120 Year Old Rare Nernst Lamps

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 2.6K

  • @DigBipper188
    @DigBipper188 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1682

    finally! a proper demonstration... I've seen people blast zirconium oxide rods with a blowtorch to show the basic principals but this is 100% a first seeing an actual nernst lamp in aciton!

    • @Muonium1
      @Muonium1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +84

      Indeed. I am aware of only one other video from the Edison Tech Center from several years ago. You can make your own with a ceramic potato peeler.
      th-cam.com/video/uGxSwumcFtU/w-d-xo.html
      An interesting curiosity of these lamps: they were commonly used in subway stations apparently, and being still in the age of gas light, if a heater coil on one failed for some reason, it could still conveniently be "lit" by leaving the protective glass globe off and heating the glower with a match (or a kerosene wick flame) on a pole just as a gas lamp would have been lit.

    • @DigBipper188
      @DigBipper188 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      @@Muonium1 True. Rick also showed a rather worn out example of one but sadly no running examples like Photon showed. probably in-part because original working examples are exceedingly rare.

    • @AscanioBorsato666
      @AscanioBorsato666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@Muonium1 this is very interesting . tnx man for this :)

    • @garfield1415
      @garfield1415 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      That was incredible, I had never heard of a Nernst lamps, it was a privilege to be able to see one and especially for you to get the lamp running, "blew my mind" keep up the great work Andy! Love your videos, and we will NEVER get bored with your videos!

    • @AscanioBorsato666
      @AscanioBorsato666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      and I'm sure :
      this is the first and the last time that i can see this lamp turn on !

  • @TheMrtrololface
    @TheMrtrololface 3 ปีที่แล้ว +817

    This guy coming back to TH-cam was one of the best things to happen this year.

    • @dillanyoung4799
      @dillanyoung4799 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      True this

    • @7177YT
      @7177YT 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agreed!

    • @TheUniversalid
      @TheUniversalid 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Proof that good things can come in 2021!

    • @richardohare7708
      @richardohare7708 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I totally agree 👍👍👍👍

    • @m4dizzle
      @m4dizzle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just discovered him myself and I’m hooked!

  • @VjMavdog
    @VjMavdog 3 ปีที่แล้ว +276

    It's stuff like this that makes the wait for Photon's return worth while.

    • @Dazzwidd
      @Dazzwidd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      At least as good as a pop. I say it's a bit better even

  • @matmatician7
    @matmatician7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    Remember the golden era of TH-cam? Before everything was monetized amd had production budgets, and it was just people doing cool stuff, making videos of it, then sharing it for fun?
    This brings back those feels. I could watch this kind of content for days man. Thank you for the awesome video, hope to see more!!

    • @MRblazedBEANS
      @MRblazedBEANS 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hope he comes back to youtube, 3 years without a new video :(

  • @MAGGOT_VOMIT
    @MAGGOT_VOMIT 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That's the first and only time i've seen one of these operate. AWESOME!!

    • @jhonwask
      @jhonwask 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Same here. It was really cool to see.

  • @Bollockmetwotimes
    @Bollockmetwotimes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +209

    I have never been so happy to have a channel back.

    • @tadaojr
      @tadaojr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Agree 100%. This was one channel along with some select few other "dead" channels that I kept with the bell turned on hoping it would come back.

    • @tombragalone7250
      @tombragalone7250 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me too, it was well worth the wait!!!

    • @laughterman805
      @laughterman805 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Cheers!

    • @danmackintosh6325
      @danmackintosh6325 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bollocks bollocks bollocks and more bloody bollocks... He's gone again :(

  • @enigmaticx326
    @enigmaticx326 3 ปีที่แล้ว +199

    “Nobody’s ever been brave or stupid enough to power one up… let’s do it”. That’s what I love about this channel. Fascinating lamp, have never seen one.

    • @42pyroboy
      @42pyroboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But can we pop it?

    • @Asheface11
      @Asheface11 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      He said no one has ever made a video of one of these...so I'd venture to say no one on her had seen one before photonicinduction!

    • @42pyroboy
      @42pyroboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Asheface11 lol

    • @illuminate4622
      @illuminate4622 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@42pyroboy Please don't

    • @42pyroboy
      @42pyroboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@illuminate4622 8===D

  • @frykasj
    @frykasj 3 ปีที่แล้ว +172

    I like how the Wikipedia article for this type of lamp was edited to include this video in its external links section like 6 minutes after this video was posted.

