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Author Topic: Xenon Life Ian Bailey Master Film Handler Posts: 317 From: Nambucca Heads, Australia Registered: Jun 2003 posted 06-20-2006 03:04 AM                     I have 2 sites that have identical lamp houses(Strong SuperLumex & Strong Lumex)but with different rectifiers.One site regularly gets 3-4000 hrs out of a xenon and the other site usually gets between 1500-2000 hrs.I know I have to have a closer look at the exhaust system at the site that gets the lesser hours but what else do I need to look for to try and improve the life of the lamps? Cheers Ian  |  IP: Logged John Pytlak Film God Posts: 9987 From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922 Registered: Jan 2000 posted 06-20-2006 06:59 AM                        In addition to improper cooling of the lamps, excessive AC ripple in a power supply could also cause premature aging of a lamp. Usual sign is excessive erosion of the internal electrodes of the lamp, leading to ignition difficulties. Don't forget to check ammeter calibration -- you may be unknowingly overdriving a lamp if the calibration is off.  |  IP: Logged Steve Scott Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1300 From: Minneapolis, MN Registered: Sep 2000 posted 06-20-2006 11:44 AM                     We have a hodgepodge of Strong power supplies, to varying degrees of performance as well. Which PS's are these in particular?  |  IP: Logged Ian Bailey Master Film Handler Posts: 317 From: Nambucca Heads, Australia Registered: Jun 2003 posted 06-21-2006 01:00 AM                     Scott-the rectifiers are IREM,Strong Switching Rectifier,just can't remember the other brand. To Check for RIPPLE-I'd assume you would check it with a Digital Voltmeter on AC MILLIVOLTS across the two cables going from the rectifier to the lamphouse(at the rectifier end)-CORRECT?? What is the acceptable level of ripple? If the ripple level is not acceptable is it just a matter of changing the capacitors in the rectifier? To Check Ammeter calibration- I'd assume you use a good quality clamp meter to check the DC current-CORRECT?? Could someone verify that I'm heading in the right direction! Cheers Ian [ 06-21-2006, 08:02 AM: Message edited by: Ian Bailey ]  |  IP: Logged Richard Fowler Film God Posts: 2392 From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA Registered: Jun 2001 posted 06-21-2006 11:44 AM                     IREM tend to have higher ripple.  |  IP: Logged John Pytlak Film God Posts: 9987 From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922 Registered: Jan 2000 posted 06-21-2006 02:36 PM                        This OSRAM techical publication has a very good discussion of current ripple and how to measure it, starting on page 17: Osram XBO Theatre Lamp Technical Manual  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 06-21-2006 05:36 PM                     quote: Richard Fowler IREM tend to have higher ripple. I've measured many rectifiers over the years... Irem 3 phase.. 2kw and up...10 to 12% Irem Single Phase Up to 1.6kw... 6 to 8% Christie 3 phase. All typically 5% to 6% Kneisley 3 Phase... 5% to 8% Kneisley Single Phase typically 4% Strong 61000 High Reactance Series...almost to high to mention but typically above 10% to as high as 14% All but Strong 61000 Series have inrush corrent with in manufacturers limits. Mark (Live from Mike Blakesley's Auto PArts Store!)  |  IP: Logged Ian Bailey Master Film Handler Posts: 317 From: Nambucca Heads, Australia Registered: Jun 2003 posted 06-22-2006 05:46 AM                     Mark-so what you are saying is rectifiers can put out up to 14% ripple- so it could be putting out a lot of ripple but still be in good working condition?? How much ripple is needed to start looking at ways of reducing it?? Also can a good quality clamp meter be used to check the current going to the Xenon? Ian  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 06-22-2006 09:01 AM                        I get really good bulb life with IREM rectifiers. IREM rectifiers have high ripple: therefore ripple must be GOOD? There is obviously more to this story than ripple. Many "electronic" rectifiers have low or no ripple but very bad bulb life. Louis  |  IP: Logged Ian Bailey Master Film Handler Posts: 317 From: Nambucca Heads, Australia Registered: Jun 2003 posted 06-22-2006 10:21 AM                     Thanks for the link John,now I understand how to measure ripple. Louis-Thanks for clearing that up  |  IP: Logged

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