Re: Discussion of recent posts

[BJohn77777@aol.com]

In response to a message dated 97-01-20 00:09:17 EST, by Avi:

Bernie sez,
 >I disagree with you on this point.  More watts does equal more light. 
 Works
 >in the lamp by the computer, should work (and does) work on the road.  The
 >difference is that in my car, the light output is carefully focused where
 >we want it to go.

Avi, Avi, Avi,
I tend to agree with Bernie on this one.


Avi replied:
 Not true, think about it this way:
   8<----some snippage---->8
 If you use a different bulb (positioned in a different location in the
 prism) you are tempering with the original design, consequently diminished
 performance), just an example I don't know if that is what you did.

I reiterate what STEADRIC said:
Most bulbs are direct replacements; bulb envelope (glass), filament alignment
(x,y,z axis), etc., so this statement has little, if any, effect on this
subject.

Avi sez:
 If you are changing the wattage of the bulb (which you did) you are still
 using the same prism with more light intensity,

I sez:
Therefore more available light (lumens/candlepower/heat/energy) being placed
on the subject...

Avi continues:
 most of the time IT IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT TO HAVE AN EFFICIENT PRISM than
more wattage (sorry for
 shouting).

I sez, (with a ringing in my head...)
We all agree on this one.  Whether we use the light theory as being a wave,
or as a particle, it will work the same. The headlight assembly is designed
around the position of the bulb as you stated.  The reflector does, as it's
name implies, relfects the light that is attempting to escape in directions
we do not want it to go, like out the back and sides of the headlight.  The
reflector will also attempt, by design, to focus the light to select spots on
the lense assembly; the glass with all the funny pattern of lines on it.
 These funny little lines are very important in the positioning of the
collected light particles/waves.  They refract much of the light to where we
want it, on a selected spot in the road, and not in the eyes of approaching
traffic; unless, of course, it is our pal Phil who forgot to switch to a
right side beam pattern when he came across the big pond.  ;^)

Avi again:
 Most of the time if your prism is not designed to handle the added wattage
 read bigger, you are getting a very small advantage!!!

I sez back:
Actually the prism does not care what the wattage is, but I do.  Currently I
have the infamous "USA-DOT-we-know-what-is-best-for-you" approved light
manglers (standard USA issue headlights) on my 85 4Ksq with 65/100w bulbs.
 There is a very noticable improvement from the 55/65w stock bulbs, but not
to a degree of total satisfaction.  When the wallet gets a bunch fuller, I
will definately upgrade to the euro's with "squirrel-roasting-in-the-trees"
brighter bulbs.  I just want to be sure Bambi is cooked before the car hits
him...mmmm...mmm...venison...(jus' kiddin')

Avi:
 the above is my point and again every case is different what I described
 above is generally correct but exceptions do exists!!!

I sez:
And we must be that exception...Must be a PNW thing...


> End of post

Which is what I am trying to avoid hitting by getting better lighting...

Bruce Johnson
85 4Ksq
Olympia, WA