Do I believe the hype and use a '1,000,000' candlepower bulb in my diy torch?

[crayefish]

Hi everyone.

I am a new member from the UK so firstly I'd like to say 'hi' :twothumbs

Now I am planning on building a canister style dive torch and have got a little stuck on the bulb selection. For reasons of cost and simplicity (this first light is more of a test bed) I am planning to use a conventional halogen bulb instead of an LED bulb or HID. Obviously I want the most ligt for my power so to speak.

I ave seen many torches advertised around that offer '1,000,000 candlepower' out of a 55W bulb at 6V - you know, the yellow plastic handheld spotlights. While that seems very impressive I cant help wonder whether they are telling the truth.

Every other bulb I have seen (eg from electronics specialists) has a maximum output of about 9000cd for a 50W bulb which is a LOT less and thats for a 12V bulb.

Any thoughts as to whether using the hand held spots for torch internals would be a good idea? They have the advantage of having a big reflector too.

Thanks

Zander

 

[DM51]

Welcome to CPF, crayefish

Have you seen our Dive Lighting sub-forum?

 

[crayefish]

Hi,

Ah thanks for that. I'll head on over and say hi to the divers. I'll see what people say here first before bothering them with the same question.

Zander