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Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 19:12:07
From: Dan Schaefer <dfschaefer@usa.net>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Halogen lamps, a warning
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Halogen lamps are terrific - they produce nearly twice the candlepower 
of a standard lamp of the same wattage (current) and, in my experience 
(I use the GE halogen version (G4509) of the 4509 landing lamp) last 
a lot longer. In fact, after going thru several standard 4509's in a 
short time, I installed the halogen unit a couple years ago, and it's
still going strong. And it is used almost every time I fly for 
extended periods since a lot of my flying is in and around the LA 
metro area - it's mandated when transiting the VFR corridor over LAX
and it's so busy here, I just keep it on to make me easier to spot.

I did a bit of research on halogens a few years ago as part of my 
job here at the Bomber Factory and they are "good things" as far as 
I'm concerned.

But (and there is *always* a "but") to produce all that brightness, 
a halogen operates at significantly higher temperatures than a 
"standard" lamp. It isn't a defect, it's a function of what makes a 
halogen lamp work - so, be careful of enclosing one too well in any 
material overly sensitive to high temperatures. The lamp will like it
just fine while your epoxy turns to bubble gum. At least give your
lamp enclosure a way to get rid of the excess heat - a little air
flow to flush the cavity should work. Don't try to cool the lamp 
directly though, you'll be defeating the purpose - just try to keep
the surrounding stuff from getting too hot - doesn't take much.

Last but not least, if you're using a bare halogen bulb, don't get 
your greasy fingers on it at any time. According to the literature 
published by halogen bulb manufacturers, you shouldn't touch the bare 
glass bulb because of the temperature at which the surface of the bulb 
operates. Traces of grease or body oils on the glass will screw it up, 
pronto! The best way to handle the bulb during installation is with a 
*clean* cotton cloth.

<If Budweiser made a halogen lamp, what would you get if you asked a 
bartender for a Bud Lite?>

Dan Schaefer
N235SP