GS1200..250Watt lamp

[Graham Ritchie]

Just a quick mention as I have been asked about using a 250 watt lamp. Years ago I gave up using the EJL as a lamp in the GS1200, as its dull. Using a 250 watt lamp seemed like a good idea, folks have used it without any problems with the projector transformer. However with the age of these machines, I was reluctant to take that chance. I opted for a external power supply for the Osram Xenophot ELC 24v 250watt. The downside to using an external power supply, is that you have to remember to switch the GS1200 lamp to "ON" as this switches the lamp cooling on as well. You could leave it on all the time for cooling if you wanted to in case you might forget.

One excellent point regarding using the 250 watt lamp, that was brought up by Thomas in Germany on the forum, was to move the lamp holder back 10mm, as this will focus the lamp better, and as such, more light, this is what Thomas came up with, and it does work

When I worked at the cinema, we used Elmo slide projectors, in time they wore out and were heading to the scrap. What you can do with those old slide projectors, is to junk the mechanics, leaving the rest in place. Running a couple of wires from the old lamp wiring, up to the GS1200 means you can still use the High/low lamp switch on the slide projector.

Using old slide projectors is a cheap way to get your 250watts.

Anyway here are a couple of photos, I did alter three old Elmo slide projectors, and have a good supply of Osram lamps that will last years.

PS....I am finding that by moving the lamp back the 10mm, does seem to improve the lamp cooling, as I don't see any discolour on the mirror, nothing like it used to be as the lamp gets older.

[Brian Fretwell]

Good to see that you are keeping with Elmo for the lamp power supply. I believe that the 250w lamp is focused more for the 16mm gate at standard separation and moving it back compensates for this.

[Maurice Leakey]

The correct lamp for the GS-1200 is the ESC (24V 200W).
I have always used these, and on the lower power setting the light is quite adequate for home use.

Maurice

[Simon McConway]

I feel that if Elmo had thought the 250w lamp was worth it, then they would have used it.

[Paul Adsett]

The 200 watt EJL lamp is much dimmer than the OEM 200 watt ESC, which has a filament specifically designed for the super 8mm gate. But the ESC is no longer available and Graham's ELC conversion offers the means to equaling or exceeding the light output obtained from the original ESC , without endangering the life of the projectors transformer. In fact the life of the transformer will be increased because all lamp load is removed. Another advantage is that the color temp of the ELC is where it should be for optimal saturation of projected color prints, which may not be the case for HID modified projectors. Even in a home room environment super 8mm projectors can always benefit from more light especially when projecting scope films. I find that my GS1200, even with the ESC lamp and 2-blade shutter and f1.0 lens, is noticeably dimmer than my video projector.

[Lee Mannering]

Well done Graham I love to read about upgrades and dedication to keep em going.

I'm down to my last genuine Elmo 200w lamp now which was one of the reasons for going up the HID lamp route in a trusty Eumig. My workhorse Elmo GS1200 now HID and with a 2 blade shutter is a tower of light and handy for halls when we get back to them.

Mentioned before that I had been using 250 watt in the gs for some time but yes you have a risk of the power supply to burn out. I rested on the perhaps risky thought the designers left enough tolerance to drive the bigger lamp. The focus is perhaps different tho.

Some ESC 200w lamps are being sold in white boxes and I measured these up against my new Elmo GS1200 lamp. The white box ones are around 27% less bright so pass on those perhaps.

[Brian Fretwell]

I remember Derann saying at one time they were getting some ESC lamps made for GS1200 owners. I believe they were no way as good as the originals and they didn't get a second order made.

[Graham Ritchie]

Simon

For many years the proper ELC was not available to buy, hence the only option was a 200 watt EJL. It was not a question of more wattage, it was just finding a lamp you could buy to work. When Fuji did release a ESC lamp a few years back, I did go in to speak with a local lamp specialist, who over the years have got me all kinds of lamp stuff, and value there advice. The impression I got, was that they could get the Fuji lamps, but said they were expensive with a downside of only a life rating of 25 hours those two things alone put me of getting it.

I remember setting up a side by side screen comparison between my 100watt ST180 and the GS with the 200watt EJL. I found the little ST180 was giving me a brighter white picture than the high setting on the GS, so it never a question of more wattage.

Using the EJL 200watt over the years was a real letdown with the GS1200, even in the very early days I remember a friend getting rid of a GS1200 because the ESC lamps were not lasting and costing him a small fortune. Reflecting back, to get the brightness you need from the ESC did come at a cost of lamp life.

The Osram Xenophot lamps do give you more of a white light, than the standard lamp, which I find gives better colour reproduction on the screen.

Each to there own on this one, but I must say I have a strong dislike for the EJL lamp and wont use it

[Chip Gelmini]

This vendor is in the USA. I believe the brand is Donar. But it IS the original ESC ansi code. I have purchased this. No trouble with the image or lamp life. My throw distance is just under 20 feet.

Don't forget Steve Osborne as well. A recent flyer listed as bulbs are in stock.

https://www.replacementlightbulbs.com/lampesc.html

[Lee Mannering]

For what it's worth. I made the great mistake to stock said lamps for my business. I've had over 10 returned blown within minutes to date and from my experience they are of questionable quality. The rest of the stock hit the bin quickly as well. In every one returned they all coloured black and with broken filaments, that is more than ten customers with GS 1200 machines.
The proof of the pudding is in the using..

Using the 250 watt lamp is a easy alternative particularly with a external power driver which Graham has come up with. Might be worth moving the lamp bracket a few mm to see if the correct focusing can be achieved.

When I started using the High Intensity Discharge lamps I was astounded at the increase in light output by moving the lamp just 2mm.

We just never stop learning with this hobby of ours.

[Dominique De Bast]

FFR in Germany makes the transformation to use 250 watts bulbs but you have to send your projector to them, which is probably something most of collectors will be reluctant to do. http://ffr-film.de/eng-elmo-.html

[Joe Taffis]

I was very disappointed with the DONAR brand ESC lamp; not thrilled with the OSRAM EJL either

[Dominique De Bast]

Does anyone know if EWF is an American reference for EJL ? I have one 24 v 200 watt bulb Quartzline with those three letters.

[Maurice Leakey]

Dominique
I might be an alternative, but have a look at the attached link.
The lamp reflector appears to have rings which might not give a good light for film projector. It's only a thought.
And. It's very expensive compared with the proper EJL lamps.

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/prod...projector-lamp


Maurice

[Dominique De Bast]

Thanks you, Maurice. This is, indeed the same bulb than the one I have. I didn't know the littledlittle circles on the reflector were called rings. The only way to know if the bulb is suitable for a projector will be to try it, which I will do next time the lamp of my Fumeo burns.