Question about the FXL bulb and power source

Gadgethead · 14th March 2006, 04:09 PM

Hello folks! Great site and great DIY stuff! I've been wrestling with a problem that I think is stemming from my use of a light engine for my PJ. I'm using a FXL bulb that's controled with a homemade dimmer box that I made out of an ordinary dimmer switch, these bulbs are only meant to run on 82 volts and thusly calls for the dimmer. Anyway, I've noticed that when I hook up my voltmeter (mechanical needle type) to the plug end terminals that would normally feed the wires to the bulb, that the voltage starts around 110v and really doesn't increase that much as I turn the dimmer knob. I assumed that the needle should sweep from near zero to full 120 as I increased the power but surprisingly is goes between about 110 to 120. Please educate me why this is. Does the dimmer affect amperage and not so much voltage?
This brings me to my next question with use of the FXL bulb. I'm wondering if these bulbs are meant to be run on AC or DC current. I've been having a heck of a time trying to locate anyone that sells just the power supply for a overhead projector. I wouldn't mind buying one if the price is good. I worry that the dimmer box I'm using is sending an artificial form of 120 voltage and is harming the bulb. My wife has also been having the problem of a synthetic odor that bothers her nose everytime I turn on the bulb. Could the bulb be frying and making this odor? I can't detect it but she can.
I will eventually upgrade to a 400w Metal halide setup but I've got to get through a few tax season things before that can happen. For now I'm trying to remedy why the wife's nose is being punished, oh and I even bought special 850 degree wire to hook up to the bulb in case it was the wires getting to hot. I'm starting to think that it's either the bulb or the lack of using a proper power supply unit to run the bulb. Please any thoughts are helpful and if you happen to know of a source for power supplies that'd be great!

Thanx,
Chris B. in Iowa

sound_prodigy · 14th March 2006, 11:25 PM

a dimmer regulates the amperage / wattage not the voltage ... the voltage should be constant

prb123 · 9th April 2006, 03:40 AM

My money is on too much current being pulled through your dimmer causing the odor.

14th March 2006, 04:09 PM	#1
Gadgethead diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2005	Question about the FXL bulb and power source Hello folks! Great site and great DIY stuff! I've been wrestling with a problem that I think is stemming from my use of a light engine for my PJ. I'm using a FXL bulb that's controled with a homemade dimmer box that I made out of an ordinary dimmer switch, these bulbs are only meant to run on 82 volts and thusly calls for the dimmer. Anyway, I've noticed that when I hook up my voltmeter (mechanical needle type) to the plug end terminals that would normally feed the wires to the bulb, that the voltage starts around 110v and really doesn't increase that much as I turn the dimmer knob. I assumed that the needle should sweep from near zero to full 120 as I increased the power but surprisingly is goes between about 110 to 120. Please educate me why this is. Does the dimmer affect amperage and not so much voltage? This brings me to my next question with use of the FXL bulb. I'm wondering if these bulbs are meant to be run on AC or DC current. I've been having a heck of a time trying to locate anyone that sells just the power supply for a overhead projector. I wouldn't mind buying one if the price is good. I worry that the dimmer box I'm using is sending an artificial form of 120 voltage and is harming the bulb. My wife has also been having the problem of a synthetic odor that bothers her nose everytime I turn on the bulb. Could the bulb be frying and making this odor? I can't detect it but she can. I will eventually upgrade to a 400w Metal halide setup but I've got to get through a few tax season things before that can happen. For now I'm trying to remedy why the wife's nose is being punished, oh and I even bought special 850 degree wire to hook up to the bulb in case it was the wires getting to hot. I'm starting to think that it's either the bulb or the lack of using a proper power supply unit to run the bulb. Please any thoughts are helpful and if you happen to know of a source for power supplies that'd be great! Thanx, Chris B. in Iowa

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14th March 2006, 11:25 PM	#2
sound_prodigy diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2005	a dimmer regulates the amperage / wattage not the voltage ... the voltage should be constant

9th April 2006, 03:40 AM	#3
prb123 diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Michigan	My money is on too much current being pulled through your dimmer causing the odor.

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