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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