Get what you pay for! Cheap eBay Magnifying lamp - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jedimindtime
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 30, 2018, 07:14:24 am
content: So I just received a brand new 8x Magnifying lamp for my workbench, cost me $34 aud with free delivery off eBay, I thought; it's only a magnifying lamp, how crap could it be?Well, I got a bit worried when the first thing I saw was the rusty screw on the clamp but because it wasn't a big deal I didn't mind at that point...Until I turned it on...BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZOh ffs!ok...so I took the diffuser off, the fluro is barely secure, then found a piece of insulation cardboard just sitting there, presumably for protection against the atrocious PCB and wiring underneath.The "buzz" was due to 240v arcing within a solder-joint failure of the mains input to the PCBThe earth termination was dodgy as hell too, it was just "slipped" under the washer that's used to attach the head of the main unit to the arm of the lampThere's a bunch of other little things I could go on about, but I'm sure you get the idea...Apologies for the poor photos and video, but I think it's enough to convince anyone to stay away (or at least beware)At least they slapped a shiny GOLDEN 'Q.C. Passed' sticker on, none of this plain white paper craphttps://youtu.be/0HVfPqiH5oM

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2018, 10:28:51 am
content: I wouldn't call a crimped ring terminal 'slipped under', though it could have done with a belleville washer and a nylock nut to reliably maintain contact, and some anti-rotation lugs on the housing to stop the terminal rotating with respect to the head so it doesn't fatigue the ground wire.Presspahn as supplemental insulation isn't unusual, but its not suitable for use without a cover. I'd also be concerned about the lack of a proper cord grip.If it was an Australian seller, report it - its unsafe and probably cant be made compliant with local safety standards. If you ordered it from an overseas seller, its your problem although you should be able to reject it as faulty as the input is arcing and presumably the lamp is flickering. If you get stuck with it, its probably more trouble than its worth to fix it up to a reasonable standard, unless you can 3D print a cover plate with a cord grip + mounting posts for the PCB, retained by screws into the two existing posts in the housing.

author: jedimindtime
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 30, 2018, 10:52:49 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on July 30, 2018, 10:28:51 amYes, but the ring part of the solder lug/ring terminal is supposed to go through the bolt/screw, true? What I meant by "slipped under" is the solder lug is held there via the washer, not the actual bolt.Maybe that's still acceptable somehow, I dunno, it shouldn't be IMOQuoteReally? I would have thought it should be fastened somehow, at least a cable tie or some tape, just something, only cos it's AC mains wiring, there are no spacers on the pcb or even conformal.QuoteIt was, and I shall.That was the biggest shock, that it came from an Aus seller.Thanks for your input btw

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2018, 11:11:36 pm
content: I wonder if that's even a real Philips tube?

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2018, 07:43:50 am
content: Quote from: james_s on August 11, 2018, 11:11:36 pmIt may very well be salvaged tubes. There's plenty of waste going that way.

author: station240
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 07:48:47 am
content: Australian seller is probably a chinese student over here for a while that needed some extra cash.

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 08:35:32 am
content: With all this dangerous mains powered equipment floating around, I have entered the habit of testing any newly purchased mains powered equipment - regardless of the source - with my Peaktech 2695 Insulation Tester. Where life is at stake, there is no room for compromises.When doing so, you are in for quite few surprises. Even some simple CE UL VDE marked mains cords failed the test..

author: medical-nerd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2018, 09:51:51 am
content: Thanks for this - I was just about to order one.Cheers

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2018, 04:27:32 am
content: I have an old magnifying lamp that I have been considering converting to LED as soon as there are higher CRI ones available. Big Clive shows one such:

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2018, 04:33:28 am
content: Better have a really decent diffuser on that. Otherwise all you'll get is a ton of spots. Or does that come with it?

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2018, 07:49:06 am
content: I ordered this one just last week! I've had it a few days now and it seems ok, no buzzing or anything like that. I've been really happy with it but yours just goes to show you can never be sure right? I'll pull it apart a bit later on and post some pics or whatever if I find anything dodgy or untoward.I think if you have any problems getting your money back or anything make sure you put that video of the lamp buzzing like crazy in your email to Ebay!Good luck!