Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Lamphouse Problems

This is topic Lamphouse Problems in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 09-22-2001, 02:57 PM:

I'm hoping somebody here could suggest possible solutions to these problems we're having.
One of our lamphouses will occasionally trip the breaker when we hit 'start'. We replaced the breaker with a new one but that did not help. The diodes checked out good as well. Any suggestions?
Now in our second lamphouse, after replacing the bulb, it is striking very hard. It will occasionally flash with a "whoomp" sound (like a flame blowing out, but fairly loud) while trying to strike.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Oh and they are L.P. Associates.
-Matt

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 09-22-2001, 03:04 PM:

Sounds like you have spark gap problems in your ignitor. Check this unit for connections also since some L.P. associates units use a quick disconnect plug for control that could be corroded. the boost circuit in some L.P. rectifiers can cause problems. L.P is in Los Angeles, in the Hollywood area, if you need parts.
Richard Fowler
TVP-Theatre & Video Products Inc. www.tvpmiami.com

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 09-23-2001, 07:51 PM:

I had a similar problem with a Kneisley Xenex-2000 lamp. The arc was trying to strike between the negative end of the bulb and the reflector frame. This was cured by using their teflon negative reflector fitting, instead of the original metal one.

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 09-23-2001, 07:59 PM:

yes the kniesleys did have a problem with arcing onto the frame...at the old theater I used to work at we had four of these lamphouses....we had to make sure that the connection cable was not to close to the frame when we installed a new bulb....they also had a hard time striking when hot....the tech at the time remedied that problem by replacing the existing ignighter with one ment for a strong lamphouse....never had a problem after that....

Posted by Freddie Dobbs (Member # 915) on 09-24-2001, 09:42 PM:

I dont know where the tesla is in the LP but you might want to inspect it for arcing to the frame...

Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 09-25-2001, 01:26 AM:

Thanks for the advice! We opened up the lamphouse to discover the lead was just touching the reflector and melting away nicely... D'oh!