    • @cpufreak101
      @cpufreak101 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I noticed that too lmao read the wiki article to see what this bulb was and there it was on the bottom lol

    • @grndkntrl
      @grndkntrl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Ahhh... the circle of life!

    • @6___________99_____________64
      @6___________99_____________64 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Leaked to wiki

    • @tomschmidt381
      @tomschmidt381 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I missed that, when I used it to find out more about the bulb.

  • @bigclivedotcom
    @bigclivedotcom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +490

    Very nice. Any idea what voltage was being dropped by the ballast?

    • @Netbug
      @Netbug 3 ปีที่แล้ว +89

      I'm picturing you holding one while making a soyface.

    • @mikecorleone6797
      @mikecorleone6797 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Ohh man big clive in ze’ haus

    • @tonythemadbrit9479
      @tonythemadbrit9479 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Time for your kink palculator Clive :-)

    • @Mikkel324
      @Mikkel324 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@ghlscitel6714 You forgot to multiply the alpha by the cold resistance, if I'm not mistaken the warm resistance should be 16 * (1 + delta_t * alpha), 50 - 80 ohms for 600 - 900 k absolute, or 14 - 24 V drop at 300 mA.

    • @liquidco2
      @liquidco2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Let's be honest here Clive and ask the real questions, can he distill it? :P
      You know a channel is good when a channel you watch comments on another channel you watch

  • @peterjameson321
    @peterjameson321 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Thank you Photonicinduction! All my life, and that's a lot of years, I've wanted to see a Nernst lamp working and now you've done it for me. A great description of how it works too. I've read somewhere that if the heater failed, one could "light" the glower with a match, not that you'll be doing that of course! - Peter

    • @Photonicinduction
      @Photonicinduction  3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Thank you for the kind words, you are all very welcome. Kind regards Andy.

  • @leokimvideo
    @leokimvideo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +364

    IT'S NOT A LAMP...ITS A PIECE OF ART

    • @garrysekelli6776
      @garrysekelli6776 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What is a Nernst?

    • @noisytim
      @noisytim 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Why not both?

    • @kiloyardstare
      @kiloyardstare 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      IT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM!

    • @ghlscitel6714
      @ghlscitel6714 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@garrysekelli6776 Walter Nernst, a physicochemist in Göttingen around the 1900s.

    • @garrysekelli6776
      @garrysekelli6776 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ghlscitel6714 dude psychochemistry is my favorite subject.

  • @GarethDown
    @GarethDown 3 ปีที่แล้ว +376

    I think that’s the first genuine “I’ll open it up carefully”

    • @Ryan_Thompson
      @Ryan_Thompson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Came here to say exactly this. Talk about "never before seen on the internet", right?!

    • @thelazy0ne
      @thelazy0ne 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I was expecting a hammer bash.

    • @dragonfireproductions790
      @dragonfireproductions790 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      No one would smash an almost £1m relic that literally is the only working one

    • @santiagoeltoma5122
      @santiagoeltoma5122 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@dragonfireproductions790 1m?? o.O

    • @alexbarnett8541
      @alexbarnett8541 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@dragonfireproductions790 no way can it be
      worth that much, is it really?

  • @cpufreak101
    @cpufreak101 3 ปีที่แล้ว +100

    when Photonicinduction is careful with electronics, you certainly know it's something special!

  • @paulh5293
    @paulh5293 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    It's quite moving to see something so old and fragile being carefully brought back to life like this. I love these new vids - I didn't think you'd top the arc rectifier one but you just did. Thank you.

  • @Adreitz7
    @Adreitz7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    Ironically, the part that looks most like a modern lightbulb doesn’t produce any light whatsoever.

    • @ubaidu11ah
      @ubaidu11ah 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What is the function of the ballast, could you please explain

    • @calk1calk
      @calk1calk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@ubaidu11ah just a current limiter

    • @yafilmDOTcom
      @yafilmDOTcom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      You know what? That component was missing only ONE ingredient to make it glow just like a modern incandescent light bulb: Gas. If you fill gas into that resistor enclosure in order to prevent the filament from quickly burning out, and then apply about 100 to 200v at 1A, you would probably get that two row long of filament in series lit up with a brightness comparable to an incandescent light bulb. Had those scientists accidentally stumbled across this, the Nernst lightbulb probably would have never existed, instead, they would have simply launched the incandescent light bulb as their invention right off the bat.

