[mythtv-users] [Slightly OT] solar power for all our gadgets

[Brian Wood]

On Friday 20 March 2009 21:36:53 John Drescher wrote:
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 11:30 PM, David Brodbeck <gull at gull.us> wrote:
> > John Drescher wrote:
> >> The main reason for the slow startup is probably temperature. I mean
> >> above the recessed cans is the attic (no insulation above the cans)
> >> and it is still winter here in Pittsburgh although it was 70F
> >> yesterday in the day its 34F now and should go below 28 before the
> >> night is over..
> >
> > Wouldn't surprise me.  I know our outdoor fluorescent takes a loooong
> > time to start when it's cold out.  I've seen fluorescents fail to start
> > at all in very cold ( < 20F ) temperatures.
>
> I have one on the post light and it managed to start even when the
> temp hit -10F for the two or so days in January however it did take a
> really long time and was pretty dim but at 13W it serves its purpose.
> On the post these things do not last anywhere near 7 years though. I
> have owned the house for 4+ years (Aug 25, 2004)  and have replaced
> the light bulb 2 times already.

Do you have it on a photo controller of some sort? Unless you use a "Dimmable" 
lamp this will reduce the life expectancy considerably. A dimmer and a photo 
controller are both electronic controls and have the same problem with CFL 
lamps not designed to be used with them.


-- 
beww
beww at beww.org