highlandsun
Enlightened
HIDs (and all arc-discharge lamps) must be fully regulated. Once the arc is established the amount of power required to maintain the arc is very low. Without regulation it would runaway until the power supply was exhausted or the electrodes were completely melted/consumed. This is another reason why the complex ballasts are needed. Anyway, these lights don't fade out; since they are regulated their output is constant up to a point then shutdown occurs if there isn't enough power left to maintain the arc current.
LEDs may be more efficient than incandescents but HID is still the most efficient of all. I know some cyclists have been looking into Luxeon-based headlamps but their output and battery life all fall short of HID.
LEDs may be more efficient than incandescents but HID is still the most efficient of all. I know some cyclists have been looking into Luxeon-based headlamps but their output and battery life all fall short of HID.