bulb for rechargeable cells

[highflasher]

I'm looking for xenon bulbs for use with 6 Nos. rechargeable batteries of 1.5Volts @ 0.8 Amps. The bulb got to be lens-end. The output of these bulbs should be of the highest possible color temperature. Could the experts here kindly enlighten me on the best specifications for such bulbs. What should be the voltage and amperage. What would be the highest color temperature achievable, lumen output obtainable, and the life hours ???

 

[DM51]

Welcome to CPF, highflasher.

I've moved your thread to the Incandescent section, where it is more likely to receive replies.

 

[highflasher]

Could I have some expert advice on this please?!

Cheers.

 

[mdocod]

Hello highflasher,

I'm not totally clear on what you are asking....

I've never heard of 1.5V "Nos" rechargeable cells. Please elaborate, most rechargeable cells I am aware of are either 1.2V, 2V, 3.2V, or 3.7V per cell.

I'm also not sure what you mean exactly by a "lens-end" bulb.*Are you talking about a bulb that is pre-installed in a reflector? Like track-lighting and sealed-beam bulbs?

Color temperature is inversely proportional to bulb life, you have to sacrifice one to get the other. 3500K is about the absolute limit for an incan, and will reduce bulb life to a couple of hours. 3300K range is more conservative and will usually result in bulb life in the 20-100 hour range. Alternatively, a coating can be applied to the bulb at the sacrifice of total output to shift the effective color temperature higher, (bulbs that look "blue" are doing this).

Eric

 

[Mr Happy]

Well, I'd say he means 6 in quantity of nominal 1.5 V (1.2 V) cells like nicads, thus giving a 7.2 V pack.

"Lens end bulb" is the description normally applied to the old MES bulbs with a preformed lens in the end of the capsule that were used in cheap low voltage lights and pen lights many years ago. I really don't think such things are available in high power 7.2 V versions...

As for "highest color temperature, lumen output, and life hours" I think that is a case of "pick any two". You can't have all three at the same time.

​

 

[highflasher]

Re: xenon incan lens-end bulb for 6-cell rechargeable batteries of 1.2V 800mAh

Hi Eric,

Sorry, it's a typo error; 1.2V infact – not 1.5V. What I would like to know is the best specifications for a lens-end xenon-filled incan flashlight bulb to run on 6 rechargeable batteries of 1.2V 800mAh. I want to achieve the highest possible color temperature plus maximum possible lumens. The lens-end I am talking about is similar to what you find on Carley Xenon Star Lamps.

 

[Mr Happy]

How about an actual Carley 6 cell Xenon Star?

 

[mdocod]

Ok... that clears things up a bit Thank You.

I think I now understand what you mean by "lens-end" style bulb.... The type that has a focusing optic built right into the envelop of the bulb. Right?

I've never really looked into these much.... I know radio-shack has a few. Might be worth a look.

Achieving high color temps is best done by really pushing the bulb hard, so you might look for a bulb rated ~6V, to be overdriven by the ~7.2V pack you are using. The amount of overdrive you are looking for is also dependent on what the life rating of the bulb is at design voltage. 6V Bulbs with ~50-100 hours of life rating are hit and miss for overdrive with 7.2V battery packs. One way to reduce the chance of instaflashling a bulb is to rest the pack for a few hours after charging before using it in the flashlight. NiMH and NiCD packs will drop about 0.1-0.2V per cell after a good rest. This can be the difference between a bulb surviving and prematurely failing.

Eric

 

[Mr Happy]

Here's a link with Carley bulb specifications: http://www.carleylamps.com/star.htm#The Xenon

From this table the 6 cell 716 PR Xenon bulb is rated at 7.6 volts, 5.8 watts and 10.3 spherical candlepower. That would be comfortable on a 6 cell pack.

The 5 cell 715 bulb is 6.3 volts, 4.8 watts and 8.4 cp. That would be a bit stressed on a 6 cell pack and may have a somewhat shortened life. It would be bright while it lasted, though.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I would wonder why you are specifying a lens ended bulb?

A 4 cell M*g White Star will run fine on 6 cells and gets pretty white doing it.

 

[fivemega]

General Electric part number: 2604X
5 Volt, 2.0 Amp, G4 T2.5 w/built in focusing lens.
Will work with 5 cells and a dummy.