klawfran3
New Aurelian
Posts: 16 
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by klawfran3 on Mar 2, 2017 5:43:20 GMT
Hi there all,
I have a DC 12 volt battery pack produced by bioquip, It works great with my AC/DC uv light but I really want to try using a Mercury vapor for collecting beetles (eg Chrysina Gloriosa and Dynastes tityus). The thing is I don't want to have to lug around a big generator, and I was wondering, would I be able to use a power inverter with the battery pack to power a 120 or 175 Watt Mercury vapor? They're very expensive so I'd rather not buy a light only for it to break when I test it out.
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 2, 2017 19:39:09 GMT
Inrush (start up) current may exceed 175W. So if the max output is 175W it may not be able to start the MVL. See also battery life: www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=1019Don't forget the small print: don't run battery down by more than 10%. In the example they give that battery would run 150W light six hours, but since you shouldn't use more than 10% of the battery reserve, you're then limited to 36 minutes. Get a generator. And a flashlight. Turn off the generator when you refill it, using the flashlight to see. |
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klawfran3
New Aurelian
Posts: 16
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by klawfran3 on Mar 3, 2017 2:19:04 GMT
So you're saying that the battery might be too weak to power the light, and that if it is able to power it it would damage the battery? The battery is able to run a UV light for about 8 hours straight- which is more than I normally would use it for so it's never fully discharged- but if I run the MVL it would damage the battery to use it more than 10%? Sorry if I'm not understanding this too well, I'm a wildlife management and biology major, not an electrician  |
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Post by nomad on Mar 3, 2017 10:00:53 GMT
As far as I can deduce, running a MV bulb you will need a generator. Honda do the best lightweight silent running model, an EU10i which has the capability of running two MVs together. However, like all goods things its an expensive item. Here, the best moth trap for temperate regions, where you do not have to stay up all night is the Robinson light trap.
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 3, 2017 14:24:39 GMT
Most UV use low power bulbs; for example, I use an 18W and also have a monster dual 30W for a total of 60W. But the most practical is 18W. I (amps) = P (watts) / V (volts) So compare. 18W / 12V = 1.5A direct off the battery. If you run that 18W off an inverter 18W /120V = .15A. Then try a MV 165W / 120V = 1.46A. So the MV draws about ten times the AC amperage. Battery life is measured in Amp Hours (AH). DOn't confuse this with Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating on car batteries. ****** Auto batteries shouldn't be discharged more than 10% otherwise some life damage may be incurred. Below 50% damage is incurred, and the life of the battery is shortened. If you discharge below 20% the battery is about dead. It will still work, but won't charge fully ever again, and won't hold much of a charge. You can get Deep Cycle batteries (made for boats & tractors) that can discharge below 50% without harm, but they are more expensive. ****** Without the specs on your battery it's impossible to render specific operations. Let me just say: a standard car battery will not run a 175W MV for anywhere near eight hours. Most batteries have a rating for run time based on low power draw- e.g. leaving the lights and radio on- and this is typically (when new) about 100 minutes. That's a lot less power used than your MV. Read this bugguide.net/node/view/555922****** Just get a generator. |
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Post by martinh on Mar 3, 2017 16:06:42 GMT
When I travel to the tropics, I always use a power convertor for my mercury lights. It is now impossible to travel with a generator and sometimes complicated (and expensive) to find one in some countries (I mainly travel to Central and South America).
I use a power convertor on a rental car. I use 2 x 175 Watt mercury vapor lamp on the converter. The convertor is attach to the car battery. Important: you need to let the car RUN...or you will discharge your car battery very fast. The gazoline expense from running all night is negligeable (very low).
I park my car 100 feet away from my lights and I use extension cables (that I buy in the country).
That setup has been working very well for me over the years...getting me some nice beetles! (I dont collect moth or butteflies...only beetles - scarabs).
(sorry for my bad english...I speak french).
Martin HARDY
Canada
Coleoptera - Dynastinae
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 3, 2017 17:46:23 GMT
Important: you need to let the car RUN...or you will discharge your car battery very fast. Martin HARDY Canada Coleoptera - Dynastinae
Good point!
And since it's a rental car, who cares? :-)
A diesel motor would be much better to run all night, but again, since it's a rental, just make sure it doesn't overheat.
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klawfran3
New Aurelian
Posts: 16
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by klawfran3 on Mar 4, 2017 20:50:08 GMT
Auto batteries shouldn't be discharged more than 10% otherwise some life damage may be incurred. Below 50% damage is incurred, and the life of the battery is shortened. If you discharge below 20% the battery is about dead. It will still work, but won't charge fully ever again, and won't hold much of a charge. You can get Deep Cycle batteries (made for boats & tractors) that can discharge below 50% without harm, but they are more expensive. I actually use a deep cycle produced by bioquip for the purpose of running UV lights. I'm looking into a portable generator just because it would probably be the best option in the long run anyways. As far as I can deduce, running a MV bulb you will need a generator. Honda do the best lightweight silent running model, an EU10i which has the capability of running two MVs together. However, like all goods things its an expensive item. Here, the best moth trap for temperate regions, where you do not have to stay up all night is the Robinson light trap. That one seems pretty good, I waslooking at a powerpro mini that has around the same stats and is quite a bit cheaper |
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Post by nomad on Mar 5, 2017 9:19:10 GMT
Yes, that type of generator is a lot cheaper, The honda would probably last a lifetime, they are light weight and small, easy to carry and silent running, a must in the field as far as the UK is concerned.
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klawfran3
New Aurelian
Posts: 16
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by klawfran3 on Mar 6, 2017 5:33:07 GMT
Yes, that type of generator is a lot cheaper, The honda would probably last a lifetime, they are light weight and small, easy to carry and silent running, a must in the field as far as the UK is concerned. One day I'll be able to shell out the money for a honda one, but at of now I'm still a relatively poor college student and I must be a bit frugal, but still need one for collectnig. I'll be exploring the Sonoran desert for a while but it should last me long enough  |
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Post by nomad on Mar 6, 2017 9:07:59 GMT
Whatever makes you MV work is the only thing that matters, enjoy your trip to the Sonoran desert. it would be great if you let us know here how you got on. |
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klawfran3
New Aurelian
Posts: 16
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by klawfran3 on Mar 7, 2017 5:32:58 GMT
Whatever makes you MV work is the only thing that matters, enjoy your trip to the Sonoran desert. it would be great if you let us know here how you got on. Will do, I'll be camping around the Joshua tree area next week and if I get anything cool I'll be sure to share. Then this summer I'll be out in AZ. |
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