Lights -euro spec

[colin cohen <102621.2256@compuserve.com>]

I just want to add my 2 roubles here on this subject:

1) One of the problems with Audi lights until 1994 or so is the glass lens. It
too has to conform to DOT specs and in doing so as cheaply as possible, it
absorbs a great deal of light - just like the old Taurus.

2) The reflector is an exact copy of the Euro one, but that was designed for a
fore and aft filament and not the east-west variety. I am told by Osram, that
as liitle as 2mm misplacement of the filament can reduce reflector efficiency
by 50%. This is part of the reason why those of us who have upped our wattage
by 100% can hardly tell the difference. The filament is in the wrong place to
start with!

3) Discharge lights are the same basic concept as the things used to light
stadiums today. Problem always was, that they did not deliver full power for
some period after they switched on. Until 1987, this was at least 30 mins. A us
company invented an instant restrike capability, but it demands an expensive
electronic ballast. So it will be a long time before any existing lighting
system can be replaced by one of these. The new Osram designed and licensed
products on Audi, BMW etc are wired to handle the product for design. This
stuff will not even be economicaly recoverable from a write off.  Too bad.