English_Mart
Newly Enlightened
Well after looking inside the lamp I thought there just might be enough space for the ballasts to go, if not then I'd just tape them to outside underneath and find a way to tidy it up later.
For those that know what this lamp is (and it doesn't seem to have been very popular) it's a big black lump with a 7Ah lead acid battery inside and runs 2 H7 100w halogen bulbs in its standard trim, from the front the reflector houses the 2 bulbs each in its own reflector -which over lap a bit in the middle, I like it cos it's different.
It was pretty bright like that, but one of the bulbs died and while I was looking for some new ones on ebay I noticed some HID kits. I wasn't sure if the 7Ah battery would be man enough for the task of running 2 55W HID bulbs and initially ordered a 35W kit - but changed my mind later and upgraded to the 55's. I could always try and shove a better power source in there if necessary.
When the kit arrived the ballasts looked quite big and I was sceptical as to whether I'd get them in the body. I didn't need to worry! After pulling out the plastic gubbings that held the battery in place, the 2 ballasts dropped in perfect, lying flat on the head of the battery, with the wiring from the ballasts pointing at the wiring attached to the lamp switch. The reflector dropped back in on top and only required a little push to seat.
Flipped the switch and both bulbs lit up fine. I think the battery was quite low as after only a couple of mins use one bulb switched off - I could turn it back on but then the other would go off. I left the battery charging and took the lamp with me when I walked the dog later. WOW!!! now that it was dark I could see just how much light this thing chucks out. It's insane!! It just lit up everything in front as far as I could see, a whole lot of fun.
Unfortunately it only lasted about 7 mins this time - I've ordered a new battery to try, the one in there now had sat around with out being charged probably for over 6 months. If I can get nearer to 20 mins out of it I'll be happy, otherwise I'll have to look at making a Nimh pack - or something else (I know I'll find plenty of options on this board :thumbsup
I'll add to this post over the next few days with some pics and beam shots.
I'm amazed at how easy it was to do this and I'm well chuffed that the ballasts fit in so well and especially impressed with sheer amount of light it produces :twothumbs :twothumbs :twothumbs
Edit - Beams shots futher down in the thread now.
regards,
Martin
For those that know what this lamp is (and it doesn't seem to have been very popular) it's a big black lump with a 7Ah lead acid battery inside and runs 2 H7 100w halogen bulbs in its standard trim, from the front the reflector houses the 2 bulbs each in its own reflector -which over lap a bit in the middle, I like it cos it's different.
It was pretty bright like that, but one of the bulbs died and while I was looking for some new ones on ebay I noticed some HID kits. I wasn't sure if the 7Ah battery would be man enough for the task of running 2 55W HID bulbs and initially ordered a 35W kit - but changed my mind later and upgraded to the 55's. I could always try and shove a better power source in there if necessary.
When the kit arrived the ballasts looked quite big and I was sceptical as to whether I'd get them in the body. I didn't need to worry! After pulling out the plastic gubbings that held the battery in place, the 2 ballasts dropped in perfect, lying flat on the head of the battery, with the wiring from the ballasts pointing at the wiring attached to the lamp switch. The reflector dropped back in on top and only required a little push to seat.
Flipped the switch and both bulbs lit up fine. I think the battery was quite low as after only a couple of mins use one bulb switched off - I could turn it back on but then the other would go off. I left the battery charging and took the lamp with me when I walked the dog later. WOW!!! now that it was dark I could see just how much light this thing chucks out. It's insane!! It just lit up everything in front as far as I could see, a whole lot of fun.
Unfortunately it only lasted about 7 mins this time - I've ordered a new battery to try, the one in there now had sat around with out being charged probably for over 6 months. If I can get nearer to 20 mins out of it I'll be happy, otherwise I'll have to look at making a Nimh pack - or something else (I know I'll find plenty of options on this board :thumbsup
I'll add to this post over the next few days with some pics and beam shots.
I'm amazed at how easy it was to do this and I'm well chuffed that the ballasts fit in so well and especially impressed with sheer amount of light it produces :twothumbs :twothumbs :twothumbs
Edit - Beams shots futher down in the thread now.
regards,
Martin
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