Re: [APD] AHSUPPLY's Reflectors

[Chris Hotte <ecwh at cogeco_ca>]

Raymond Wong wrote:

> Hi and thx everyone for their responses about the Ahsupply.
>
> But... Has anyone tried their reflectors with lights other than the ones
> supplied with AH Supply say t8,t5's t12's?
> Do you think it'll work since the cost is pretty good considering a 36" ish
> reflector from Ahsupply is $20 USD + shipping, I really can't find any other
> reflectors for about that price. 
>
> But is this reflector for one tube or can I use it for 2 or more t5 tubes?
>
>  
After a short study on the subject,  here's what I've come to understand 
so far.  The curved surface only works if the focal point is used as a 
point of origin. It should give back a more or less a uniform light 
distribution from it. The focal point is fairly obvious and easily 
calculated with y=sqr(x)/4p, p being the focal point. It's a good idea 
if it does in fact give back the %65 gain over rectangular reflectors as 
stated at ahsupply. I for one cannot see why it wouldn't.  However, as 
you step your light source out of the focal point, you start to loose 
the benefit and hinder it with bounce back.  So, trying to cram in more 
bulbs into a parabolic reflector would effectively jam it up and put it 
back on par with a rectangular reflector.  I would even be willing to 
bet on the smaller the source, and the more accurately placed, the more 
efficient the parabolic effect.  On the other hand, the limit to 
effeciency gained by placement would have to be defined by the diameter 
of the curve and size of the litght source.

Of course, when everything is said and done, just play with it and see 
what you get. *grin*

http://usna.edu/Users/physics/mungan/Scholarship/ParabolicMirror.pdf
http://www.jc-solarhomes.com/do.htm
http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/PDF/dishfp.PDF

Chris.
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