    • @maxine_q
      @maxine_q 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@yafilmDOTcom There is a gas in there, it's hydrogen.

    • @isaacsrandomvideos667
      @isaacsrandomvideos667 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol

  • @snarkymoosesshack8793
    @snarkymoosesshack8793 3 ปีที่แล้ว +259

    I have NEVER seen such a lamp before, or had even heard of them until today.

    • @Ragnar8504
      @Ragnar8504 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I'd read about them quite a few times in ads and books from the early 1900s but I'd never seen one actually working or even a photo of one!

    • @typograf62
      @typograf62 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've also read about them. The illustration showed a lamp with glass cover and another identical one without. And one of the images was upside down.

  • @corey8704
    @corey8704 3 ปีที่แล้ว +728

    Old Photon: I POPPED IT
    New Photon: I didn't pop it. Here's how it works.

    • @yodab.at1746
      @yodab.at1746 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      A parallel galaxy, living in are we..

    • @TankCrusher210
      @TankCrusher210 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

      An improvement over that one time he deliberately melted down a beautiful old antique circuit breaker just for shits and giggles. Blowing up modern garbage is one thing, but destroying a surviving example of industrial history...

    • @cal5566
      @cal5566 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@TankCrusher210 what video is that

    • @UraTrowelie
      @UraTrowelie 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@yodab.at1746 I do believe you're correct.

    • @DjResR
      @DjResR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Photon has matured._

  • @tombay8163
    @tombay8163 3 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    I'm loving the "new" Photonicinduction. I'd love to see more of what appears to be a very extensive collection of electrical gadgets. Really great to get an understanding of the technology from the past.

  • @bigbone88
    @bigbone88 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    120 Years old LED lamp,Amazing

  • @kins749
    @kins749 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great to see your passion about old light bulbs

  • @NiddNetworks
    @NiddNetworks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +276

    From a previous TH-cam career of abuse and popping of electrical stuff, to showing something so rare with the true reverence and respect it deserves. This is a new side of the PhotonicInduction channel I love. Well done mate - more like this please! (and more wanton pointless destruction for the sake of it too!!)

    • @SoulDelSol
      @SoulDelSol 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Ya before i think he was grieving a couple losses and drinking quite a bit. So destroying things was outlet. But now he seems sober and very happy with his new wife and her cooking. Now his approach seems more to teach and share things and there is level of respect to it. I'm sure he's still same person and we'll see more things pop but i agree it's a very different side of him, not just in content but in how he carries himself. I like both quite a bit!! I'm glad he is happy and doing well

    • @app0the
      @app0the 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It would be also nice to have such historical videos mirrored to proper storage like archive org, for TH-cam only cares about money and will compress it into a blocky mushy mess next time they see a spike of some other "fart inside a microwave" challenge incoming, no doubts taken

    • @wompastompa3692
      @wompastompa3692 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      For me, it's Bonkers Conkers.

    • @deeeeeeeench1209
      @deeeeeeeench1209 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Up next rare lamp takes on my big fuse 😅

  • @evanchapmanfanman
    @evanchapmanfanman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +65

    It’s sure impressive to see the glower intact after so many years. Never thought I would get to see one operate in its original form.

    • @Ammoniummetavanadate
      @Ammoniummetavanadate 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Yttria stabilized zirconia is common still, I have used it as a high temperature oxygen membrane for an oxygen sensor.
      I suspect with a little fiddling you could replace the glower or build your own bulb.
      I actually have everything I would need to build one of those bulbs in the lab at the moment, I would just need to know the ideal oxide coating for the heater.

    • @TheMetalButcher
      @TheMetalButcher 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Ammoniummetavanadate My work processes YSZ all day long. I'd have never imagined it was electrically conductive.

  • @Tedd755
    @Tedd755 3 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    I let out an involuntary "Oh, wow!" when the glower took off the first time. Thank you for showing us and documenting these rare and interesting pieces of technology. The world is richer for it.

  • @puppiesarepower3682
    @puppiesarepower3682 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow!
    I've read about these, but could never find a visual explanation or even a photograph of one; let alone a full demonstration of a working model.
    Thank you for solving a mystery. 👍

  • @derekbambenek7803
    @derekbambenek7803 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    That is probably one of the most interesting lamps I have ever seen. The fact that it still functions more than a century after its construction is incredible!

