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Don · 8th November 2005, 04:49 AM

Jim:

First of all, there are two "test modalities" that we use:

1. SLTS (Single Lamps In A Test Stand). When we test a single lamp in a test stand, the "key" is to make the measurement when it has reached a "steady state" condition whereby the lamp is stable. Although we monitor all of the electrical and environmental conditions, the best way we have found to determine when "steady state" has been reached is to make repetitive (@ 30 second intervals) measurements with a "real time" spectroradiometer and a MED/hour meter. When the readings are "stable" we start the Optronics Laboratories 754 spectroradiometer and take the measurement. [Note: We pull three lamps at random from the new and unopened case and make three separate measurements on each lamp.]

2. STU (Standard Test Unit). Since the measurement of an "array of sunlamps" in a STU is designed to replicate the "real world" condition of a tanning salon, we control the "ambient" temperature to 80 degrees (F) plus/minus 3 degrees. [Note: Keep in mind that we are not interested in acrylic or "glass" surface temperature or lamp wall temperature, we are interested in measuring the "output" of the array.] In addition to the Optronics Laboratories 754 spectroradiometer, we (once again) use a "real time" spectroradiometer and a MED/hour meter to measure the "rate of change of change" of the output over the session time. [Note: Although you may not have a spectroradiometer, you can use a Solartech meter (I prefer the MED/hour meter) and "lock down" the "on button" with a clip and watch the change in the reading over the session time. Some of the units change very little during the session time while the change from start to finish with others is quite large.]

I hope this helps.

8th November 2005, 04:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Don Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 376	Re: Don Jim: First of all, there are two "test modalities" that we use: 1. SLTS (Single Lamps In A Test Stand). When we test a single lamp in a test stand, the "key" is to make the measurement when it has reached a "steady state" condition whereby the lamp is stable. Although we monitor all of the electrical and environmental conditions, the best way we have found to determine when "steady state" has been reached is to make repetitive (@ 30 second intervals) measurements with a "real time" spectroradiometer and a MED/hour meter. When the readings are "stable" we start the Optronics Laboratories 754 spectroradiometer and take the measurement. [Note: We pull three lamps at random from the new and unopened case and make three separate measurements on each lamp.] 2. STU (Standard Test Unit). Since the measurement of an "array of sunlamps" in a STU is designed to replicate the "real world" condition of a tanning salon, we control the "ambient" temperature to 80 degrees (F) plus/minus 3 degrees. [Note: Keep in mind that we are not interested in acrylic or "glass" surface temperature or lamp wall temperature, we are interested in measuring the "output" of the array.] In addition to the Optronics Laboratories 754 spectroradiometer, we (once again) use a "real time" spectroradiometer and a MED/hour meter to measure the "rate of change of change" of the output over the session time. [Note: Although you may not have a spectroradiometer, you can use a Solartech meter (I prefer the MED/hour meter) and "lock down" the "on button" with a clip and watch the change in the reading over the session time. Some of the units change very little during the session time while the change from start to finish with others is quite large.] I hope this helps.