strobes placement

[Melvin Stoddard]

I am going to add strobes to my display this year. I was wondering if most of you place them towards the back of your displays or closer towards the front. I guess I could see the advantage both ways.

[George Simmons]

Melvin Stoddard wrote:

... towards the back... or closer towards the front. I guess I could see the advantage both ways.

So can I. That's why I have them in both places.

My ultimate goal is to have them everywhere...

[Melvin Stoddard]

Good answer George, I am still laughing. I guess I'll try to do both.

[james campbell]

since we are on the topic, how long does it take a strobe to discharge if the filament is broken? I drilled mine and killed two of them,thinking that I hit a wire. I was going to take it apart but if it still is holding juice then i'm pitching them:D

[Steven]

james campbell wrote:

how long does it take a strobe to discharge if the filament is broken?

It depends on the design. All zenon stobes charge a high-voltage capacitor, which is discharged quickly through the gas tube, producing the flash. Some designs have a "bleeder resistor", which will discharge the capacitor slowly, but in others the capacitor can hold the charge for months.

If you're careful, you can take the strobe apart without touching the traces on the PC board. Identify the capacitor (it will be the biggest cylindrical component on the board), and take a screwdriver with an insulated handle and short the capacitor's leads. This will discharge it instantly and produce a really nice spark. At this point, it's safe to work on.