  • @Keze13
    @Keze13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +319

    "I know not everyone thinks these things are wonderful...."
    Screw those people. This is cool stuff...

    • @GTA2SWcity
      @GTA2SWcity 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      It's a revival of historical relics. Maybe not landmarks, but in science and technology.
      It's like nixie tubes. The space age future of yesteryear.

    • @MickeyMishra
      @MickeyMishra 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      100% agreed!

    • @kaputtkonfigurator
      @kaputtkonfigurator 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Absolutely!

    • @AscanioBorsato666
      @AscanioBorsato666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      SURE !

    • @chylimzbydzi
      @chylimzbydzi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      On the contrary! It's pretty damn hot;)

  • @ollylappage2595
    @ollylappage2595 3 ปีที่แล้ว +142

    we're not getting bored...
    Never even heard about Nernst lamps, let alone see one.

    • @EphemeralProductions
      @EphemeralProductions 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me either. lol

    • @tonywhite7753
      @tonywhite7753 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I believe I have seen one. It was in my engineering teachers cupboard of stuff. He had all sorts of things in there. Halide lamps. Mercury rectifiers. Big old contactors.

    • @Grocel512
      @Grocel512 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It was the purest sample we have seen yet.

  • @noisytim
    @noisytim 3 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    What a bunch a charming bulbs... The little "locking" lever is such a lovely detail.

    • @kimmason9935
      @kimmason9935 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Wylie Wiggins bulbs grow
      lamps glow⚡

    • @jackgreenwood1817
      @jackgreenwood1817 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kimmason9935 when I was an apprentice the old boy I worked with used to say this to me all the time!

    • @noisytim
      @noisytim 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Wylie Wiggins
      According to Webster: 2: a bulb-shaped part
      specifically : a glass envelope enclosing the light source of an electric lamp or such an envelope together with the light source it encloses
      According to Oxford: 2: a light bulb.
      Don’t be surprised if things have different names in different parts of the world.

  • @jackking5567
    @jackking5567 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    During my exploration days I'm almost certain I've stumbled upon some of those lamp bases at random locations. I'd actually dismissed them as being part of an oil lamp and wandered off - if only I'd known!
    Fascinating video and as you say: It's now on the internet and will be there forever. Nice one!

  • @RODALCO2007
    @RODALCO2007 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Andy, just revisiting this Nernst video again. Was talking with a good friend of mine in the pools re old types of lighting. The Nernst lamp came up in the discussion, so I referred to your video. Great to see this device work again. Hope all is good with you and maybe start making some new video's in 2023. Happy New Year anyway.

  • @Muonium1
    @Muonium1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    An interesting curiosity of these bulbs: they were commonly used in subway stations apparently, and being still in the age of gas light, if a heater coil on one failed for some reason, it could still conveniently be "lit" by heating the glower with a match (or a kerosene wick flame) on a pole just as a gas lamp would have been lit.

  • @glenngriffon8032
    @glenngriffon8032 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    "Thank you for watching" he says. Thank you for posting man. Don't ever stop showing the world unique and interesting things.
    It's always fun to watch electrics pop from too much power but it's also fun to watch 100+ year old things still working fine.

  • @danwhite3224
    @danwhite3224 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    I love these demonstrations of extremely rare and old technology that is basically impossible to find anywhere else on the internet. Stuff like this needs archiving and I hate it when old technology goes to waste just because it's old.

  • @hexarith
    @hexarith 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    Very interesting to see a historic Nernst lamp in operation. I'd like to point out though, that for a certain, specifical application there are still Nernst lamps being made! They're used as broadband infrared light sources in absorbtion spectrometers and hence are still manufactured for those.

    • @garbleduser
      @garbleduser 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      PLEASE SAY MORE!!! Brand or manufacturer name desired!

    • @nrml76
      @nrml76 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      It appears that they became obsolete even in this niche role being replaced with silicon carbide globars.

    • @hexarith
      @hexarith 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@garbleduser Optronics Laboratories offers them as replacement part for their spectrometers. Part number is OL 740-20IR-RP

    • @bromisovalum8417
      @bromisovalum8417 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@hexarith Would be nice to do a homemade IR spectrometer, complete with Nernst lamp and self pressed potassium bromide sample pellets

  • @synthead
    @synthead 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Oh wow. I love all your videos, and they're typically outrageous, but this one is really special. I love your fascination and respect for such an unusual lamp, and I am so thankful for your restoration and demonstration of it! I watched this entire video without skipping a second of it, and enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you so much for doing this! I would love to see more electronics history videos from you!

