Quasar Science Tubes Output

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digitalinnovations

Well-known member
Does anyone have any (even quasi-firm) numbers on the output from a single 4' Quasar tube? I cannot seem to find any. I'd also be curious as to the output of a fixed 5600k tube and their Crossfade tubes? The fixed is a 30W and the Crossfades are 50W but typically with a color adjustable source you lose, what, 50% of the output? Is this true with these as well? If so then the output would be less (25W vs 30W).

One other thing I am curious about, if anyone has had any firsthand experience with the Crossfade tubes, is how precisely you can actually dial in that temp. Based on the pictures it looks like they would be more a "ballpark" number and that could be tricky when using multiple tubes to get them all to match. But maybe there are stops/clicks?

Hopefully someone here can help with some info. Thanks!
 
Thank you. I did see that comparison by Evan - which is just about the only thing out there. Isn't that crazy how a highly-touted fixture/lamp like these Quasar tubes don't have anything even remotely close to official or accurate output measurements? I mean, the fixed 5600k or 3000k tubes are cheap (but you can't find them ANYWHERE anymore) but the Crossfades and Switch versions aren't really that cheap - especially if you need to put a set together.
 
Good point, Erik.

I broke down and ordered a few of the Crossfades due to the fixed tubes being repeatedly pushed back so I'm glad to see there isn't a huge drop in output at comparable color temps. Plus, I'll get the added benefit of the 2000-6000k range. I'll probably still purchase a few of the fixed tubes once they're readily available.
 
Random notes...unlike a fluorescent tube a Quasar can cast multiple shadows when used very close to a subject. The shadows are cast by the individual diodes, but can be eliminated by applying additional diffusion.

They're also a bit more directional than fluorescent tubes so when used individually they can be feathered.

None of this is meant to detract from their usefulness, & I'd prefer Quasars in most situations.
 
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digitalinnovations said:
Good point, Erik.

I broke down and ordered a few of the Crossfades due to the fixed tubes being repeatedly pushed back so I'm glad to see there isn't a huge drop in output at comparable color temps. Plus, I'll get the added benefit of the 2000-6000k range. I'll probably still purchase a few of the fixed tubes once they're readily available.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if i'm reading this chart correctly, but it looks to me like there's a MASSIVE difference between the Crossfades and the fixed tubes? The fixed tubes are the T8s, right? It shows like half the output? It seems like the Crossfades and the bi-color have similar output.

Or am I missing something and/or reading this incorrectly?
 
I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong but I think the majority of the difference in wattage is offset by the fact that not all the LEDs are firing at full output at the same time in a variable / bi-color fixture. I think typically the most output you get is at the midpoint of the color temp range...although the Quasars (and some others) are a bit closer throughout the entire range than a lot are / were in previous generations. So when you have a fixed color temp fixture every LED is going simultaneously so, in theory, a 25W fixed temp fixture would be as bright as a 50W bi-color fixture - all else being equal.

Again, this a very, very basic explanation and there are those FAR better qualified to explain the technical in's and out's than I.
 
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