@thearclampman.bsky.social
Collector and researcher of lighting technology from medieval to recent.
History of the electrical industry especially during the carbon lamp era and our contemporary changes in decarbonisation
History of the electrical industry especially during the carbon lamp era and our contemporary changes in decarbonisation
1/2 A day with my son on Friday so we went to look at HMS Belfast.
The tower bridge was shut to traffic for a short time but it did photo bomb my picture of a signal lamp. Managed to visit most of the ship
The tower bridge was shut to traffic for a short time but it did photo bomb my picture of a signal lamp. Managed to visit most of the ship
November 9, 2025 at 6:01 PM
1/2 A day with my son on Friday so we went to look at HMS Belfast.
The tower bridge was shut to traffic for a short time but it did photo bomb my picture of a signal lamp. Managed to visit most of the ship
The tower bridge was shut to traffic for a short time but it did photo bomb my picture of a signal lamp. Managed to visit most of the ship
An electric arc inside a glass tube.
themma has replied to her post describing the gas mixture used.
themma has replied to her post describing the gas mixture used.
November 6, 2025 at 10:02 AM
An electric arc inside a glass tube.
themma has replied to her post describing the gas mixture used.
themma has replied to her post describing the gas mixture used.
Filament bulbs typically last for 1,000 hours.
LED lamps were marketed with a 25,000 hour lifespan.
So this neon has been on for 20 years which is 175,200 hours.
They would be on the 8th LED version by now.
Long live neon.
LED lamps were marketed with a 25,000 hour lifespan.
So this neon has been on for 20 years which is 175,200 hours.
They would be on the 8th LED version by now.
Long live neon.
How long does Neon last? Check out this conversation with someone who bought one of my first artworks.
November 6, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Filament bulbs typically last for 1,000 hours.
LED lamps were marketed with a 25,000 hour lifespan.
So this neon has been on for 20 years which is 175,200 hours.
They would be on the 8th LED version by now.
Long live neon.
LED lamps were marketed with a 25,000 hour lifespan.
So this neon has been on for 20 years which is 175,200 hours.
They would be on the 8th LED version by now.
Long live neon.
@electronvalve.co
What terms do you use to differentiate between true neon (clear glass tube where gas emits light) and fluorescent where the inside of the tube has a coating that emits the light but tube ends and power supplies look the same. (Neon inside?)
Do you have a term for LED "neon" signs?
What terms do you use to differentiate between true neon (clear glass tube where gas emits light) and fluorescent where the inside of the tube has a coating that emits the light but tube ends and power supplies look the same. (Neon inside?)
Do you have a term for LED "neon" signs?
November 6, 2025 at 9:29 AM
@electronvalve.co
What terms do you use to differentiate between true neon (clear glass tube where gas emits light) and fluorescent where the inside of the tube has a coating that emits the light but tube ends and power supplies look the same. (Neon inside?)
Do you have a term for LED "neon" signs?
What terms do you use to differentiate between true neon (clear glass tube where gas emits light) and fluorescent where the inside of the tube has a coating that emits the light but tube ends and power supplies look the same. (Neon inside?)
Do you have a term for LED "neon" signs?
1/3
Glum, glim and glam.
A short thread on lighting to illuminate a little of a lighting display I put on for Halloween.
This bulb looks quite Glum with glass blackened. The spiral inside is made from iron in the shape of a straw beehive.
Made circa 1945 it is just a 5 watt power...
Glum, glim and glam.
A short thread on lighting to illuminate a little of a lighting display I put on for Halloween.
This bulb looks quite Glum with glass blackened. The spiral inside is made from iron in the shape of a straw beehive.
Made circa 1945 it is just a 5 watt power...
November 5, 2025 at 9:43 AM
1/3
Glum, glim and glam.
A short thread on lighting to illuminate a little of a lighting display I put on for Halloween.
This bulb looks quite Glum with glass blackened. The spiral inside is made from iron in the shape of a straw beehive.
Made circa 1945 it is just a 5 watt power...
Glum, glim and glam.
A short thread on lighting to illuminate a little of a lighting display I put on for Halloween.
This bulb looks quite Glum with glass blackened. The spiral inside is made from iron in the shape of a straw beehive.
Made circa 1945 it is just a 5 watt power...
I cannot avoid AI intruding into my normal use of IT systems.
Not registered to read the link quoted below but headline suggests AI scientists are not promoting the use of AI
Will we create a new class where some people will become dependent on AI to do all their thinking?
