Re: Xenon bulbs / U.S. spec lights

[John Van Vuren <veedublu@wirural.net>]

Riley McDowall wrote:

> No, we've gone over this before.  The HID systems on the new Lexii, MBZs,
> BMWs, Lincolns, etc *do not use bulbs*.  Here's how they work: the light
> comes from an arc of electricity between 2 electrodes in a xenon-charged
> lense.  The arc requires 20,000V which is why these systems are so
> expensive (you need the transformer that comes with them).

If this helps anybody understand this...  we have similar lights
(mercury vapor maybe) in our barn...  They don't have bulbs, and take
about 5 minutes to get warmed up to the point where they do any good. 
They also appear slightly bluish...  I think some streetlights are this
way also...   and what about flourescents?  Same principle, right?

John

'87 16v Scirocco
and lots of other stuff
website - http://www.prod.net/jvanvuren/vw.htm
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