  • @CPD-KD6-3.7
    @CPD-KD6-3.7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    I'd never heard of this type of bulb, it's a time machine to back when electricity was in its infancy! Thanks a ton Photon!

  • @quandiy5164
    @quandiy5164 3 ปีที่แล้ว +145

    "this is very rare"
    Proceeds to show us he has three

  • @goosehunterb
    @goosehunterb 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I've never asked for a Patreon before, but you're the first channel I'd love to give a few dollars to. It'd be an honor to support the time money and effort you put into your videos!

    • @gertebert
      @gertebert 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I second that.

    • @rafmonkey96
      @rafmonkey96 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here

  • @111000100101001
    @111000100101001 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I’m impressed and can’t believe such an amazing lamp exists! Thank you for sharing it and taking us along on a once in a lifetime adventure!

  • @LoneWolfZ
    @LoneWolfZ ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I doubt I would ever get bored of your videos, even if I am a year late to the party. this one was particularly awesome!

  • @charlieinsingapore
    @charlieinsingapore 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    No exaggeration, I feel very privileged to have seen this lamp operate, thank you for the explanation and demonstration. Just marvellous.
    Edit: I typed that two minutes before the end. Glad you feel the same.

  • @Mike_858
    @Mike_858 3 ปีที่แล้ว +228

    Photonicinduction
    is like a wizard, but he is no necromancer, he is an electromancer.

    • @adamsmith5913
      @adamsmith5913 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I think he is like the english Rayden

    • @Chainsaw-ASMR
      @Chainsaw-ASMR 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      electricity is space magic!

    • @8bithavok
      @8bithavok 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      technomancer

    • @megamef
      @megamef 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      He’s a magician with electric. An electrician.

  • @FlynBrian
    @FlynBrian 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Don't know about everyone else, but I found that very VERY interesting.

  • @SmallMartingale
    @SmallMartingale 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm blown away by this demonstration. The level of detail and hand work involved in creating that lamp is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

  • @pratoarancione7646
    @pratoarancione7646 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You are magic!!! I didn't know this kind of lamp!! Thanks very much!!!

  • @loukashareangas4420
    @loukashareangas4420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    YES! I wanted to see one of these in operation for YEARS!

  • @joshuarosen6242
    @joshuarosen6242 3 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    When there are millions of TH-camrs and millions more wanting to become TH-camrs, it's not easy to stand out but Photonicinduction absolutely does and brings us content we could never get anywhere else. That was really interesting. Thank you.

    • @countzero1136
      @countzero1136 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's what's so great about this channel, and others like Mikes Electric Stuff where we get to see the inner workings of the kind of equipment that most of us would never encounter in the flesh

  • @BillyAltDel
    @BillyAltDel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Never heard of Nernst lamps before. Recently on Technology Connections, Alec showcased and discussed Gas Mantle Lamps which appear to operate on similar principles.
    Thanks for sharing this with us, Andy. Operating just as it was designed for. Another brilliant contribution to the internet museum.

  • @JonasClark
    @JonasClark 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bored,. with you? Never! I've been wanting to see a Nernst lamp in action for over twenty years. I am FLOORED by this. Thank you a thousand times.

  • @2009dudeman
    @2009dudeman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Andy just risked a $1500 USD lightbulb for our viewing pleasure, thats dedication. And something that probably few people alive have ever seen. A little bit of history, the Nernst lamp was developed in 1897 as one of the first incandescent lamps with any useable lifetime, they were also more efficient than carbon filament lamps and produced more natural light. They were used in the 1900 world fair at a German electrical equipment supplier. They were used in early fax systems, optometry slit lamps, projectors, and microscopy. They were also used in IR spectroscopy for awhile. In 1937 the main mine where the minerals for the glower were brought up was flooded by Lake Buchanan.
    They are cool pieces of history, and this is probably one of the only videos online of an actual production lamp operating. You can see the zirconia glower outside of lamps, but none that I have found in a state like this.

  • @mikeselectricstuff
    @mikeselectricstuff 3 ปีที่แล้ว +589

    Speaking of oddball lamps, I must dig out the Pointolite bulb I have somewhere

    • @frogz
      @frogz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      CANT WAIT!!!