Not registered to read the link quoted below but headline suggests AI scientists are not promoting the use of AI
Will we create a new class where some people will become dependent on AI to do all their thinking?
November 2, 2025 at 9:45 AM
I cannot avoid AI intruding into my normal use of IT systems.
Not registered to read the link quoted below but headline suggests AI scientists are not promoting the use of AI
Will we create a new class where some people will become dependent on AI to do all their thinking?
Not registered to read the link quoted below but headline suggests AI scientists are not promoting the use of AI
Will we create a new class where some people will become dependent on AI to do all their thinking?
The end of an era will dissapear. The skyline in the area is set to change when this is flattened and the site used for new industry that gets reduced tax deals. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Demolition of UK's last coal-fired power station approved
Ratcliffe-on-Soar was the last UK coal-fired power station when it ended operating in 2024.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 5, 2025 at 6:53 AM
The end of an era will dissapear. The skyline in the area is set to change when this is flattened and the site used for new industry that gets reduced tax deals. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Light bulb factories were a big fire risk due to benzine being used in a process called flashing.
This one had its own fire brigade and they won competitions for being the fastest. More details in Monday talk. www.biag.org.uk youtube.com/watch?v=fDD7...
This one had its own fire brigade and they won competitions for being the fastest. More details in Monday talk. www.biag.org.uk youtube.com/watch?v=fDD7...
Fire Drill At Factory (1914-1918)
YouTube video by British Pathé
youtube.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Light bulb factories were a big fire risk due to benzine being used in a process called flashing.
This one had its own fire brigade and they won competitions for being the fastest. More details in Monday talk. www.biag.org.uk youtube.com/watch?v=fDD7...
This one had its own fire brigade and they won competitions for being the fastest. More details in Monday talk. www.biag.org.uk youtube.com/watch?v=fDD7...
I did enjoy watching some old film of the Robertson lamps leaving the factory.
They made 4 million per year and I know of one that has survived. It is in my lamp collection.
I will show some photographs of the inside of the factory on Monday. youtube.com/watch?v=A_vE...
They made 4 million per year and I know of one that has survived. It is in my lamp collection.
I will show some photographs of the inside of the factory on Monday. youtube.com/watch?v=A_vE...
Delivery Vehicles Leave Osram (1914-1930)
YouTube video by British Pathé
youtube.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:57 PM
I did enjoy watching some old film of the Robertson lamps leaving the factory.
They made 4 million per year and I know of one that has survived. It is in my lamp collection.
I will show some photographs of the inside of the factory on Monday. youtube.com/watch?v=A_vE...
They made 4 million per year and I know of one that has survived. It is in my lamp collection.
I will show some photographs of the inside of the factory on Monday. youtube.com/watch?v=A_vE...
Tonight I enjoyed a private PowerPoint presentation on the early history of the #hammersmith #osram factory in #London
I remembered most of it from when I last presented it in 2021
Going to give it to the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology meeting on Monday.
Guests welcome
www.biag.org.uk
I remembered most of it from when I last presented it in 2021
Going to give it to the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology meeting on Monday.
Guests welcome
www.biag.org.uk
September 17, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Tonight I enjoyed a private PowerPoint presentation on the early history of the #hammersmith #osram factory in #London
I remembered most of it from when I last presented it in 2021
Going to give it to the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology meeting on Monday.
Guests welcome
www.biag.org.uk
I remembered most of it from when I last presented it in 2021
Going to give it to the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology meeting on Monday.
Guests welcome
www.biag.org.uk
1/3 I had a bright day today starting with this cut away lamp that was used in a west end showroom.
September 9, 2025 at 7:09 PM
1/3 I had a bright day today starting with this cut away lamp that was used in a west end showroom.
On Sunday I started in one country and travelled along five motorways.
Two have a single digit number, the others two digits.
I did the entire length of a two digit one.
One two digit one had no end.
The same single digits are also in the two digit ones.
I forgot the numbers
Suggestions?
Two have a single digit number, the others two digits.
I did the entire length of a two digit one.
One two digit one had no end.
The same single digits are also in the two digit ones.
I forgot the numbers
Suggestions?
September 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
On Sunday I started in one country and travelled along five motorways.
Two have a single digit number, the others two digits.
I did the entire length of a two digit one.
One two digit one had no end.
The same single digits are also in the two digit ones.
I forgot the numbers
Suggestions?
Two have a single digit number, the others two digits.
I did the entire length of a two digit one.
One two digit one had no end.
The same single digits are also in the two digit ones.
I forgot the numbers
Suggestions?
