Potted WA1185 vs bi-pin WA1185

[LukeW]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of making a M@g85. Is there any advantage to a bi-pin WA1185 over a potted one? Or vice versa?

It is my understanding that to use the bi-pin in a stock mag, you'd need parts from a MagCharger or an adapter from Fivemega or Kiu. If there's no discernible advantage to a bi-pin, then it'd be cheaper and easier for me to just get a couple of potted WA1185s.

Thanks.
LukeW

 

[Anglepoise]

I have had some problems with the potted bulbs. I have had 'out gassing' and the residue has clouded the reflector and glass. It seems there is something in the potting material that does not like the extreme heat.
Maybe I had a bad batch but others have reported the same thing.

The bi pins on the other hand have been 100% reliable and with the FM adapters, offer positive electrical contact for high current use.

 

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

It's less hassle to use potted bulbs. But it generates more waste.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Anglepoise is correct. There are problems introduced with the potting process and component materials that generally make it less consistently reliable. Of course, it all depends on who does the potting and what they use.

 

[QtrHorse]

This is going to sound crazy but my bi-pin 1185's seem brighter than my potted 1185's. Both are from Litho123.

They are both basically in the same body. The only difference is that one is using the stock mag switch and the other has a ceramic bi-pin socket. Maybe it's because the ceramic bi-pin socked has less resitance?

 

[65535]

This is going to sound crazy but my bi-pin 1185's seem brighter than my potted 1185's. Both are from Litho123.

They are both basically in the same body. The only difference is that one is using the stock mag switch and the other has a ceramic bi-pin socket. Maybe it's because the ceramic bi-pin socked has less resitance?

That could be part of it, but in a potted bulb the filament is lower and the bottom of the bulb is covered in compound. The bi pin sits higher and is not covered, so it's completely possible that more light is getting out towards the bottom and being used.

It would be cool to know the voltage drop across each switch though.

 

[Illum]

The bi pins on the other hand have been 100% reliable and with the FM adapters, offer positive electrical contact for high current use.

thats assuming a forced insertion does not take place that can cause the legs to bend or breaking off glass around the pins. They explode quite happily under any stress thereafter.

I made a demonstration of a HLX64640 exploding by using powdered magnesium and ignited with a black powder fuse. the glass shot dents in the aluminum bucket placed over it:tinfoil:

I have a good HLX 64640 I have no use for, 24V 150W...made in Germany, anyone wants it they can have it