Are all MH bulbs the same voltage?
- Thread starter eebasist
- Start date
I would use an exact replacement if you can find the spec's.
I work a lot with Metal Halide bulbs in my other hobby, Reef Tank Aquariums, and often a particular type of bulb has to be matched *exactly* to a type of ballast. Starting voltage, open circuit voltage, can all be different. Different wattage of bulbs have different voltages.
However, it's possible that projector bulbs are all the same kind but my gut feeling is that they are not.
I work a lot with Metal Halide bulbs in my other hobby, Reef Tank Aquariums, and often a particular type of bulb has to be matched *exactly* to a type of ballast. Starting voltage, open circuit voltage, can all be different. Different wattage of bulbs have different voltages.
However, it's possible that projector bulbs are all the same kind but my gut feeling is that they are not.
So just measuring open circuit voltage wont be a good idea? Do you think that projector manufacurers just buy the ballasts from a supplier or make them themselves? I guess I'll have to look for some markings on the ballast itself now to do a cross reference.....or is it just in my best interests to replace the ballast and bulb myself instead of looking for a replacement bulb that might not be easy to get the specs of
apparently if you look closely on the bulb there is supposed to be numbers and if you get these markings you can do a search on that particular bulb
also i find that all these cheaper metal halide bulbs seen to be very large i have never seen a metal halide for sale on the net as small as the projector bulb type but look here
http://www.bltdirect.co.uk/cat71_1.htm
for same wattage and double ended also 20000 hours life these could possibly fit into commercial projectors
fido
also i find that all these cheaper metal halide bulbs seen to be very large i have never seen a metal halide for sale on the net as small as the projector bulb type but look here
http://www.bltdirect.co.uk/cat71_1.htm
for same wattage and double ended also 20000 hours life these could possibly fit into commercial projectors
fido
Projector metal halides are attempting to be 'point sources' so they are very tiny compared to say lighting products (something that produces light). You need a point source to project accuratly.
There are a few bulb sales companies that claim to have 'every bulb'. I'd find out what the original bulb is and try and cross reference. I don't have any URL's though, I go for different type bulbs
There are a few bulb sales companies that claim to have 'every bulb'. I'd find out what the original bulb is and try and cross reference. I don't have any URL's though, I go for different type bulbs