    • @loukashareangas4420
      @loukashareangas4420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Please do, I've seen the write-up on your site, it'd be cool to see it operating!

    • @PLASMAKVA500
      @PLASMAKVA500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Hmmm me too! Remembering I have a Mazda/GE 5KW 120v from the 1940s-50s that still works it's very similar to Andy's 240 version. I may post a newer video of it soon

    • @Photonicinduction
      @Photonicinduction  3 ปีที่แล้ว +289

      Pointolite are nice lamps, I have quire a few, they are easy to run if you have the 3 and 4 pin ES Bases.
      Kind regards to you my friend.

    • @cheater00
      @cheater00 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@Photonicinduction I have a question... what would happen if you caught lightning using a normal lightning rod... but then using a transformer or some other stuff, multiplied that voltage again by 1000x? What would happen?

  • @jmpattillo
    @jmpattillo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    Old Walter Nernst was a busy guy. I never knew he had invented a lamp. I teach the Nernst equation every year in physiology courses.

    • @Chainsaw-ASMR
      @Chainsaw-ASMR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      same. When you learn there's a lamp with the same name as an equation 😁

    • @Muonium1
      @Muonium1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Also discovered the Nernst effect which is a weird sort of Hall effect / Seebeck effect hybrid thing

    • @meanmachine7107
      @meanmachine7107 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      There is also the Nernst Cell which forms the basis of the Narrowband Lambda 02 sensor as used in just about every Petrol engine car these days to control emissions.

  • @Circuitssmith
    @Circuitssmith 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    The light that bulb puts out, I’d describe it as charming and cozy. It’s warmer than a normal incandescent.

  • @B60901
    @B60901 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm an electrician and have to say thanks for making this video. Unbelievable bulb

  • @jondekerguelen
    @jondekerguelen 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank-you sharing mate, much appreciated, and always entertaining.

  • @ricknelson947
    @ricknelson947 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I’ve only read about these bulbs. You truly have the Unicorn of lightbulbs. Thank you for sharing it with us all.

  • @justjoe7313
    @justjoe7313 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    This was extremeley interesting! I've heard and read about quite a few things, but this is the first time I've heard about the Nernst lamp!
    Thank you for presenting this and ... a quick ebay search showed the prices go up from 1.500 USD! They must indeed be very rare!

    • @mjetektman9313
      @mjetektman9313 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Someone commented that a working one can go as expensive as 1 million

  • @Ni_La
    @Ni_La 3 ปีที่แล้ว +161

    You're like that cool uncle that lets you play with flammable spray and a lighter

    • @frogz
      @frogz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      ...........hey, i've never once let my niece or nephew play with flamable spray
      .......my sister was AT LEAST 3 before i handed her a butane torch

    • @Ni_La
      @Ni_La 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@frogz Lmaooo that cracked me up

    • @tombragalone7250
      @tombragalone7250 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Most of the time for better or worse it’s the best way to learn

    • @tombragalone7250
      @tombragalone7250 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My son tried to make a campfire in the garage when he was three, after lighting about 20 stick matches and getting burned several times he finally got a small pile of wood light and we caught hit before it got out of control, boys will be boys even at three!

    • @frogz
      @frogz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      my mom busted me trying to make a campfire in the carpeted stairway, I was maybe 2 or 3 lol

  • @professortimothy5671
    @professortimothy5671 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've heard about the Nernst lamp and was quite curious about the details of how it worked. Thank you for showing me.

  • @aidanburger9912
    @aidanburger9912 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "BORED" is not a term we use here! Great video! Loved the demonstration!

  • @MattBlackbike
    @MattBlackbike 3 ปีที่แล้ว +101

    Looks like she's feeding you well mate, Glad you're back uploading

    • @mikhailchurakov
      @mikhailchurakov 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      he's back more than month ago)

    • @neildavidson7809
      @neildavidson7809 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@mikhailchurakov in general I think he meant

    • @mikhailchurakov
      @mikhailchurakov 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      neil davidson ok

    • @MattBlackbike
      @MattBlackbike 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@mikhailchurakov Neil is bang on, I'm a long term subscriber , I won't pretend I always know what he's talking about but I'm always entertained

    • @_____7704
      @_____7704 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      hahaha rough

  • @jrmcferren
    @jrmcferren 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Bored? No Andy, I've wanted to see one of these lit for several years after learning of their existence, this was a perfect video.

