[mcrubbin]

Looking to build one. I've built many tube light source ones, but now I'm getting into higher detail.
Anyone know what bulb and power source I could use? I got the frame, vacuum lid and everything else down.

If anyone could help, that would be awesome!

 

[TableSyrup]

I think the standard is a 1000 Watt Metal Halide
(Though I think I've seen some 800's and 1200's)

You could do Quartz too, but I'd go with Metal Halide if you going this route.

 

[ScreenFoo]

I know you're not going to like the answer, but if you're going the full nine yards, you almost have to get an exposure specific lamp and power source. Not to say you can't get good results with a regular 1K metal halide, but it won't touch a 1K exposure specific power source and lamp.

The real work with using a warehouse or grow style lamp and ballast is setting up some sort of shutter so you can get it warmed up and control your exposure times. (and another reason 'pro' setups cost quite a bit of money)

 

[Dddmx3]

I have the money to buy a professional one, but I'd like to try and make one myself. If it doesnt work, that's OK. I found a 1500watt metal halide, 4k in color. Do you guys think that is alright?

 

[sben763]

4k seems kinda low I may be wrong here but 5-6k is the spectrum you need to be at. The professional units use a power supply and ballast although the light stay lite the have a pulse to them in the power supply. I only know cause I was also looking into building one. I have a guy willing to let me take his apart and get pics of the power supply and all the part numbers but he wants me to change bulb and clean out and I have been waiting on him to get the bulb.

Sometimes this stuff is much cheaper from an electrical supply house then elsewhere

 

[Dddmx3]

Alright found another bulb, 6k in color. I will post link's to the stuff once I decide exactly what I'm going to use.

I wonder how the nuarc units work without shutters...

Do I need a cooling system for the bulb?

What kind of ballast, etc will I need?

The neoprene vacuum blanket shouldn't be a problem. I've made one before.

 

[Dddmx3]

Here's a rough start on the bulb and ballast, let me know what you think guys:

2VAD9 <-- Bulb
Color: 5200k
Watts: 1500 watts
Lumens: 9000 Mean Lumens

4CRJ4 <-- Ballast
Input Voltage: 120v
Wattage: 1500 watts

OR.....

No bulb... on 1000bulbs....

ANSI M48 <-- Ballast
Input Voltage: 120v-240v
Wattage: 1500 watt

 

[ScreenFoo]

Personally, I wouldn't spend over $300 for a 1.5K bulb you're not sure about, there are only a few high power lamps that cost that much that are properly made for exposure setups.

 

[mcrubbin]

Well it's either a $300 bulb or a $3000 unit

Personally I like building things.

I'm going to weld and fabricate the frame together so it will look nice!

 

[Zenergy]

Be sure to come back and post pics and schematics when you're done - we'd love to see what you come up with.

 

[mcrubbin]

Definately will. Did you guys see my last tube-lit one?

 

[TableSyrup]

I saw your fluorescent one. Well done.

I would stick to metal though. If you are able.
Better on resale... doesn't look so home built.
More durable.

I would call around on the bulb though and make sure you get the best thing for this.
Granted... what you found would be functional, but you might find something better for it's purpose.

You could call Ulano... they are very helpful.
They should be able to tell you what is standard/ideal/etc.
I'm sure they would be willing to help.
They've been great with me in the past.

 

[mcrubbin]

Yeah this one will be all metal, fabricated nice and everything.

I'll call Ulano, thanks for the idea!

 

[Dddmx3]

So check this out guys, did a bunch of research and this is so far the best I've found:

Lamp: 1500watt 5200k - $325.50
Ballast: 1500watt 120v - $241.25
Sockets: Rx7s (x2) - $23.90
Cooling system:
______Air Duct Tubing - $28.90
______Air Duct Enforcer (x2) - $39.20
______MH Reflector - $43.90
Neoprene Blanket: 49"W, 60"L - $174.95
Vacuum Pump: 2.5CFM 1/4 inlet - $104
Material: Rod Iron+Sheet Metal - $50
Electrical: Wiring, etc. - $100

Total so far: $1131.60

 

[TableSyrup]

A couple things.

1) That vacuum pump may prove to be wimpy.
Most commercial units I researched for lids were rated 3.8 or higher CFM, and around 24 in hg.
The Harbor unit doesn't even list in. hg. (vacuum) , and is only gonna move 2.5 cubic feet per minute.
Might be weak, and will be a bit on the slow end.

2) Search eBay for the neoprene blanket. You can get some for far less.


You're gonna be spendin some good money though.
I like building too... but I'm willin to bet you could score a factory unit on the used market for that.
Just sayin

Other than that, it's lookin good.

 

[mcrubbin]

Ehh I'd rather build.

That pump is the one I'm using now and it's strong!

And I didn't do much searching for neoprene blanket yet haha

 

[TableSyrup]

Huh... maybe I had a tired pump on the last unit I had.

I had one that was a diaphragm pump, 2.7 CFM 24 in. hg. and it was slow to draw (No leaks)

This new one is a diaphragm pump, 4.1 CFM 24 in. hg. and this sucker draws down quick.

I had thought it was the CFM..... since the commercial units I was researching were all a lot higher CFM.... I suppose I stand corrected

I saw the neoprene all over ebay, but ended up grabbing stuff from JoAnn Fabrics cause it was local, and on sale, so actually cheaper. I got enough for two, for $38 or so. something like that. I don't remember exactly, but it was cheaper than ebay even

 

[Dddmx3]

I'm planning on the unit to be 56"x42" so 2.5cfm actually definitely won't work (So that two 23x31 screens can be exposed at the same time).

As for the neoprene blanket.. I can't find anything big enough?

 

[Dddmx3]

Quick 3D Sketch:

 

[sben763]

You can seam 2 peices in between where the 2 screens will be.

What was the fabric called at Joann fabrics for the lid. I can't remember the acual name thet called it