Headlights,Headlights

[colin cohen <102621.2256@compuserve.com>]

This headlight stuff is a really interesting stuff, but at least 2 things have
been ignored by everyone:

1) The glass is key to this whole exercise. Poor reflector design to
accommodate internal space restrictions, lack of attention to detail, or plain
poor execution, will not only absorb lumens, but redirect them in directions
which have nothing to do with a driver requirements. Some of the glass
materials actually attenuate light, and this material was used in the 4K and 5K
models at least through 1988 to comply with antiquated DOT requirements. So
even if you stick 1000W in one of these units, you wont see any better than
50W.

2) Attached to the above, is the problem with filament placement. and reflector
design. Without precise placement to match the design, the headlamp will not
function. On some lamps, the filaments are about 4 or 5 mm apart. They are also
aligned either horizontally or longitudinally. It matters a great deal as to
where these things are placed. I cant tell you the theory, but I know this to
be true because of the many months I have spent with the GE Halide people who
invented and designed the discharge lights on the BMW, Merc. and Audi.