Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

[Michale32086]

Is it possible to rig up a power supply type device to test DLP bulbs??

Or would that come under the heading of a Darwin Award??

Thanx

[tom66]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

10kV starting voltage? Your deathwish...

[Michale32086]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

Yea, that's what I kinda figured...

Hay, at least I asked first.. Not a TOTAL moron!!

Thanx for the reply...

[goontron]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

unless you have had training on how to work with high voltages AND currents safely as i have, well, you're putting in a good entry.

[Michale32086]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

unless you have had training on how to work with high voltages AND currents safely as i have, well, you're putting in a good entry.

I guess that lays to rest the old saying "there are no stupid questions" eh??

[SteveNielsen]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

I don't count that as a stupid question. Definitely smart to ask first

[tom66]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

Not a stupid question at all.

[Michale32086]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

Thanx...

Well, my reasoning is that it's such a pain in the arse to take a bulb out of it's holder, put a new bulb in, insert it back into the DLP and then power up to see if it works.. Would be nice if there was a way to determine if a bulb was good or not before going to all the trouble..

Granted, it's a few minute process tops, but gets old after having to do it several times a project...

[Michale32086]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

I don't count that as a stupid question. Definitely smart to ask first

Yea, I am the ultimate paranoid when it comes to voltages. I have been zapped a few times, though (obviously ) not enough to end my existence..

When it comes to high voltage, I definitely err on the side of cowardice....er caution..

Thanx for the reply...

[tom66]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

I don't know that much but I thought you could determine if a HLP (high-pressure lamp) was good just by looking at it? The arc terminals wear down as the bulb ages. There is probably some maximum distance before the bulb cannot strike. You could use a low current 10kV source to test this, such as a gas igniting wand.

(The initial 10kV is used to get an arc to form. Once the arc has formed, the voltage drops to a much lower level and the current increases substantially. I heard somewhere 35V @ 6.5A is typical for some HLP lamps though I'm not sure if this applies for DLP HLP lamps.)

[SteveNielsen]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

I'm a Safety First guy too. It must pay off, I ain't dead yet.

[Kilroys]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

Something to read this weekend

[Alastair E]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

No real difference to the 1600 and 2000W Xenon lamps I used to work with in cinemas...

The UHP (Ultra High Pressure Mercury Vapour lamp) and the Xenon lamps both require about 25Kv to strike and a much lower running voltage--in case of 2000W Xenon, about 23V at 80A

In case of UHP from projector, about 12-15Kv and some 40-80V running.

I'm sure it would be possible to make up a 'lamphouse' for testing bulbs and a 'Ballast' (what in cinema parlance we would call the rectifier,--Igniter for lamp was separate device, in lamphouse) from a defunkt TV or projector.....

Just observe safety when doing it, Make up an earthed steel box with lid with the Ballast inside as well, and mount for lamp/wiring etc, and use the 'Lamp/on' to test. Add a fan in there if you plan on running for more than a few minutes--or the lamp if good, will explode.
--The things produce enough light to leak out of the smallest gaps in the box, so no need for a window, a small 1mm hole is all thats needed.....

Be Careful how you handle ANY projector-lamp. They are NOT called, Ultra High Pressure--for nothing!
Summit like 200 Bar when hot and running, will spoil your whole day if it lets go near you with no protection--like a steel-box!

[SteveNielsen]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

Whoa dude! 200 Bar is over 2900 PSI! Yeah, I'm gonna give that experiment a pass!

[Michale32086]

Re: Rig Up Power Supply To Test DLP Bulbs

Definitely a worthy Darwin Award nomination..