Hello all, this will be my first post on here, although I've spent a bit of time reading around on multiple occasions(warning, long. Anyway, I'll get to the project(was completed, now inoperable, will explain).
I've wanted to build a searchlight for awhile and after coming across a new surplus 4200watt xenon short Arc lamp I decided to go for it. I bought the lamp and also ordered an Edmund optics 24" reflector, and worked to fit them into a large metal can from a parking meter lot light. I used the fan from a old dehumidifier for cooling and my welder as the power supply.
One thing I have noticed is there doesn't seem to be a lot of info on the high voltage igniter. I was able to find only a couple YouTube videos on how to make one but I am happy to say I did so sucessfully and would encourage those on here to do so as well to be able to operate short arc lamps. The circuit is very simple, and doesn't require many components. Basically I used two ignition coils connected with capacitors and a dimmer to 120v as the high voltage source, and then imposed that onto the high current source(a welder) with high voltage capacitors made from wine bottles and a spark gap to transformer wound on the ferrite core from a old tube tv. This circuit worked very well and would ignite the bulb quite reliably and almost instantly once I insulated the cables going to the bulb more carefully.
I tested the light a few times before destroying the bulb with reversed polarity. Which brings me to some questions. I just found another surplus bulb and was planning to replace the one I damaged, however it is not the same size. So I plan to use this as an opportunity to improve. 1) The Edmund reflector was obviously inferior and I would like to find something better. I would not hesitate to spend $200 or so, not sure if that is a reasonable price range. 2)Aditionally is 24" a reasonable size for a 4000w lamp? 3) I expect mainly to have the light pointed horizontal or above, previously I mounted the lamp coaxialy with the mirror, the larger electrode furthest from it, is this still probably the best orientation?
I would be interested in any input and gladly answer any questions or provide more details requested, thanks.
I've wanted to build a searchlight for awhile and after coming across a new surplus 4200watt xenon short Arc lamp I decided to go for it. I bought the lamp and also ordered an Edmund optics 24" reflector, and worked to fit them into a large metal can from a parking meter lot light. I used the fan from a old dehumidifier for cooling and my welder as the power supply.
One thing I have noticed is there doesn't seem to be a lot of info on the high voltage igniter. I was able to find only a couple YouTube videos on how to make one but I am happy to say I did so sucessfully and would encourage those on here to do so as well to be able to operate short arc lamps. The circuit is very simple, and doesn't require many components. Basically I used two ignition coils connected with capacitors and a dimmer to 120v as the high voltage source, and then imposed that onto the high current source(a welder) with high voltage capacitors made from wine bottles and a spark gap to transformer wound on the ferrite core from a old tube tv. This circuit worked very well and would ignite the bulb quite reliably and almost instantly once I insulated the cables going to the bulb more carefully.
I tested the light a few times before destroying the bulb with reversed polarity. Which brings me to some questions. I just found another surplus bulb and was planning to replace the one I damaged, however it is not the same size. So I plan to use this as an opportunity to improve. 1) The Edmund reflector was obviously inferior and I would like to find something better. I would not hesitate to spend $200 or so, not sure if that is a reasonable price range. 2)Aditionally is 24" a reasonable size for a 4000w lamp? 3) I expect mainly to have the light pointed horizontal or above, previously I mounted the lamp coaxialy with the mirror, the larger electrode furthest from it, is this still probably the best orientation?
I would be interested in any input and gladly answer any questions or provide more details requested, thanks.