whistlingcoyote
20-Apr-2020, 05:23
Hello all,
I recently got hold of an LPL7451 enlarger with which I am in the process of setting up my first dark room. Unfortunately it didn't come with a power source so I'm after some advice on how to go about this.
So far as I understand I have three options:
1. Purchase a genuine LPL replacement.
2. Purchase, or cobble together a similarly specced 24v 200w version to power the M16 Halogen Bulb
3. Start from scratch and use something of a different wattage/light source etc.
Option 1 is pretty much out, as I don't have a spare bazillion bucks.
Option 2 seems doable, but there seem to be many variable involved and this is where my confusion starts.
Googling '24v 200w power source' pretty much only results in LED drivers/transformers, but are they suitable for powering halogen lights? and is the DC output right for these bulbs. I came across a few outdoor pond pump transformers too, but they never seem to clarify if they output AC or DC, or if the current is stabilised/regulated in any way.
Option 3, if viable, gives me a little more latitude. Comparing other brands/types of enlargers, there's a lot of differences in regard to light power. The LPL7451 seems on the upper end of this scale, which begs the question, why so much with the LPL? And can I get away with less power? If so does this open up LEDs as an option as I can't find anything equal in lumens to the 200w Halogens.
Looking at the enlarger, there doesn't look to be any electrical mysteries to consider. Just the bulb housing and the cable running out to attach to a power source. The inbuilt fan is a separate entity hardwired to plug into mains electric. Am I right in thinking I'm free to move away from the LPL specified 200w system?
Not sure if I'm talking any sense, but I'm are someone will put me straight!
Thanks in advance for any help.
Cheers
I recently got hold of an LPL7451 enlarger with which I am in the process of setting up my first dark room. Unfortunately it didn't come with a power source so I'm after some advice on how to go about this.
So far as I understand I have three options:
1. Purchase a genuine LPL replacement.
2. Purchase, or cobble together a similarly specced 24v 200w version to power the M16 Halogen Bulb
3. Start from scratch and use something of a different wattage/light source etc.
Option 1 is pretty much out, as I don't have a spare bazillion bucks.
Option 2 seems doable, but there seem to be many variable involved and this is where my confusion starts.
Googling '24v 200w power source' pretty much only results in LED drivers/transformers, but are they suitable for powering halogen lights? and is the DC output right for these bulbs. I came across a few outdoor pond pump transformers too, but they never seem to clarify if they output AC or DC, or if the current is stabilised/regulated in any way.
Option 3, if viable, gives me a little more latitude. Comparing other brands/types of enlargers, there's a lot of differences in regard to light power. The LPL7451 seems on the upper end of this scale, which begs the question, why so much with the LPL? And can I get away with less power? If so does this open up LEDs as an option as I can't find anything equal in lumens to the 200w Halogens.
Looking at the enlarger, there doesn't look to be any electrical mysteries to consider. Just the bulb housing and the cable running out to attach to a power source. The inbuilt fan is a separate entity hardwired to plug into mains electric. Am I right in thinking I'm free to move away from the LPL specified 200w system?
Not sure if I'm talking any sense, but I'm are someone will put me straight!
Thanks in advance for any help.
Cheers