Modding cheap chinese redheads?

Azmyth

Azmyth

Veteran
So I've got these basically useless chinese redheads, that pop the bulbs after an undeterminable short period of time.

Would it be possible to modify them somehow to use just halogen work light bulbs? that are easily obtained at home depot? and make it so that they don't pop the bulbs like they are doing now? They were good to have for filling large areas of light, and they at least had controls to position and direction the light output unlike a work light.. which is just off or on..
 
you can only find bulbs that go in them online, they are 800w.. and I've only been able to order them on ebay.. at 8.00 a pop.. plus shipping. I just wondered how hard it would be to put a different size buld holder in, to hold standard halogen 500w work bulbs.
 
hi azmyth

i use osram DXX 240v 800w globes i am not sure what the equivalent 120v is in the states but they are the workhorse of the industry so should be available
from any film supply house.
you also may be able to find a 150w and 300w globe (made for a security light) that will fit across the terminals.

they are prone to arcing if not seated properly so make sure the terminals are smooth. if arcing occurs you can lightly file the terminals to smooth them down (please make
sure it is not plugged in when you do this or it can get unpleasant)

dont touch the globes with bare fingers when inserting them. i use a pair of film editing white gloves when handling globes. keep a pair in your kit.

i have warned people before about these south east asian lamps. they are cheaply made and frankly i think they are dangerous.

get them tested and tagged by an electrician as the ones i have seen have had a problem with the earth connection ie. NO EARTH.......

dxx globes are prone to break easily if treated unkindly so treat them gently and allow to cool for a few minutes before moving them and after switchoff .

cheers
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top