P3D Re: Viewer illumination

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>My understanding is that the frosted halogen bulb requires viewer
>modification? I would like to hear about your painted reflector 
>as my reflector is now distorted.
>Bill Stickley

No, the frosted halogen bulb does not require any viewer
modification.  It is the same as the orginary halogen bulb,
only the glass envelope is ground.

Regarding the reflector, the Realist red button viewers use two 
kinds of reflectors:  A flat one that sits curved in the back,
a molded concave one that surrounds the bulb.  Earlier viewers
had a flat reflector and were painted white.  Later viewers
use the molded reflector and were not painted.  Because the
molded reflector surrounds the bulb, it has the potential of
making the light brighter.  However, once damaged, it can only
be replaced with a flat reflector (BTW, this is a big advantage
of this viewer:  you can easily make your own reflectors.  This
is not the case for the Revere/Wollensak/Busch and a few other
viewers)

For modification to 7p and 8p, only a flat reflector will work 
well.  The molded reflector will block the edges of the slides.
When I do my modifications I always install a flat reflector
and repaint the viewer interior.  The light is very bright
and uniform.

All I can say at this point is to invite you check my viewer in 
Detroit (or the NSA convention later this year) and you will 
know what I am talking about.  By that time, I will have my 
voltage regulated power supplies ready too and a book on the
Realist red button viewer.

-- George Themelis


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