  • @EverythingExceptThat
    @EverythingExceptThat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Amazing, so grateful that you've documented this while these bulbs still exist. Wishing you the best mate.

  • @daimonmt
    @daimonmt 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    These gems should be in a museum, accompanied by a video of them working obviously. Thanks for sharing a piece of working history with us.

  • @LMacNeill
    @LMacNeill 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    That was incredibly impressive!! I wonder when the last time a Nernst lamp was lit up anywhere in the world? It's certainly been decades, at least. Thanks so much for sharing this!!

    • @mjouwbuis
      @mjouwbuis 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      It seems, somewhat more modern Nernst lamps were still used in the 1960's for IR spectography equipment, there's probably a few labs around that haven't invested in more modern equipment.

  • @michelinman8592
    @michelinman8592 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I'm really loving these "edu-tainment" style videos you've got going, Andy! Best wishes and kind regards from Michigan, USA.

  • @ArtoPekkanen
    @ArtoPekkanen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Never seen a contraption like this. Awesome archaic, old technology :)

    • @kreterakete
      @kreterakete 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Archaic.. the Perfect Word drop ! Hugs

    • @kreterakete
      @kreterakete 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Archaic.. the Perfect Word drop ! Hugs

  • @flymeetspaddle
    @flymeetspaddle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    i miss how mechanical electricity used to be.

    • @VictorGarciaR
      @VictorGarciaR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@marcse7en Indeed it is, but tiny ICs and SMCs controlling a plastic-wrapped motor is not the same as a 100yo lightbulb or rectifier going "bbzzzzzz... ka-chunk"

    • @MisterMosfet
      @MisterMosfet 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Back when even lighbulbs were serviceable

    • @flymeetspaddle
      @flymeetspaddle 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@VictorGarciaR yeah that's what I meant lol. I know solenoids and such exist but they are hidden away, the vibe just isn't the same

  • @CZbanhof
    @CZbanhof 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful! I had read about the Nernst lamp before watching your video but couldn't find a proper demonstration or even a picture. Thanks!

  • @jdaley197931
    @jdaley197931 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Nice one! The fact that the lamp still works after a century shows how well made they are :-)

  • @blubb7711
    @blubb7711 3 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    Technologie connections would love this lightbulb.

    • @MadScientist267
      @MadScientist267 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Oh please... No... I beg you...

    • @davelowets
      @davelowets 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@MadScientist267 Thank you!

    • @jaredkennedy6576
      @jaredkennedy6576 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Would he demonstrate it's construction through the magic of buying two?

    • @blubb7711
      @blubb7711 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jaredkennedy6576 he would need at least three

    • @davelowets
      @davelowets 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jaredkennedy6576 Thats already been covered in the video

  • @WELLINGTON20
    @WELLINGTON20 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    10:28 Amazing relay sounds. Sound modern for 1899 electronics

  • @BonsaiDax
    @BonsaiDax 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    This was so fascinating that i've forgotten to switch the resolution from 480 to 1080 till the end. Nuff said.

  • @russellcampbell9641
    @russellcampbell9641 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Absolutely smashing old chap! Excellent show!

  • @dracofenix3860
    @dracofenix3860 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The only person capable of making me watch an almost 20min long video about a lightbulb, and enjoy it!
    I cannot thank you enought for your work.

  • @boldBryan
    @boldBryan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I'll never get bored of learning about things I didn't even know existed.

  • @Leroys_Stuff
    @Leroys_Stuff 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    That’s awesome I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like that before

  • @robdawg1017
    @robdawg1017 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Crazy to think that this is the only one of these lamps in the world being lit and it’s in his attic. lol

    • @Wayoutthere
      @Wayoutthere 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@marcse7en To busy with the coof

    • @peterzingler6221
      @peterzingler6221 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@marcse7en lol

    • @miata1492
      @miata1492 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Wayoutthere . . . and other political viruses.

  • @gertebert
    @gertebert 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you very much for this video! Wathed it 3 times now. Unbelievable that this lamp is capable of running with a little love from you after 120 years. So beautiful!
    Also loving the fact that you are back. We really missed you!

  • @herpes010
    @herpes010 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I worry about what would happen to all of his beautiful rare things if something were to happen to this national treasure of a guy....The care and appreciation (and knowledge) is second to none. I'm just a guy in Kansas..

