Recent posts

#1
Off Topic / Re: A new book is coming.!
Last post by Sammi - 14/04/2026 16:31:36
UPDATE:

An ISBN has now been generated for the book, and after a tweak has been made to the cover design, it will be off to the printers at long last.!  8)
#2
Thanks for the input guys, interesting information :)
#3
General Discussion / Re: UK electronic ballasts for...
Last post by Ria - 09/04/2026 23:59:22
Rather like the output of step-down transformers used here in the UK on construction sites. These are 110V output, centre-tapped to earth, so you have a maximum of 55V to earth if you happen to touch anything.
#4
General Discussion / Re: UK electronic ballasts for...
Last post by Max - 09/04/2026 21:02:28
You're referring to the fact that in the USA the split-phase 240 V mains doesn't have a neutral whose potential is close or equal to that of ground/earth. I don't think this is an issue with electronic ballasts as they are certainly designed to account for the possibility that users may (and will) swap phase and neutral when installing equipment.
#5
General Discussion / Re: UK electronic ballasts for...
Last post by Ria - 09/04/2026 18:43:57
Hmmm  :hidbal:

If it's quoted as being suitable for 50 or 60Hz then I wouldn't expect a problem as long as it gets 240V, but I'm not an expert on electronic ballasts :wndr:
#6
I'm being curious here. If an electronic ballast made for the UK electrical system (Philips Dynavision / Primavision for eg) is rated for 220 / 240V, 50/60Hz; or 208 - 277V 50 / 60Hz; and works on the UK single Phase 240V system, would it stand the North American 240V 2-phase live (120v on both live and neutral) or would that kill it?
#7
Lanterns/Fixtures / Re: I have no idea...
Last post by Sammi - 08/04/2026 00:19:33
I have posted on there, but so far no reply. 
#8
Site News / Re: SMF Upgrade
Last post by Ria - 08/04/2026 00:14:05
I think that's a standard out-of-the-box bug, it happens to us sometimes as well. I also get an error if I'm not logged in but have left the login screen open for any length of time, I have to refresh it before I can proceed.

It's all part of the fun, so they say (if I ever find out who "they" are, there'll be murder committed  :mrg:)
#9
Site News / Re: SMF Upgrade
Last post by AgentHalogen_87 - 08/04/2026 00:01:41
I sometimes get this error message when posting a comment. Granted, I only get this if I've left the tab open for a LONG time (like several hours when I get sidetracked), and I think when another user has made a comment before I post mine, it will not let me post the comment; I have to copy it and paste it back in when I refresh the page. 
#10
Lanterns/Fixtures / Re: I have no idea...
Last post by AgentHalogen_87 - 07/04/2026 22:14:16
I've just commented on the gallery pic, but yeah absolutely no idea on what the heck that thing is. Ti's not a hurricane lantern, or a dead-flame lamp. It's its own special thing.

I wonder if anyone on CPL would have any idea