This is topic My xenon won't light!! in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Scott Balko (Member # 438) on 05-12-2001, 05:19 PM:
I've got a Xetron 2000 watt lamphouse (I think it's XH-2000 or something) and I'm getting the spark from the starter in the bulb but it won't hold the arc. 
I've got the correct voltage out of the power supply. What is the first thing to check, then what, etc., etc..... Thanks in advance.Signed:
A very novice xenon user
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 05-12-2001, 05:42 PM:
Is DC getting to the bulb? There are two power sources (the lamphouse, which powers the fan and ingiter) and the rectifier which supplies the DC.Perhaps the bulb is no longer air tight, and the gas has excaped?
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 05-12-2001, 07:39 PM:
OK-You say that the DC is getting to the lamphouse, next question is how much? No-load (before the bulb strikes) DC voltage should be in excess of 100 VDC for a 2000W lamp. If its anything less, you may have some power supply problems.Next thing to check is to try another KNOWN TO BE GOOD xenon bulb. If that one strikes and runs then obviously you had a bum bulb to start with.
Aaron
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 05-12-2001, 08:23 PM:
Also it is possible for the boost supply of the rectifier to exist but the main supply to have a bad diode and not be able to deliver the main current after the zap measure the voltage as well
Before the lamp lights it should be between 75-100 volts
After ignition it should be 21-28 volts
Posted by Marc Jones (Member # 29) on 05-13-2001, 12:03 AM:
I have had problems with the connections on the bulb loose or I have had seen some that have arc inside of the connecter.
Good luck
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 05-13-2001, 09:45 AM:
Scott; Is that the XH-2000 lamphouse and N3-X50 power supply?
Posted by Scott Balko (Member # 438) on 05-13-2001, 10:05 PM:
John, yeah it is. I know that the power supply by the numbers doesn't match up with the lamphouse, although the supply has been equipped with small fans to cool it. According to the guages I'm putting out enough current to run 1850 watts.Anyway, before I go too far, I tried a known good bulb and it works just fine. Like the saying goes, "Keep it simple, stupid." 
Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-13-2001, 10:13 PM:
When I get a lamp that won't strike I do the following:
- Check the interlocks, if any. -- You have done this or else you wouldn't be getting any readings when you check the voltage.
- Visually check the lamp. -- You have a good lamp.
- Check the diodes.
- Check the igniter.
- Check all the connections in the power supply.
- Check the contactor(s) and incomming line voltage(s).
- Try a new lamp.
- Cuss at it and go have a cup of coffee or something while I think about it.
