[DJ88]

Titus,

I will be taking measurements of the lumens, lamp temp and ballast temp twice a day. IF anyone has any kind of data logging software tht woudl be cool. Other wise I was just goign to log it in excel so I can show tha data in tabular and graphical form.

If I had the equipment to measure noise and power fluctuations I'd go for those too.

I have tried approaching Icecap but have not ever recieved a response. If anyone can help me get in touch with any of the manufacturers I'd appreciate it. This is coming out of my pocket.

The frame will be made out of acrylic and will be a box that sits overtop of a 12" length of tube. I was thinking about making it opaque so it will only measure the light emitted. Any thoughts?

Steve,

New lamps will be put in with each test. I will start the measurements from day one and this will demonstrate the decrease of lamp intensity over time. We may find that some ballasts "burn in" a lamp faster than others.

I am reading the temp of the ballasts as it is mentioneed quite regularly as a concern with any type of ballast purchase. I know there will be differences as each ballast will be different with it's efficiency and will produce different amounts of heat. I want to demonstrate where the lost watts of power are disappearing. At least some of them.

Each ballast test will be run on a timer and for he same duration in time of days. 30 days. 60 is getting too long as I'd be looking at this taking a year or more possibly. 30 is fine.

[ 20 February 2002: Message edited by: DJ88 ]</p>