The Canada Science and Technology Museum posted parts of their lighting collection online.

See how many rare pieces you can see. 

Awesome!

Yeah, they have some pretty rare pieces too, like a near NOS Powerlite B2217, a /X 400w merc, and a early 250w merc.

That /X banner is sexy, someone needs to tell them about us!

Seems this site has a much more detailed catalogue of the collection.

Some of the lighting goodies I've found:
1st Gen Powergroove(with the long grooves on one side)
Same but the 6' version
Another view of the B2217
A Westinghouse OV-14B
LM Ovalite
Powerlite fluorescent streetlight
Newer PG lamp
PG lamp with uncoated electrodes
Half coated PG lamp

There was also some T17 lamps so I'd imagine they were somewhat common in Canada back in the 50s and the 60s which is when it seems like the majority of the collection dates from.

Seems this site has a much more detailed catalogue of the collection.

Some of the lighting goodies I've found:
1st Gen Powergroove(with the long grooves on one side)
Same but the 6' version
Another view of the B2217
A Westinghouse OV-14B
LM Ovalite
Powerlite fluorescent streetlight
Newer PG lamp
PG lamp with uncoated electrodes
Half coated PG lamp

There was also some T17 lamps so I'd imagine they were somewhat common in Canada back in the 50s and the 60s which is when it seems like the majority of the collection dates from.

I noticed on the 1st gen powergroove lamp link, they said rapid start lamps were coated with dri-film to aid in starting in humid conditions.

Anyone know what "dri-film" is?

Quote from: joseph_125 on May 23, 2016, 02:59:09 AM

Seems this site has a much more detailed catalogue of the collection.

Some of the lighting goodies I've found:
1st Gen Powergroove(with the long grooves on one side)
Same but the 6' version
Another view of the B2217
A Westinghouse OV-14B
LM Ovalite
Powerlite fluorescent streetlight
Newer PG lamp
PG lamp with uncoated electrodes
Half coated PG lamp

There was also some T17 lamps so I'd imagine they were somewhat common in Canada back in the 50s and the 60s which is when it seems like the majority of the collection dates from.

I noticed on the 1st gen powergroove lamp link, they said rapid start lamps were coated with dri-film to aid in starting in humid conditions.

Anyone know what "dri-film" is?

I think that dri-film is a hydrophobic material to repel water, Which creates resistance, Which means no starting.

Oh I guess I shouldn't have been wiping off that greasy film from new bulbs. I never knew it was for starting.

Then again I haven't noticed any adverse affects from it missing.

Oh I guess I shouldn't have been wiping off that greasy film from new bulbs. I never knew it was for starting.

Then again I haven't noticed any adverse affects from it missing.

That's because you're in Texas, A dry place.
It would be a nightmare if you brought it to Florida. We consider 40% humidity to be desert dry.

That's true. I totally forgot about that.

I thought that dri-film was like "Food Wrap" and like a layer.
But not a grease.

I'm thinking it's that oily film you often feel when you handle brand new bulbs. Once you wipe a bulb with a wet rag and dry it with another rag you feel the residue is gone.

I'm thinking it's that oily film you often feel when you handle brand new bulbs. Once you wipe a bulb with a wet rag and dry it with another rag you feel the residue is gone.

I have never felt that ever on a new bulb.

Quote from: good223 on May 25, 2016, 07:39:06 AM

I'm thinking it's that oily film you often feel when you handle brand new bulbs. Once you wipe a bulb with a wet rag and dry it with another rag you feel the residue is gone.

I have never felt that ever on a new bulb.

Hmm that's a surprise. I've encountered it on all new bulbs and even vintage bulbs.

 I'll try to get a video of my finger wiping the residue when I get the chance