[Elecraft] OT - Magnifier lamp

[John Ragle]

Jim...(and list)...

Save your money!

I have a Luxo lamp mounted on a tensor arm and with a 6" dia circline 
fluorescent bulb. This particular one has the power supply in the base. 
It was made in USA. Two (very negative) comments:

1. The power supply is extremely noisy (RF noise). I had expected that 
the fluorescent fixture would be noisy, but this lamp is a real 
noise-pig EVEN WHEN THE LAMP IS OFF. I cannot have it plugged in when I 
am operating, as it saturates my receiver with RF noise.

2. The magnifier was almost useless for circuit board work. This is 
because the "edge effects" are quite large, in the sense that the 
in-focus image is only a tiny part of the whole aperture, and there is 
no binocular effect.

For circuit board work I much prefer a headband-mounted binocular 
magnifier. With this setup one has a sense of depth which is itself 
useful when working with small through-hole parts (or SM components, 
which are not contained in the kits you mention). The particular one I 
use came from Radio Shack at least 40 years ago. The magnifier folds up 
out of the way, and the construction is very light-weight.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

=====

On 7/19/2011 9:27 AM, Jim Wiley wrote:
> I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
> builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
> lamps.  These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
> the best known brand.  In other words, what are you using, how does it
> work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,
>
>
> Things to consider:
>
>
> Best magnification factor.   The most common are 1.75X (3 diopter) and
> 2.25X (5 diopter).
>
>
> Size and shape of magnifying lens:  How big, and is round or rectangular
> shape factor best
>
>
> Focal range:  how far from work is optimum, and what are close and far
> limits
>
>
> Eyestrain:  distortion, clarity of lens,  adequacy of illumination
>
>
> Illumination:   L:ED vs. fluorescent lamps - which is better / brighter.
> For fluorescent or CFL lamps, how long to reach max output
>
>
> Positioning:  Best arm length,  does the unit "stay where it's put?"
>
>
> Mounting:  Clamp mount,  robustness of mount.  Can the unit be removed
> from the base / desk clamp, etc.
>
>
> Ease of working under the lamp/ magnifier:   Does the unit get in the
> way of soldering, etc.
>
>
> Problems observed:  What could be done better
>
>
> Special note:  In the interest of limiting OT traffic on this list,
> please reply direct if there are more than perhaps 6 or 8  posts to the
> list.  I know Wayne and Eric will appreciate it.
>
>
> Thank you.
>
>
> - Jim, KL7CC
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