[Elecraft] CFL's

[Ralph Tyrrell]

I am the one that started this thread, altho the subject line has changed. It is wonderful to have OT subjects that all can learn from.

Thanks to all that responed. I have learned much and now have even more concerns about CFLs. 

On the the next step, Where can I buy (or build) an LED desk lamp that I can pulg into a spare APP (Anderson Power Pole) connection on my Rig Runner. That will complete my emergency power setup. (Until I decide to put up solar panels.)

73, Ty, W1TF


>     As I sit at my computer the radio desk is to my back. I
> heard a burst of static behind me. That was odd since no
> radios were on.  The only thing on at the radio desk was the
> desk lamp and a power supply that keeps the batteries
> charged. Both are plugged into a strip that switches power
> to them.
> 
>     I went over to the radio desk and looked at my
> equipment, both off. Still puzzled I turned on the 2m rig,
> all normal. Then I turned on the K3. All normal. I turned
> them off again. The K1 sits by, not connected to anything at
> this time.
> 
>     Still puzzled  I sat there wondering if something had
> happened to my battery bank or one of the batteries.  I have
> three 26AH batteries in parallel. Each battery is fused
> before to goes to a fused buss.
> 
>     Then my nose began to notice the smell we all dread.
> Something electrical was over heated.  Still I did not
> noticed a symptom I should have noticed earlier, the desk
> lamp was off. I touched the top of the lamp and it was very
> hot.  The bulb, a 13 Watt Florissant had failed. The ceramic
> base was too hot to touch. 
> 
>     How often do Florissant bulbs fail this way?
> 
>     I had the feeling that if I were not there a fire may
> have started.
> 
>     73, Ty, W1TF, K3/100 #696, K1 #1423