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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: sourcing appropriate UV tubes

From: David Griffith <dgriffi@...>
Date: 2010-01-30

On Sat, 30 Jan 2010, jcarlosmor wrote:

>> In my ongoing research to make a UV exposure box the Right Way, I come to
>> the question of the tubes. Where is a good place to order 12-inch T8
>> tubes that emit the right wavelength. According to
>> http://www.turbokeu.com/myprojects/pcb.htm, a Sylvania 350 blacklight is a
>> good match, but I can't find much on this through google, particularly if
>> it's available in a 12-inch version. So, what are my options for 12-inch
>> tubes?
>
> Do you need it only in 12-inch? A recommended and tested tube for many
> years has been F15T8BL, but in 18 inches.

I don't plan on making anything larger than a letter-sized piece of paper,
so, 12 inches is what I'm after.

> http://www.lightingsupply.com/F15T8-BL.aspx
>
> You could look for any replacement for several manufacturers. You just
> only need to specify that the tube will be a F15T8/BL or /350BL
> equivalent. Do not use a BLB since it includes a filter. Also avoid any
> "bug-zapper" or fancy "disco-party" black lights since include some
> painting/colouring that may change their properties. Remember, you need
> a bare-bones, simple UV light with 350nm. And also avoid U-shaped tubes,
> since you want uniformity along all your surface. If you use a U-shaped
> tube, there is more concentration of the light in the "U" than in the
> other part of the tube.

Reptile UV lights have also been suggested in the various pages I've
found.


--
David Griffith
dgriffi@...

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