Diagnosing that improperly working favorite collectible neon sign trouble
Below I have put together a pictorial showing the diagnosis of a dimly lit neon sign:
Pictures with borders can be clicked on to enlarge the image in a new window.
In the first pic above we see how the sign is lighting improperly, glowing unevenly. The top neon tube is glowing more at one end than the other. The next step is to remove the cover to see the connections.
In the second pic above the cover has been removed to start inspecting for trouble. Since the lower argon tube is not lighting at all, it is suspected to be the cause of the dimly lit neon sign problem.
The third pic shows what needs removed to start inspecting for trouble. First, UNPLUG the neon sign. Next the rubber boots at the suspect tube must be removed. Often, these are stuck from use. With one hand holding the glass tube, try and gently twist the boot from the glass with the other hand.
The fourth pic above shows a jumper wire connected to bypass a suspect tube. You do not have to disconnect the suspect tube, electricity will use the jumper wire.
The last pic above shows how the top tube now reaches full brightness. The bottom tube was the problem, as the top tube lights fully. That neon sign problem wasn't too hard to diagnose now was it? Question now becomes where to find the needed tube! Time for a new tube or time to part the sign out. With this sign, I did the latter, using the "rooftop" neon tube on a different Marlboro neon sign to make something custom. It can be seen on the cigarette neon signs gallery page.