Experiments with Reflectors

[Illuminated]

Food for thought...
Anyone ever tried coating the inside of a reflector with white paint to smooth (integrate) a beam?
Did something like that years ago for an industrial graphic display panel. Used Dialight panel mount lampholders with Sylvania elevator button lamps that had mini reflectors on them. Sandwiched 3" deep thanslucent soft plastic "cups" (supplied by my customer - used to protect splined shaft ends during shipping I think) under the lampholder bezel. The lamps were arranged behind various colored smoke-tinted windows in a custom-made silkscreened panel, and the indicator windows disappeared when the lamps were off. Trouble was that the lamps were not bright enough as they were designed for very long life in their intended application. After experimenting first with silver paint on the inside of the plastic cups (which did virtually nothing) I tried white paint. Don't remember whether it was gloss or flat, but worked suprisingly well!
Recently thought of trying this to smooth incand beams or maybe even LED's in reflectors. Could possibly coat only certain areas of reflector depending on focal characteristics to acheive desired results. Gloss vs flat might even produce some interesting effects here. Don't have enough time right now to do experiments, but hope maybe someone else has some input on this idea. Simple, cheap, has lots of potential maybe.
Gotta go - Thanks
John

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Unfortunately, even if you try, say 10 PR-2 bulbs, they are all just a little bit different. Sorry to shoot down the 'certain areas' idea.

If Mag Instruments went to a polished, textured reflector, nobody would be griping. Of course, you wouldn't get as tight a spot, but it would be smooth.

I have a 2D Mag, Coleman Peak 1 Expedition Headlamp (2D), Petzl Zoom, and a PT Solo.

In the 2D Mag, I get filament images and artifacts, with all incandescant bulbs. With the Versalux PR-2 LED bulb, I get a bright and extremely tight focus.

In the Coleman Peak 1, I get a smooth focus with both Incandescant and Versalux PR-2. This is due to the faceted reflector.

In the Petzl Zoom, I get artifacts and such with the standard bulb. With the LEDcorp bulb for the Zoom, I get both a smooth and tight focus, AND a nice wide and smooth flood (unfocused).

In the Solo, I can only get a smooth focus in the smooth reflector, with the Halogen bulb. All others only focus smoothly with the textured reflector. This includes the Versalux.

A whole lot depends on where the filament is in the reflector, as well as shape and depth of reflector.

Your idea may have merit, but, take into consideration heat and the paint involved.

 

[Quickbeam]

I just use this:

http://thelightsite.cruxial.com/reviews/writeright.htm

 

[Illuminated]

Quickbeam,
Thanks for the feedback. Wasn't really suggesting this for scorchers so much as for cheap fixes for some inexpensive lights. I have some of the above lights you mentioned, and have found the same things. You're absolutely right about the filament length, as I've tweaked many of PR base flanges with pliars or used shims between reflector & lamp. Textured (or faceted)reflectors like in the Solo do help in most cases, especially with filament lamps. Single LED's (Versalux & Night Pearl) do seem to work rather well in smooth reflectors, and now I can't hardly wait to mod my MAG with an SE. Thanks again - John

 

[Illuminated]

Sorry,
Last post was meant for Charles...it's been a long day for me today.
John

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Thanks Illuminated!

 

[Wylie]

Hi Folks,
I have tried a coulpe of different types of reflectors and I am now working on a metallic tubing that is reflective on the inside. It has a bulbus conical type shape. It may not be for the compact light crowd but it works very well with even distrubution of light and has a great beam range as well. If I am ever completely happy with what I am doing I will try to get some pictures posted for you folks.

Wylie