On Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:35:01 -0800 (PST), you wrote:
>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.
You may or may not ever decide to go larger. The 18 inch bulbs are
inexpensive and available. You also have the advantage of using the
center section which might be a bit more uniform in output. The ends
may or may not be identical.
Harvey
>
>> 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.