completely clear/uncoated Sylvania 28W T5 HE demonstration tube

this is a tube that was very kindly given to me by James many years ago!

I realised I have never uploaded a picture of it however so I figured I would dig it out of storage and attempt to light it


its quite the sight to behold!, but sadly both electrodes on this tube are broken, however they are each attached to 1 electrode lead still so with careful selection of which pins I apply power to, I can light the tube safely, however I do worry that one of the cathodes may detach completely, which is another reason I got it out and lit it, so I could enjoy it before that happened!

as due to the broken cathodes, I have never really been able to light it before now (most normal T5 ballasts wont light a lamp with broken cathodes sadly) so here im using US instant start ballast on its lowest power setting to run the tube, and I made sure to carefully monitor the tube voltage and current with my oscilloscope!)