Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
(OP)
I have a strobe light which is sold as a safety device for attaching to a diving suit to attract attention whilst lost and adrift.
I think the actual flashing bit is a xenon discharge tube (out of my depth here).
When I test the strobe in ambient light it works normally. flash rate once every 3 seconds or so.
If I turn out all the room lights the flash rate dramatically reduces (approx. once per 30 seconds) and becomes erratic.
I can see no sign of a light sensor, and I can't believe it is design intent to stop the thing working in the dark, when it could be argued it is most needed.
Any electronics reason why ambient light should effect the function?
I think the actual flashing bit is a xenon discharge tube (out of my depth here).
When I test the strobe in ambient light it works normally. flash rate once every 3 seconds or so.
If I turn out all the room lights the flash rate dramatically reduces (approx. once per 30 seconds) and becomes erratic.
I can see no sign of a light sensor, and I can't believe it is design intent to stop the thing working in the dark, when it could be argued it is most needed.
Any electronics reason why ambient light should effect the function?





RE: Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
sometimes some manufacturers use plastic encapsulating material for their components, which seem to be opaque, because they are black. But IR may be let through, see packagings of consumer IR-transmitters/receivers.
First, try to wrap a thick cloth around the electronics (not the tube itself), if you see the same effect...
Second, there is a effect of light induced ionization, which can have effects on the flashing sequence itself, if the tube is fired "over the top". But this effect is normally negligible, especially in Xenon tubes. Otherwise, the flashing lights should be controlled independent of slight variations the tube characteristics.
tiki
RE: Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>
RE: Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
http://misty.com/people/don/index.html
RE: Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
Gas tubes mostly have some small radioactive component within to insure consistent firing by maintaining a residual small degree of ionisation within the tube.
A thorium composition in the electrode structure would help.I believe some manufacturers have added tritium gas to the Xenon to overcome this particular problem as well.Fitting a substitute tube from another manufacturer will surely remedy the problem.
John Lundy lumalite@alphalink.com.au
Australia
RE: Xenon strobe sensitive to ambient light?
In high ambient, a high flash rate does not affect your vision, while in the dark, a high flash rate will kill your dark vision PDQ.
TTFN