Quartz Halogen Lighting Wally Skyrman Upon reading in HP #15, page 31, the Wizard's Micro PV System, I think I know someone else who could use quartz halogen incandescent lighting. In past issues of HP reference was made to quartz halogen lamps and their efficiency, but until I got distracted with the RF static generated by my fluorescent lighting I never gave it much thought. Like the Wizard, I like to use my radio and especially AM and shortwave at night. I needed an efficient light that didn't interfere with my radios. In a nutshell what I did was to take one of the swing arm desk lamps and, by use of a converter, place a 20 watt, 12 volt quartz halogen lamp in place of the stock 100 watt, 110 volt energy burners. The heart of the lamp is the bulb. Quartz light spectrum is very close to sunlight. 3000-3200 degrees and is nice to work with. The lamps come by themselves or with a built-in reflector. If you have ever relamped a Kodak Carousel slide projector you have dealt with the big brother of what is pictured. Instead of 300 watt-120 volt we will use 20 or 50 watt-12 volt bulb which is sold for low voltage track lighting. There is one hazard in using this style of bulb. It can break and explode in operation, therefore the fixtures designed to use this bulb have a glass lens sealing off the bulb. INSERT PHOTOS Parts List Swing Arm Desk Lamp - Any department store, Pay & Pak, K Mart, etc. $11. I used a Grandrich Model G-2512. Try to find one where the reflector bowl is in two pieces. This helps in working on the lamp after the front shield is in place. Quartz Bulb - Electrical supply houses and some of HP advertisers. Like projector bulbs, these lamps come with a three letter code. You will want a BAB for the 20 watt or EXN for 50 watt. I used a BAB model made by Philips, Model "Accent 1200" that cost $9. These seem to be the commonly available flood style that are stocked. Others are available but I have no experience with them. Price is $6 to $10. Adapter - These bulbs will not screw into the lamp without an adapter. HP advertisers that stock halogen bulbs also have the adapters you will need. In my case, I already had the bulb and it being a weekend I fashioned small brass connectors to do the job. Shielding - Not wanting hot glass raining down on me in the event of bulb explosion, I took the plastic from an old motorcycle helmet face shield and by using tin snips, cut out a disc that will snap in place. With the two piece reflector I was able to screw in the adaptor, insert the lamp and replace the reflector/shield. By installing an appropriate 12 VDC plug I was in business. No more whistles while listening to KGO, KOA or Radio Netherlands... Access Wally Skyrman,4588 Pacific HWY N, Central Point, OR 97502