Re: light sources

[Stephen Kearney <slk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My viewer (http://jimkearney.ne.mediaone.net/~slk/projects.html) has twin
halogens (purchased from George T.).  They are powered by two
extra-capacity nicad D cells.  Nicads rather than alkalines because
alkalines can't deliver the 0.8A + 0.8A = 1.6A needed, making the bulbs
dim, and extra-capacity D cells to get a reasonable battery life between
recharges.  AAs wouldn't last long (maybe 10 minutes) since even the
regular capacity D nicads didn't give me enough viewing time.

With the D cells in it, my viewer feels substantial but not heavy.  Just
slightly heavier than a red button viewer.

-Stephen



Rod Sage wrote:

> Robert Thorpe writes:
> > Is it just me or wouldn't many of you
> >prefer a couple of bright halogen viewer bulbs and sufficient
> diffusing?
> >It would be one thing if none of us ever built anything but I think
> >just about all of built our own viewers. We are not intimidated by
> >assembling a number of parts.
>
> Reading all these threads has gotten me inspired to build a light box
> for my Saturn viewer. I am wondering if 2 bulbs are needed for adequate
> illumination. That would mean 4 batteries.  In which case I would
> probably go with AA batteries since I would prefer a smallish
> attachment. Or should I check out fluorescent tubes? Is one tube bright
> enough? Should I make it with finger joints? Will AA's burn out too
> fast? Now I'm confused.
> RDS