djbzentertainment Posted October 20, 2010 Share Posted October 20, 2010 Sorry that this is not a stage/theatre related enquiry, (its for a disco lighting effect) but have had excellent answers from this forum in the past so thought here would be a good place to start. I have just manufactured a UV light box. It basically consists of a wooden carpet covered lidless rectangular narrow box, with two 3ft UV fluorescent tube light fittings fitted inside. I have not fitted a reflector of any type behind the tubes as I am led to believe that UV light does not need a reflector in order for it to project......(or have I been ill advised on this?.....) I have not fitted a perspex/glass cover over the tubes to provide protection, have gone for a protective wire mesh, as I have also been told that some transparent materials actually absorb UV light.....true or false???? Either way it is not a problem as the mesh is fine. The effect I wish to achieve is basically just the glowing of white coloured clothing etc of the audience. Should I mount the effect above head height (I.e on my 3mtr high lighting goalpost) or simply stand it on the floor pointing at the dance floor. I will have other lighting effects running at the same time (the majority of which will be attached to the lighting goalpost) and I am assuming that the light they give out will reduce the effect that the UV light will provide. (Again, I stand to be corrected on this.....) . In a nutshell, any hints and tips would be gratefully recieved. Many thanks in advance. Best regards, Bob Dixon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musht Posted October 20, 2010 Share Posted October 20, 2010 Couple of tubes as a flood,much better than some horrendous mercury UV `cannon`. Reflector will most certainly help, aluminium is good, reflectors out of other fluro fitting might do. UV is blocked, well attenuated, by most clear plastics and glass , mesh is good idea. Higher it is better chance of getting a decent throw, single source of UV is very prone to shadowing so be aware, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djbzentertainment Posted October 20, 2010 Author Share Posted October 20, 2010 Many thanks, thats a big help. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruff Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 I have not fitted a perspex/glass cover over the tubes to provide protection, have gone for a protective wire mesh, as I have also been told that some transparent materials actually absorb UV light.....true or false???? Either way it is not a problem as the mesh is fine. The mesh should be earthed. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djbzentertainment Posted October 21, 2010 Author Share Posted October 21, 2010 Good point, thank you. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley R Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 If you have other lighting Fx running at the same time as the UV I have found UV light in such a small wattage to be almost ineffective. (I was using 2x twin 3ft 36w Fluro tubes) But it looked great when people wearing arm bands of a fluorescent colour and I turned off all the lights except a few Blue LED panels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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