  • @abeabeification
    @abeabeification 3 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    When he says they're rare they're worth upwards of about £1,000 each.

    • @TIMMEH19991
      @TIMMEH19991 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Theres two on ebay, both the wrong side of £500, neither have any of the gubbins left in them.

    • @davecrupel2817
      @davecrupel2817 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That's it? A paltry £1000??
      I'm not claiming omnipotence. But in all the years I've casually seen and looked up various historical nicks & nacks, on the internet or otherwise, i have never ONCE heard of these "Nernst lamps"
      aside from today. That sort of rarity HAS to equate to more than that.
      Especially with one this old.

    • @Si74l0rd
      @Si74l0rd 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@davecrupel2817 Aside from Photonic Induction nobody could guarantee it was working, and thus the value is vastly reduced. Just like with historic firearms, if they work then the value goes up exponentially. As a curiosity not many people would be that interested and it's only a good conversation piece for a rich dude if you can turn it on.
      This one is far more valuable for being a known quantity now.

  • @johncoops6897
    @johncoops6897 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    That heater looks like it's wound for "Base Up" installations. I think that's why it's taking so long to fire up.

    • @gearyae
      @gearyae 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I was wondering why the heater had more coils at the top. Good thinking; I'll bet that's it.

    • @Ragnar8504
      @Ragnar8504 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yes, the German article someone linked to says this type of lamp can be used in any position but lights up faster pointing down.

  • @alilee505
    @alilee505 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I came for the destruction but was still thoroughly impressed, that was awesome thanks

  • @kentworch
    @kentworch 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I simply don't get bored of your videos and always enjoy seeing a fresh one.

  • @upyermaw2732
    @upyermaw2732 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is exactly what I have always wanted to see you do explain it all in as much detail as you can.

  • @aggravatedbattery1164
    @aggravatedbattery1164 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Somewhere I imagine there are Nernst Lamp enthusiasts just freaking right out.

    • @tippyc2
      @tippyc2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@marcse7en "Nernst Nerds". They're right up there with Dietz nuts.

  • @broggyr
    @broggyr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    You're doing a great service preserving this stuff.

  • @MegaFPVFlyer
    @MegaFPVFlyer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    loving the "swish" transitions between scenes, nice attention to detail! awesome content as always, great to have you back.

  • @mikebashford8198
    @mikebashford8198 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never heard of Nernst Lamps before, but now I have a pretty good understanding.
    Your way of explaining things works very well for me.

  • @TachyonDriver
    @TachyonDriver 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Learned summat new today! What a complex light bulb compared to the usual incandescent ones. Thanks, Andy!

  • @tobiaswhittaker7462
    @tobiaswhittaker7462 3 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    "If i can get it working, it'll be the first video on the internet"
    "Well ive already gone and done it *grin*"

  • @JoelMMcKinney
    @JoelMMcKinney 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I can see why someone saved it.
    They sure don't make em like they used to.

  • @dogastus
    @dogastus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent demonstration. Relieved to not hear the words "Let's pop it!".

  • @snakehead3650
    @snakehead3650 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm not bored at all, I'm fascinated with vintage stuff like that!

  • @ThomasConover
    @ThomasConover ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the most beautifully crafted light bulb I’ve ever seen. And it works after 100 years. What a artisan level engineering this is. 😮❤👍

  • @Wayoutthere
    @Wayoutthere 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I juist LOVE old electrical stuff, especially with ASBESTOS. Keep em coming!

  • @PrinceWesterburg
    @PrinceWesterburg 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    As delicate as these things are, its worth remembering they come fro the era of the gas mantle which if you just looked at it wrong fell apart.

    • @Nathriel
      @Nathriel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep I've got an antique AIDA/Petromax pressure lantern and know exactly what you mean.

  • @Lithium09
    @Lithium09 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Imagine using your mercury arc rectifier to convert AC to DC for the Lamp only to realise that your rectifier is brighter than your lamp 😜. Anyways great video as always.

  • @RODALCO2007
    @RODALCO2007 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great demo of a real Nernst lamp working. Amazing piece of complicated engineering over 100 years ago to make light. Keep those video's coming.

  • @tonythemadbrit9479
    @tonythemadbrit9479 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really great video. I'd never heard of Dr. Nernst until today so off to Wikipedia I went. He was an incredible chap!