On Thursday, July 02, 1998 6:39 AM, Brian Bell
> [SMTP:brian.bell@axom.com] wrote:
This may be OT but what the heck the first message in 2 days...
> I have just moved into a new house in June. Now that I have a job
(condesent) I take it you mean tungsten filament lights i.e. normal light
bulbs
> Overhead bright condesent bulbs
I have a 40 watt spot light array that runs off a single light fitting this
uses mini tungsten filament spot lights. the array holds 4 and is like an
arch, matt black with modern diffusers looks cool.
|__|
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---- 2 3 ----
1 4
The spots are on swivel mounts so can be placed in direction to give
directional light. Very good for gaming and general work as they pump out 160
watts light
Another alternative is a spot rack system off the two or a single outlet. I
have see a really cool fititng down the local store that is a three spot array
on that flexible metal hosing all in chrome, looks like something off war of
the worlds. Not that would look cool.
For painitng you really need a directional local light source so I have
a desk light with a daylight spectrum filament bulb, gives sun-like
light. The desk light has an angle poise system for positioning and a
reflector
hood.
> Overhead florescent bulbs (I am uncertain that I can accomplish this)
I think the light from these is harsh flickery and gives me a headache You can
install them off the normal outlets as the chokes are in the fittings.
> Torch style Halogin bulbed floor lamps
Up lighting gives nice ambient light, halogen has a good spectrum but requires
fiddly transformers and expensive replacement bulbs. Floor lights wouldn't be
directional.
FWIW I'd go for a ceiling mounted spot array, its relatively cheap gives good
directional light and can be installed over the existing fittings and look
good.
Tim spake thusly upon matters weighty:
> On Thursday, July 02, 1998 6:39 AM, Brian Bell
Any topic seems good today.... its a sign of life.
> The spots are on swivel mounts so can be placed in direction to give
And a lot of heat. Ever tried that in a small room with a half dozen or more
heated gamers? Gets hot fast I've found.
> For painitng you really need a directional local light source so I
This I agree with. In fact, one of those arm lamps with a magnifier built in
is ideal for painting.
> I think the light from these is harsh flickery and gives me a headache
Depends on how many tubes you have and your appreciation for diffuse light.
People must like this kind of light or GE wouldn't make 'Soft White'
Incandescents.
> > Torch style Halogin bulbed floor lamps
They are and they aren't. You can move them about.....
And I've never seen a 'fiddly transformer' on one of the modern lamps... but I
will admit the bulbs have special care instructions (ie NEVER get fingerprints
on them) and cost about $7 Canadian. I have replaced one in about three years
of ownership of three lights. It doesn't seem to be a major problem (note, the
more dusty your environment, the more risk of losing a bulb).
> FWIW I'd go for a ceiling mounted spot array, its relatively cheap
1. With a seven foot cieling, I'd think that would be a pain unless it was
right over your table. I found with low ceilings that the hanging spots can
get in the way. But at least you are getting (as is typical for the list)
divergent answers......
:)
Tom.
On Thursday, July 02, 1998 12:28 PM, Thomas Barclay
> [SMTP:Thomas.Barclay@sofkin.ca] wrote:
> And a lot of heat. Ever tried that in a small room with a half dozen
You're right about the heat you can feel it, nice and cosy
in the winter :-) I think my ceilings are over 7ft - nearer 8ft
so this makes a difference 7ft is too low for spots.
> Depends on how many tubes you have and your appreciation for diffuse
If radiant heat is an issue then these are a better option and require less
clearance, you can get better spectrum tubes at more cost (black light make an
interesting combination with flourescent paints)
> They are and they aren't. You can move them about.....
I have seen floor standing halogens with swivel heads though. But lights on
the floor get in the way and can be tripped over in excitment. They too
generate much directional heat.
> And I've never seen a 'fiddly transformer' on one of the modern
I'm thinking of the inset ceiling type used to be a pain to install as you
have to wire the transformers in, but come to think of it the modern stuff is
all integrated so its a lot easier but the fittings cost a lot more.
I also have a desk lamp that clamps to the gaming board from a cartography
studio, has a double flourescent head 2x18 inch tubes.
I use this to illuminate the game and sometimes have a red background light in
the angle poise to give atmosphere, as the spots are a bit bright. It
doesn't get in the way and as you can swivel it about. Feels like being in one
of those tac ops rooms you see in navy films.
Looks like flourescents may be better for you, though I'd probably prefer the
quality light from of up-lighters
On Thursday, July 02, 1998 3:48 PM, Thomas Barclay
> [SMTP:Thomas.Barclay@sofkin.ca] wrote:
I use blacklight and it looks stunning. No problems with dice as I use red
ambient light and I've painted flourescent spots on the dice.
> Good idea. Like a drafting lamp. Good for illuminating a portion of
Not really is swivels about the base pivot so you can move it out of the way
with a finger.
> Heh. Mood lighting for war games! What's next.
Mood music - I use the Babylon 5 multi-media CD it has about 14
tracks of brilliant FT mood music for any background not just B5.
Tim spake thusly upon matters weighty:
> If radiant heat is an issue then these are a better option and require
I didn't realize there were grades of Tubes. In a vaguely on-topic
posting, I'd be most intrigued to see a battle under blacklight -
something tells me it would be hard to see the dice - but I have one
that glows in the dark so I guess even that is possible.
> I have seen floor standing halogens with swivel heads though. But
True, but I've found that, unlike the spots which shine "on" you, they shine
on the ceiling and the heat tends to move up from there...
> I also have a desk lamp that clamps to the gaming board from a
Good idea. Like a drafting lamp. Good for illuminating a portion of the field.
But doesn't this too get in the way?
> I use this to illuminate the game and sometimes have a red background
It
> doesn't get in the way and as you can swivel it about. Feels like
Heh. Mood lighting for war games! What's next.
I've done the blacklight thing; exciting concept, difficult in execution.
Usually done on blacksheets: attracts fluorescing white lint. Sounds more kewl
than looks.
If almost totally black-out otherwise, REALLY screws up your depth
perception, which can be nasty as you grap for a fig to move it. Likewise,
make certain your drink cups, can kooseys(thermal wraps), etc. also glow, or
spills abound.
Fluorescing monofilament fishing line, good size for lining up shots between
figs, doesn't really shine as much as I was hoping. Course, I used the white,
and the colored might work better.
I REALLY like using the light, non-glowing paints for the main parts of
the
ship, and the 'day-glo' for engine tips, weapons, etc., espcially using
a particular color, say red orange for engine exhaust, blue for engine panels,
pink for beams...
The_Beast
> This may be OT but what the heck the first message in 2 days...
Sorry, I did not realize that this would be considered off topic. I
assumed that any aspect relating to FT/DS2/SG2 (playing, painting,
sculpting, modifying) would be on topic. But, perhaps you are correct as it
could pertain to any miniatures game. Please accept an apology for any list
deviation.
<The above statement sounds much more sarcastic than intended. Please
take as tounge-in-cheek except for the apology>