Miniscan HPE problem here

[Jamtastic3]

Hi all, I've been using Miniscan HPE's for the past 7 months now and all has been fine. Up until about a month ago I started noticing two of them (out of 4) kept cutting out, though only for a period of about 5 mins so I never thought about it. It was when one started to cut out every 10 mins that I started to get worried.

Ok so the main thing was that they were over heating, but there was nothing around about them that was causing them to heat up and the fans were working perfectly. I maintain them quite well. Still they keep cutting out.

Just wondering if angular positioning is a factor to think about. I have the scans hanging from truss, main part of fixture higher than the mirror at 50 degree angle as though at were upside down. Saying that, is that term 'upside down' right, cos I thought scans could be angled at any position? And, leading on from angling them 'upside down' I know theres a cut out mechanism in them for when they reach a certain temp. Do you think the angle is causing that to heat up or can I alter the cut out mech, so that it won't cut out.

 

Loads to ask - soz. Just need to know some facts cos I know my lamps are 'clouding up' when they keep cutting out which ain't good and who wouldn't worry about scans, if they were the best bit of the rig!!?

 

Cheers to all

[Guest lightnix]

I love Mini Scans, they're fantastic for what they are and you can do some great things with them :D

 

Presumably you've ensured that the airways are clear and run a hoover around them. Foam fan covers (if they have them) need a good wash every now and then.

 

It's possible that the fan, even if it's working, may have become a bit weak with age; it might be that the temp sensors themselves are worn out, the fault may lie in the ballast or it may just even be some dirt or a bad connection on a small connector. I assume you've tried changing the bulbs or swapping them out with the other scans.

 

You may consider swapping fans, sensors and ballasts between units, to see if the fault moves or stays in the light, but this is not recommended unless you've had the proper training and possess the correct tools.

 

Maybe, for future reference, you can let us know what the problem is when you've sorted it.

[johnhuson]

The lamps being switched on and off is not the main cause of the lamp 'clouding' up. If a lamp is clouding it's due to incorrect voltage to the lamp, if the clouding is white then the lamp is getting too high a voltage, if it's black/silver then it's getting too low a voltage.

 

You might want to check the tappings are set correctly on your lamp ballast, but as mentioned above only embark on this sort of job if you have the knowledge and skill to do it, lamp circuits are very dangerous (i.e. up to 25Kv knocking round at strike) and should be treated as such.

 

Over/under voltage could also be the cause of your over heating and if there are tappings on the electronics transformer these should be checked as well (again only do if you are familiar).

 

It is also likely that the cause is that the thermal cut outs are just a bit old and tired and need replacing, this is particularly likely if the fixtures are quite old.

 

Hope some of this helps.