CFL Output?

[Charc]

So I've been talking to the Maintenance Dept Head recently. He is a cool guy, that aside I talked with him concerning his thoughts on the houselight situation. I can get into it for those interested, but essentially it's not well thought out. I'd like to repatch the Architectural controls (Any ideas how? I'm hoping that's something from the rack: CD80sv.) to include the sconce fluros, as well as the overhead balcony fluros for general day-to-day illumination. We can then save our PAR56s as houselighting, just for shows/assemblies/events/etc.. It makes sense to me. We have the circuiting/distribution in place to do this.

However, I do have some specific issues I'd like to research first:

For fluros, is there any advantage to running them at full vs running at a decreased intensity? While I'm sure we payed a lot of money for Mk10 ballasts, I'd like to reorganize the arch control presets (Currently: FL, 75, 50, 25). It might be nice to keep two PAR64s on a stage wash / work light preset for work on stage, or classes. So, I need to know about dimming fluros, any advantages or disadvantages?

When reassigning dimmer curves for fluros, one can assign that as dimmer specific, not module specific? Correct?

What is the output gonna look like? I'd like to hang as few CFLs as possible because they'll be fixed, and on my friggin' lighting positions! (It really is the best option.) My original thought called for two (what the Maintenance Dept Head referred to as) 40W CFLs in each AP slot. The light is needed solely on the first level, the main area of seating. Will eight be sufficient? Should I bump the suggested number up to sixteen? I feel like I have to, but am wary of hanging so much stuff up there.

Will I be able to get "patch-happy" and rearrange things the way that best fits a new setup? Strand CD80sv, and Outlook.

How do you guys feel about the proposed setup of fluros running at any time, except when we have shows? My issue is that I think the Theatre Dept Head might be confused, or take offense, at running the proposed "show houselights" off of the board! What a travesty!

If you had 4 presets to work with, what would you do? I really wish these presets weren't in a radio button configuration, so one could mix and match with highest takes precedence. So, as it stands, I have ideas for 3/4 presets: 1. All fluros at full. 2. Fluros dimmed as low as possible, probably just the CFLs, (I know that's not low, but the idea is for note taking when classes use the space, or during rehearsal. 3. Worklight, All fluros at full, two (more?) PAR64s at full, providing a stage wash for basic work or classes. 4. ???. Thoughts here? I know the master stations provide another 4 presets, but other people don't remember or realize...

So maybe you guys think I'm crazy for trying to work with Maintenance on getting a better fluro solution in the theatre... it seems like a good idea to me though. The Maintenance Dept Head approached me with some questions and asked for some input, but he, like I, has to get it by the Theatre Dept Head first.

Anything else I'm missing here (I feel like I forgot something.)? Any other ideas, guys?

[gafftaper]

I go to bed every night praying that the theater will burn down so that we can build a new one without CFL's. They are an abomination, they don't work, they are ugly, I hate them. YOU DO NOT WANT THEM!

As for how many... I think there are about 35-40 cans covering my 60x60 space. Each can has two CFLs in it. I'll try to remember to count the cans when I go in tomorrow.
If they want to add in a second system that's fine but don't let them take out the incandescents. Unless you like your house lights blinking when they turn off and looking purple and taking a minute to warm up when you turn them on. Also be careful what brand you buy. At this point we think the latest problem with my CFLs is that they are a brand/model that doesn't like to be dimmed so we will be replacing them with another brand. I have to hang S4PARs everywhere to get a decent looking house light for shows. RUN!

How can I make this more clear...
CFLs SUCK!

[Charc]

Originally Posted by gafftaper

I go to bed every night praying that the theater will burn down so that we can build a new one without CFL's. They are an abomination, they don't work, they are ugly, I hate them. YOU DO NOT WANT THEM!
As for how many... I think there are about 35-40 cans covering my 60x60 space. Each can has two CFLs in it. I'll try to remember to count the cans when I go in tomorrow.
If they want to add in a second system that's fine but don't let them take out the incandescents. Unless you like your house lights blinking when they turn off and looking purple and taking a minute to warm up when you turn them on. Also be careful what brand you buy. At this point we think the latest problem with my CFLs is that they are a brand/model that doesn't like to be dimmed so we will be replacing them with another brand. I have to hang S4PARs everywhere to get a decent looking house light for shows. RUN!
How can I make this more clear...
CFLs SUCK!

Yep, Gaff. That's the plan. Two separate systems. "Show Houselights" on the board (Channel 96, if you wondered), and Everyday light on the architectural controls. What a lot of you guys forget is that my theatre is also a hallway for a few english classes, the bathroom/water fountain, etc, in the building.

[JD]

Regarding dimming and life, from what I understand, CLF lifespan goes down if they are dimmed! This is due to the fact that the mercury collects at the ends of the arc tube. The little filaments that serve as electrodes must be allowed to get hot enough to keep this collection from taking place. It happens anyway, which is one of the reasons that older conventional tubes get black at the ends. (The other being filament vaporization, and the fact that mercury likes to form amalgams.)

I just love the fact that in our rush to "save the earth", we are spreading mercury all over our institutions of learning! In no time at all we will have a full generation of "Mad Hatters." The Romans poisoned their civilization with lead, I guess our metal of choice will be Mercury!

</soap box>

[Charc]

So, from the lack of input I'll take it this is a good idea? Ha.

Well, in that case, I'll start writing a draft of some plans...

I think the "magic number" here may be 16 Cans of 2x40W CFL each. I'd like to get a demo unit though, if that's possible in the architectural world.

[Logos]

Originally Posted by JD

I just love the fact that in our rush to "save the earth", we are spreading mercury all over our institutions of learning! In no time at all we will have a full generation of "Mad Hatters." The Romans poisoned their civilization with lead, I guess our metal of choice will be Mercury!
</soap box>

AS I understand it we have actually run out of metallic mercury and are now having to use major recycling efforts to obtain any. I don't know if this is true but if it is it sort of puts a limit on the creation of CFL's don't it.

[BillESC]

Just retro fit the fixtures with LED's. Problem solved.

[gafftaper]

Originally Posted by BillESC

Just retro fit the fixtures with LED's. Problem solved.

Bill is a genius. Probably save you a lot of money over switching to CFL's and it's a product that actually dims!

[JD]

Originally Posted by Logos

AS I understand it we have actually run out of metallic mercury and are now having to use major recycling efforts to obtain any.

Really? Hey, anybody want to buy the 5 pounds I have rolling around in this jar since I was a kid? (Not to mention the stuff stuck in my teeth!) Use to play with it all the time, which is probably why I'm a major nut case these days! Should be able to make a few bulbs with it.

Actually, the sad truth is that we have tons of it still in the form of ore (cinnabar) it's just harder and harder to find companies crazy enough to mine it. The problem is that where it was once found concentrated in rocks buried in the ground, we have managed as a civilization to disburse it all about so we each can absorb a little into our blood! CFL's are just the latest attempt to bring it into a table lamp near you! (You know, the kind you knock over and the bulb breaks.)

In conclusion, Have you ever heard of someone dying or going crazy from Tungsten poisoning? Neither have I!

I am already preparing to hoard a lifetime supply of light bulbs before the crazy legislation kicks in! I will personally offset any extra carbon footprint I may leave by improving my diet and thus reduce the amount of methane I produce!

[gafftapegreenia]

Just run all your 60 watt lamps at 95% and they should run forever. Or just a long time.