UV cannon on playa performance?

[Dark Star]

I'm needing to illuminate two art installations approximately 18 feet wide and 18 feet tall each. Ideally the fluorescence would be fairly dramatic. Considering the options available a UV cannon like this one is what I'd be leaning toward:

http://www.pssl.com/!29rhiLcGI5BuQ7gSIS ... nnon-400W1

These cannons use a metal halide bulb which operates at high temperatures. I'm concerned that the accumulation of playa dust on the bulb might alter the thermal radiance enough causing the bulb to crack. These lights would be placed on or near the ground shining upward at a 45 degree angle.

Does anyone have experience using these on playa? How reliable are they and how well do they tolerate coatings with dust.

[gyre]

Had trouble with the link.
Is this it?
http://www.pssl.com/Omnisistem-UVB400-B ... annon-400W

[Dark Star]

use this link
http://tinyurl.com/5e3z2g

[gyre]

Have you seen these bulbs in use?

If this is based on a standard MH bulb, they run hot and will run hotter with dust.
The real danger will be thermal shock.
If someone pours a drink on it, you can say goodbye.
Most of the ones I've seen have been specialized theatrical types and even more high strung.
This type tends to have more visible light than a fluorescent and much more than an LED.
You have to keep it out of anyone's line of vision.

If you want to arrange a more protected housing, email me and I can help.
It would help if you can find any other specs on the bulb, lifespan, ballast required and so on.
Brand would be nice.

If it uses a standard ballast, you can also use a wide selection of colored MH bulbs that are powerful and fairly cheap.

[gyre]

I ran across a few cfl blue black lights.
This one seems pretty strong.
http://www.bulbman.com/index.php?main_p ... s_id=14804

[Dark Star]

The bulb is a standard MH base. I've seen them in use in many environments just never on playa. I doubt CFL will give the throw necessary for this application. They will not be exposed to participants pouring drinks on them.

[gyre]

CFLs are competitive in output per watt.
It would take more of them to have the same power, but at 100 watts, that wouldn't be hard.
CFLs should be more tolerant of heat extremes.

If the MH bulb is a BT56 bulb shape, it should take the normal abuse okay.
If it is an ED28 size, that would be a concern. (normal 175 watt size)
See if you can determine if the ballast is a standard 400 watt type and if it is mercury or metal halide.
If it is, you can use any 400 watt fixture for these bulbs, including enclosed.
You can even get a mercury fixture (and these bulbs may actually be mercury) and adapt these with a new ballast ( or the old one if suited.)
You can get a 1000 watt flood and put a 400 watt bulb in it for more conservative heat control if you like (with correct ballast).
A MH ballast will run mercury bulbs, but not vice versa usually.

If your ballast is a MH type, you will have the option of running standard white or neon colored bulbs too.
Venture is the best source of these, but not the only one.
The intensity of these is impressive in green and blue.

The prices on these BBL bulbs are very good if they work.

Be careful not to move them when hot.
Clean them when cold when you can.
As you seem to be aware, hot spots can be an issue.
I don't think you will have normal life on the playa, but you should be okay.
Make sure they are not too hot from the sun when you fire them for the first time and you should be fine.
I always use enclosed HIDs outdoors myself.
You are not limited to the fixtures displayed if the ballast is standard.
Do you need a specific beam pattern?

[MozyBonz]

I would use LED in the desert.




CONTROL FEATURES 3-channel DMX-512 LED UV blacklight
Blackout/static/dimmer/strobe
Built-in automatic programs via DMX
Adjustable flash rate, dimmer and static in stand-alone via dipswitches
Linkable with LED Techno Strobeâ„¢ & LED Techno Strobeâ„¢ RGB in stand-alone

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Coverage up to 20ft x 20ft
Additional power output for daisy chaining unit
Includes brackets for wall and truss mounting
Built-in automated programs via master/slave or DMX
Built-in sound activated programs via master/slave or DMX
Low power consumption

SPECIFICATIONS
Beam angle: 20°
Bulb: 192 (UV) LEDs 100,000hrs
Current draw: (peak 12W @ 120V)
Power: Auto switching 100V - 240V 50/60Hz
Weight: 4.9lbs (2.22kgs)
Master packed: 4pcs / 28.3lbs (12.84kgs)
Size: 14in x 9.75in x 6.5in
355.6mm x 247.65mm x 165.1mm

Your Price: $179.00

http://www.idjnow.com/StoreModules/Prod ... =LEDSHADOW

[Bob]

Can you put them on a tower? Would raise it above most of the dust.

[MozyBonz]

I was thinking the same thing as Bob. Keeping in mind that in heavy dust the light pattern will trace back to the light. Also the light fall off distance can be shorter since the dust is reflecting the light so less gets to the structure. Also a light on a pole keeps people from walking between the light and the structure.