[Elecraft] OT - Magnifier lamp

[Matt Zilmer]

Best I've found is Daylight.  See
http://us.daylightcompany.com/product/ultra-slim-magnifying-lamp-xr/
for an example.  I have this one (multiple, actually - workshop and
shack, both).  This is primarily a crafter's lamp, intended for floor,
table (clamp or base) mounting.  I even built a wall mount for my XYL,
which she can move to two different positions.  This keeps her table
clear.  I use the table clamp for mounting.

Working closely or backed off is fairly easy.

Your questions:

Magnification:  I'm using 2.25x, but you can change lenses on this
model.  I think they have 1.75x and 3.0x in addition to the "stock"
lens.

Lens:  Round, diameter is 6-3/4", which is huge.

Focal range:  between 9 and 18 inches for 2.25x.  Less mag puts this
further out.

Eyestrain:  Zero.  I can work over this mag lamp for hours.  The
'daylight' feature helps this a lot (color temp of the lamp bulb).

Illumination:  Flourescent, 28W, pure white light.

Positioning: The dual arm is easily movable, but the dual clamps at
the lamp end need to be loosened for large adjustments.

Mounts:  Multiple types.  I use the table clamp mount for workbench
and the shack desk.  Table and floor bases are also available, as well
as floor extensions to bring the mount base up to table / workbench
height.

Ease of working: I've had no issues (see eyestrain).  

Problems: The dual clamp is very hard to tighten at first, but loosens
up over time.

Overall:  I recommended Daylight for our engineering lab at Magellan
and we have seven or eight of them now.  They beat the old mag lamps
hollow.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:27:36 -0800, you 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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