New lighting tech to replace CFL & LED, ships in 2013? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2012, 09:44:36 pm
content: This seems to build onto EL displays from years ago but if what they describe is true it could be what everyone has been looking for , no flickering, low power, doesn't break, comes in whatever colors and sizes you want.http://news.wfu.edu/2012/12/03/taking-the-buzz-out-of-office-lights/Quote

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2012, 09:57:36 pm
content: Whilst I'm not a fan of CFL technology (mainly failing to deliver on lifespan promises) they do not create a "hazmat" situation when they shatter. The amount of mercury is very small (you consume more eating two average tuna; and the coal that might be used to run them produces twice as much) and a simple dust pan and brush is sufficent to clean them up -- so I really wish people would criticise things such as cost, startup time, dimmability (not universal), reliability, and the ability of them to be recycled, instead of the easy target of "OMG Mercury!!!!"

author: billclay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2012, 10:00:49 pm
content: tom66, I agree. My two main concerns are cost & reliability. Seems like much of the replacement bulb techis "one-hung-low" quality but with a "name brand" price. I'm not convinced yet...

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2012, 10:19:46 pm
content: Quote from: billclay on December 05, 2012, 10:00:49 pmCost for a light to replace a standard CFL bulb is about $25, so not the cheapest , but will drop just like CFL and LED have. Reliability , a prototype made 10 years ago is still working.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2012, 10:28:31 pm
content: The local discount shop sells £0.59 13W CFLs. OSRAM branded (i.e. probably rebadged, or made under license.)I have no idea how they can economically do that.99p store has some at £0.99 for 7W. Sylvania branded (i.e. former quality lighting company sold its name.)I am tempted to buy some and tear them down, to see how on earth that is done. Unless they still have subsidies.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 04:50:03 am
content: No subsidy, just lost any protection, and no pretence of actually providing rated output, along with running the tiny TO92 transistors inside along with everything else at 100C plus above ambient. Capacitor is whatever was cheapest on the day of order, so long as it was able to meet the minimum specs for voltage and capacitance ( often not that, relying on luck is common) and often a no name brand as well.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 11:09:08 am
content: I'll probably find 2W CFL driver with a 5W power resistor inside.This is the problem with rating CFLs, or any light source, based on power CONSUMPTION, instead of output power or lumens/watt.

author: _Sin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 11:54:00 am
content: Quote from: tom66 on December 05, 2012, 09:57:36 pmHow often do you eat two whole tuna?! Those things are pretty big...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 03:53:13 pm
content: Tuna sandwiches, they are pretty high in Mercury as they are an apex predator.........