HID lamp start up

[ProfDave]

Not had HIDs on a car before; I assume its normal that they are initially not 100% bright!? Or is this a sign I should get some new arc lamps in!:eek:

[pab]

Quite normal. They can take up to thirty seconds to achieve maximum output and colour temperature.

[valleygixer]

That's correct. Mine take about 10 secs to 'warm up'.....

[ProfDave]

cheers chaps

they are fine after a while but initially when I switch them on they are pretty dim (for as you say up to about half a minute)

[VMax1000]

typically 20-30 secs to get to full brightness but after 10-15 secs you shouldn't really be seeing much of an increase anymore.

Takes a bit longer on cold winter mornings though :D

[T-Cut]

I use two lumps of carbide in mine.

TC

[wesley]

That's correct. Mine take about 10 secs to 'warm up'.....

that's why there no good for main beam

[VMax1000]

I use two lumps of carbide in mine.

TC

Not these by any chance :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Carbide_lamp_on_a_bicycle.jpg

[Jordan Apex]

that's why there no good for main beam

Unless you have bi xenons using the slider ;)