube. A cover had been cleverly made to fit over the light fitting and even included a safety cut-out. The EPROMS sat in anti static foam at the bottom of the cover in close proximity to the tube.. It worked very well. It was a sort of Commercial unit that looked DIY but was well made.

These days I have a commercial version from the 1990's that has a timer, twin tubes etc.

Aurora

[Deathwish]

Sorry, my post was in reference to mij59 about do they use uvc lamps in fish tanks.

[ryanmoore]

The tubes I'm looking at are used in UV water sterilisers. Definitely not the blacklight kind.