Is anyone out there burning the LL T15 400w bulb in the vertical position? I've ordered one to install in my 10.6" setup since I installed a bigger screen 92" (old screen was 72") I'm craving more lumens. I'm trying to design my new light box and want to find the best T15 bulb orientation. I'm keeping my horizontal straight throw, just updating the light box. Anyone? What's a good burn-in time?

This is my first 400w build so a cooling question is at hand:

Can I get away with 1 120mm fan to draw air over the reflector/ bulb/precon? I have two 80mm running on reduced rpms over the panel/fresnels that will stay there. I'm also planning of a lexan barrier between the precon and collimating fresnel. Does this sound sufficient?

I'm also curious to see other's completed projectors with the T15 bulb or at least your opinion on the bulb. I searched the forums but couldn't find many T15 builds, maybe I didn't look long enough. I ordered the LL eballast too, if there's any wisdom about that please share it as well.

Thanks

A lot of people, including myself, burn the LL bulbs vertically. I've used them horizontally as well and favor the a vertical position. Also, I am not sure how true it is but I've read it extends the lamp life. I didn't do a burn in with mine so I don't have a lot of info. on that. I would think if you get a weird color just leave the bulb on overnight? Mine worked pretty well right out of the box after just a couple of minutes of being turned on.

I think (1) 120mm, (2) 80mms and lexan would be sufficient. I have lexan and (2) 120s and my box stays very cool. They are high speed fans from a server though. I would just keep an eye on it for a couple of days until you are satisfied with the temp.

I'm not sure why you can't find plogs with the LL bulb. They are definitely out there.

Good luck with the rebuild

I'll be burning mine vertically...well once I get a replacement for my broken one I will.

If SIMUL8R ain't tried it I'd be surprised.

There is really no need to pull any air over the lamp at all.

The Lcd/fresnel is what needs cooling. And if you are pulling cool air over the Lcd and venting it out behind the lamp it will pull more than enough hot air out of the box.

I've had 4 DIY with that design (slot over the Lcd, 2-120mm fans bottom rear of the box) and never had a heat problem. I never even had to use a heat shield.

That's how mine works - with one 110mm fan (Radio Shack one) at the top of the lightbox back.

The LCD barely gets warm.