Each S ¯olarc lamp is a metal halide light source in the class
of high-pressure, high-intensity-discharge (HID) lights,
which differ from halogen, incandescent, fluorescent or
light emitting diode (LED) illumination sources. Light is
emitted from an arc discharge between two closely spaced
electrodes, which are hermetically sealed inside a small
quartz glass envelope. During operation, small amounts of
metals are heated to a liquid state that provide the needed
vapors to create the desired light color.
The light emitted from this arc tube is intense. Appropriate
safety precautions relating to exposure protection are
required. Metal halide lamps operate at very high
temperatures and pressures so proper mounting, cooling
and ventilation are required to assure reliable operation.
While highly efficient, these metal halide lamps are
sensitive to thermal fluctuations and orientation effects.
Expect larger variations in color and output than other
lower efficiency technologies.
S ¯olarc lamps have unique operating and handling
characteristics that should be understood to achieve
successful and reliable operation:
• S¯olarc’s quartz glass must be kept clean
• The glass lamps should be handled with care, giving special
attention to the quartz arc tube
• Metal halide lamps use high-voltage, short-duration pulses
to initiate operation
• S¯olarc is a direct current (DC) lamp, and proper electrical wiring
polarity must be observed to prevent damage to the lamp
Brilliant Illumination
Thanks to Welch Allyn’s patented design, the S ¯olarc
miniature arc lamp provides pure, white illumination
with a high color temperature. S ¯olarc inherently provides
solar-quality brightness, true color rendition and true color
balance, ensuring unparalleled results for virtually any
lighting product application.
Low Power Draw
S ¯olarc lamps operate at 60+ lumens/watt. This allows your
product to produce three times the amount of light compared
to a halogen lamp running at the same power level. With a
standard selection of outputs of 10, 18, 21, 24 and 50 W,
S ¯olarc allows you to design products that are more
compact, flexible, reliable and efficient.
Precision Focus
S ¯olarc lamps feature a small, typically 1.2 mm, arc gap,
the smallest gap available in a metal halide arc lamp.
Combined with elliptical reflectors, this arc gap allows
you to focus illumination with laser-like precision into
very small areas, such as projection display panels or
fiber optic cables.
Portability
Because they offer low-power arc lamp operation, S ¯olarc
lamps allow you to design smaller, lightweight and portable
products. For example, a 21 W S ¯olarc lamp with elliptical
reflector weighs just 24 g. To further facilitate portability,
the lamp’s ballast, measuring 5.1 x 5.8 x 1.1 cm, weighs
just 60 g. In addition, S ¯olarc’s low power draw (10, 18,
21, 24 or 50 W) makes battery operation possible, thus
enhancing your product’s value to your customers.
Shock Resistance
S ¯olarc’s arc lamp generates its brilliant illumination with
precisely aligned electrodes in place of a tungsten filament.
This design enhances S ¯olarc’s durability against shock
or vibration, making it an ideal lamp for products that
demand superior illumination in rugged operating
environments.
Consistent Light Output
S ¯olarc’s superior quality light output will typically maintain
at least 75% of its initial value throughout its life. This
means that both your reputation and your customers’
products will benefit from reliable, consistent performance
over longer periods of time.
Easier to Use
High-efficiency operation—combined with its lower gas
volume and miniature size—mean that S ¯olarc lamps
provide solar-quality light output, yet require 1/3 less
power than halogen lamps. Additionally, S ¯olarc lamps’
low wattage generates less heat that halogen lamps. This
feature allows you to design products requiring less
complex thermal management systems. The net result
of these features is that you can design products that
deliver optimum performance and safety at a lower
manufacturing cost.
Welch Allyn Quality
Every Welch Allyn S ¯olarc lamp is designed and
manufactured within our strict production standards
and tight tolerances to ensure that each operates to its
exact specifications. By demanding precise performance
from our lamps and our manufacturing processes, we
will ensure the value of your products.
S¯olarc LAMP OVERVIEW
S¯olarc LAMP ADVANTAGES
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