projector bulbs

[chrbb]

posted this on tes forum but it's probably more a question for here,
question re projectors - do you keep spare bulbs in school or just order them when they blow? Also is it an easy job to replace the bulbs? Thanks

[Norphy]

Unless we get them free with the projectors, we get bulbs as and when they're needed. Most manufaturers only offer a three month warranty with lamps as they are classes as a consumable. If the lamp is sitting on your shelf for four months and blows as soon as it's put in the projector, you're shafted.

Replacing bulbs is generally a very easy matter. All you have to do is take it down from the mounting, let it cool down, unscrew the cover, take out three or four screws from the lamp, put it out, put the new one in and secure it. Job done.

[ITWombat]

Replacing bulbs is generally a very easy matter. All you have to do is take it down from the mounting, let it cool down, unscrew the cover, take out three or four screws from the lamp, put it out, put the new one in and secure it. Job done.

Shortly that should be let the projector cool down first, then taking it down and then change the bulb.

</SmartArse

[Norphy]

Meh, the important bit was that I got the cooling bit down in before taking the lid off. I don't think moving it while hot does any harm to you or the projector but touching the bulb while hot certainly does.

[meastaugh1]

We don't hold lamps in stock, as we can usually source next day from one of two suppliers. More recently I've been buying projectors with 3 years warranty on the lamp as long as it's used in economy mode. We also have one or two projectors lying around which can be swapped in for a bad projector, also used off-site, ad-hoc presentations etc.

[_Bat_]

I just downloaded the user manual for each type of projector we have and when it comes to changing the bulb I double check the process in the user manual to be sure.

It's usually a very simple process though.. I didn't even take ours down, I just let it cool down and replaced it while it was still mounted.

[Andrew_C]

I've got a spare of each of the two principle lamps in stock, and a couple of old, tired swap out projectors.

One thought on the changing prosess; be VERY carefull of the lamps. Not oly do they run very hot, but at high pressure too.

[bossman]

I carry one spare for each different projector and make sure that they are cleaned out every month as stated in the manual. Just looking for a maintenance company who does not charge the earth for cleaning all the insides as the prisms tend to get burnt as the dust gets through.

[darkest_star]

We have been buying projectors with free spare lamp offer thrown in and now have a decent stock for most in use, the other / older projectors we buy bulbs as and when needed due to cost and warranty etc.

[CyberNerd]

@Bossman: its actually not *that* difficult to clean the burned on dust from the lenses. there are a lot of lenses and its is a PITA but it is possible. Forward Vision 0118 9320890 di if for about £170

[contink]

Just as a thought... Are these lamps like Halogen bulbs?

... if so, avoid touching the the glass front of the lamp with your bare hands as the grease/oil from your fingers can cause the glass to go boom! Of course on the up side it'll wake up the kids for the teacher

[Geoff]

Yes they are exactly like Halogen bulbs. Yes I've had several explode.

[E1uSiV3]

ive had one explode too, but it was hit by a football after 200hrs of use...

[Sylv3r]

I carry one spare for each different projector and make sure that they are cleaned out every month as stated in the manual. Just looking for a maintenance company who does not charge the earth for cleaning all the insides as the prisms tend to get burnt as the dust gets through.

Bossman

The LEA offer a cleaning service for schools with a SLA. I think I remember reading somewhere that you dont, so they may still do it for you but at a dearer rate then they generally charge. I'm sure they offered it to me when I asked for about £75.