SkyTracker STX-1-2000, Instruction Manual

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7.5 ANODE SUPPORT – SPIDER AND ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY
The upper bulb support also serves a dual purpose. Its construction of highly conductive
aluminum permits DC power to be carried from the input cable to the anode end of the bulb
with very little loss due to electrical resistance. Additionally, it provides a pivot point, which
allows the xenon bulb to be adjusted in the X or Y axis without developing any undesirable
bending forces that could stress the quartz envelope of the xenon bulb. Movement of the
bulb along the Z axis during focusing is also readily accomplished by the pivoting motion of
the upper bulb support.
7.6 HOUSING ASSEMBLY
The housing assembly provides a front closure to the lamphead. A tempered glass window
is attached to the housing by means of silicone rubber sealant to provide a watertight seal.
The tempered glass window is not affected by temperature shock, (such as rain or snow
suddenly applied to the window) even when it is operating at normal temperatures. The
high-strength tempered glass also resists accidental breakage resulting from foreign ob-
jects striking the glass.
8.0 BULB INSTALLATION
Upon original delivery or subsequent common carrier transportation of the SkyTracker, the
customer will be required to install the xenon bulb into the lampheads. The procedure is as
follows:
DANGER
The handling of a xenon bulb may expose the operator or technician to
hazards resulting from bursting of the quartz envelope, because of the high
internal pressure of the xenon gas.
Bursting may occur if the bulb is dropped or mishandled. The hazard is
substantially increased if the lamp is hot from operation, as the gas pressure
increases in a manner directly proportional to the increased temperature.
Whenever the xenon bulb is removed from its protective cover, and until the
installation or removal is complete and the lamphouse window assembly is
secured, the operator or technician MUST wear protective clothing, includ-
ing Kelvar™ gloves, acetate face shield, and quilted ballistic nylon jacket or
equivalent. (These items are available from SkyTracker/Strong.) Instructions
regarding protective clothing are subject to change by any local or federal
agency that may have authority over such matters, dependent on area or
point of use of the SkyTracker equipment.
It should be noted that xenon bulbs do not “explode” in the normal sense, in that there is
no combustible energy-releasing reaction occurring. They merely “burst” like a balloon or a
pressure vessel. The hazard is related to the flying particles of glass-like quartz, which are
propelled with sufficient force to penetrate normal clothing, eyes, and skin. It can not be
over-emphasized that protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection be worn when han-
dling xenon bulbs.
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