Every individual who has experience in business understands that it’s impossible to create a lasting impact without audio-visual aids. Hence, for a good presentation, a person needs to have projects.
These are indispensable. Projector lamps are things you can’t do without in educational and business arenas. They help move images from a multimeter projector into a big screen so that you can deliver your presentation or sales pitch with the help of visuals.
What is a Projector Lamp?
A projector lamp is a device that displays the image, moved from a multimedia projector on a bigger screen that offers a better view to the audience. This lamp has found its way in different fields like medical, business, education, and so on. People find it simple and practical to teach, learn and convey information using the lamp.
Did you know that in the 15th century, people developed an idea of creating drawings on thin, large screens, backlit by candle or other means of light? Eventually, it became quite fascinating for the scientists to study it, connecting the above concern with the field of optics. Hence, projector lamps came into reality.
Basically, a projector lamp uses an intense light bulb we call the metal halide bulb. That bulb emits a brilliant white light. The bulb sends the image into the screen via the air, illuminating onto an array of mirrors representing inside the machine.
You will find three basic types of projectors: multimedia projectors, overload projectors, and slide projectors. Let’s discuss each of them.
- Multimedia projector
This projector happens to be the most expensive type of projector lamp. However, the best part about this is that it provides a high quality image. The device initially sends the image and expands it on the image screen or on a wall. A multimedia projector makes its way to theaters and in-home theater systems as well because of its high quality.
- Overhead projector
An overhead projector is a projector commonly utilized in businesses and schools. They are highly used because of their low cost and practical use. On a technical side, these projectors use a special type of mirror, helping in enlarging the image of the screen.
Many demonstrators find these types of projectors practical enough to show writing samples to a whole audience.
- Slide projector
A slide projector is a projector that can display images on a slide. It’s often called the “tool of a family” as it enables a person to take a look at the images of one’s family or friends. Thus, it happens to be a good family entertainment tool.
Nonetheless, slide projectors are intended for only photographic slides. Apart from that, these projectors have been substituted by digital cameras and other tools, and most manufacturers of these projectors stopped producing them for many other reasons.
Common Signs Your Projector Lamp is Malfunctioning
Many projector lamps would last an average of 2,000 hours. Don’t you have a menu that can tell you how many hours your lamp has been utilized? Then you’ll likely have no idea of how much life is left on the lamp itself.
Apparently, you will need to change the projector lamp when it stops functioning. But to be honest, your lamp will show some signs of aging before it goes totally dead.
It can also be dangerous to wait until your projector lamp stops functioning, as it can possibly ruin your entire projector system. Nonetheless, you do not like to replace it too early either because that’s a huge waste of money.
So, what else can you do? Below are some things you need to consider helping you determine when it is time to consider changing your projector lamp.
- A light comes on warning you, which means it might be time to replace the lamp
- You often find a delay or difficulty when turning the machine on
- Your lamp is always flickering
- There is an evident decline in picture sharpness and clarity
- The picture has become dull and lacks brightness
How Do You Test a Projector Lamp?
One way to test if your projector lamp is bad is with a digital multimeter. Follow the steps below, so you are guided throughout the whole process.
- Place the two leads, the red for positive lead and the black one for the negative lead.
- If you are using an analog multimeter, the needle itself must swing all the way over the zero resistance. Meanwhile, for a digital multimeter user, your readings must flash shortly, then register zero.
- Move the zero (red) calibration wheel that can be seen under the display if you do not receive a zero reading. Do that step until you do receive a zero reading.
- Insert one of the multimeter’s test leads against one contact of the projector lamp, and the other test lead should against the other contact.
- Check whether the needle (for analog) stays or moves still. If it does, it will stop on a resistance reading (0-20 ohms). A resistance reading suggests the element is doing good. If the needle doesn’t move an inch, it means the element is interrupted, leading to having either a broken or burnt component. Hence, you need to replace the lamp right away.
You should notice numbers (for digital) change on display to a low resistance reading. Keep in mind that an interjected lamp filament will record as infinite resistance.
Final Thoughts
You are now equipped with the information you need to venture forth in your projector lamp testing quests. With the information you have learned in this article, you should be able to successfully test your projector by making smart decisions.
You now understand the different projectors and common signs whether you have a bad and malfunctioning projector lamp.
Remember that not all projector lamps are the same. Projectors typically use a wide array of technologies, which take advantage of specific benefits while often compromising other features. They don’t need to be complicated to understand. By keeping the information outlined in mind, you can keep it easy when it comes to testing a projector lamp.
