Tips for improved viewer illumination
The aim in a stereo viewer is to deliver bright, white and even light. The following tips will help improve illumination. Details on how to implement these tips in specific viewers are found in my viewer manuals.
Tip No |
Description |
Help Make Illumination More |
|||
Bright |
White |
Even |
Constant |
||
1 |
Use a new/bright reflector | X |
X |
||
2 |
Increase secondary reflections | X |
X |
X |
|
3 |
Use a bright light bulb | X |
X |
X |
|
4 |
Use adequate power source | X |
X |
X |
|
5 |
Clean electrical contacts | X |
X |
||
1. Clean an old reflector or install a new brighter one. The primary reflector has a significant effect on viewer illumination. Many older reflectors have turned yellow with time. A replacement reflector from bright plastic or paper material will improve the intensity and color of light, instantly.
2. Install secondary reflectors or paint the lamp interior white. The surfaces surrounding the light bulb contribute to the overall illumination by reflecting light back to the primary reflector and also help make light more even by filling-in the shadows. These surfaces should be painted white or covered with white reflectors. Use only matte paint or reflectors for even illumination. Glossy reflectors contribute to “hot spots”. A touch of blue color in the reflectors or paint will help correct the inherent orange bias of the tungsten filaments and will provide what appears to be brighter light.
3. The choice of light bulb has a direct effect on viewer illumination. Ideally, the bulb should be bright. My personal favorite is the halogen bulb because 1) it is bright, 2) has longer life, 3) the light output stays relatively constant throughout the life of the bulb. The ultimate in bright and even illumination is the frosted halogen bulb.
4. High-current bulbs must be used with alkaline or rechargeable batteries or appropriately rated transformers. In many cases dim illumination is caused by weak battery cells or underrated transformers.
5. Battery terminals and switch terminals must be cleaned from time to time to eliminate light flickering, which is due to oxidation. This is a problem with low-voltage, high-current light bulbs and not with AC bulbs.
Updated: February 2003