I had forgotten about precipitation with our recent heatwaves.
Reminded by the rumble of thunder and heavy rain.
I discovered the consequences when I had to paddle to my bathroom beyond my kitchen.
Maybe if I shut my back door in future the lip at the bottom will throw the water outside.
Reminded by the rumble of thunder and heavy rain.
I discovered the consequences when I had to paddle to my bathroom beyond my kitchen.
Maybe if I shut my back door in future the lip at the bottom will throw the water outside.
July 31, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I had forgotten about precipitation with our recent heatwaves.
Reminded by the rumble of thunder and heavy rain.
I discovered the consequences when I had to paddle to my bathroom beyond my kitchen.
Maybe if I shut my back door in future the lip at the bottom will throw the water outside.
Reminded by the rumble of thunder and heavy rain.
I discovered the consequences when I had to paddle to my bathroom beyond my kitchen.
Maybe if I shut my back door in future the lip at the bottom will throw the water outside.
There is a magical light from a glowing gas cloud inside a glass tube that LED lights cannot compare.
However 5kv must be treated with respect compared to 5 volt LED
However 5kv must be treated with respect compared to 5 volt LED
USB powered neon? Sure. Why not? Just a small scrap tube - this is a proof of concept for a desk art sculpture I’m working on.
This is a tek22 12vdc to 5kv connected to a USBC to 12v power supply.
This is a tek22 12vdc to 5kv connected to a USBC to 12v power supply.
July 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
There is a magical light from a glowing gas cloud inside a glass tube that LED lights cannot compare.
However 5kv must be treated with respect compared to 5 volt LED
However 5kv must be treated with respect compared to 5 volt LED
@dockyardtalk.bsky.social One for you found in Portsmouth Museum special exhibition.
July 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
@dockyardtalk.bsky.social One for you found in Portsmouth Museum special exhibition.
After returning some library books I had time to pop into Portsmouth museum and see their suffragette exhibition. Open until November and revealing the extent of the local campaign
June 30, 2025 at 8:10 PM
After returning some library books I had time to pop into Portsmouth museum and see their suffragette exhibition. Open until November and revealing the extent of the local campaign
Just watched a fascinating documentary "Organ stops: saving the king of instruments* (bbc4)
Never seen one in bits before
Old pipe organs skipped but a few saved for export.
Some date from 1700
Some get a new home
Digital one prices are just 10%
Never seen one in bits before
Old pipe organs skipped but a few saved for export.
Some date from 1700
Some get a new home
Digital one prices are just 10%
June 15, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Just watched a fascinating documentary "Organ stops: saving the king of instruments* (bbc4)
Never seen one in bits before
Old pipe organs skipped but a few saved for export.
Some date from 1700
Some get a new home
Digital one prices are just 10%
Never seen one in bits before
Old pipe organs skipped but a few saved for export.
Some date from 1700
Some get a new home
Digital one prices are just 10%
I do love bargains and bought a bag of MR16 fire rated adjustable downlighters at the last car boot sale I visited.
Just what I needed for a future project.
Already taken off the transformers as the bulbs are 12 volt.
Didn't even haggle over the price which worked out at 15p each. Mean to haggle.
Just what I needed for a future project.
Already taken off the transformers as the bulbs are 12 volt.
Didn't even haggle over the price which worked out at 15p each. Mean to haggle.
June 5, 2025 at 7:58 AM
I do love bargains and bought a bag of MR16 fire rated adjustable downlighters at the last car boot sale I visited.
Just what I needed for a future project.
Already taken off the transformers as the bulbs are 12 volt.
Didn't even haggle over the price which worked out at 15p each. Mean to haggle.
Just what I needed for a future project.
Already taken off the transformers as the bulbs are 12 volt.
Didn't even haggle over the price which worked out at 15p each. Mean to haggle.
I do like this idea of illuminated house numbers especially when trying to find one on a late winter afternoon.
On the other hand I used glass paint to create a translucent coloured number in the window above the door so it is backlit by the normal inside light.
On the other hand I used glass paint to create a translucent coloured number in the window above the door so it is backlit by the normal inside light.
I found a new life goal - when I eventually buy a house in Palm Springs, I want neon house numbers like I saw today in Greenpoint 🤤
June 5, 2025 at 7:27 AM
I do like this idea of illuminated house numbers especially when trying to find one on a late winter afternoon.
On the other hand I used glass paint to create a translucent coloured number in the window above the door so it is backlit by the normal inside light.
On the other hand I used glass paint to create a translucent coloured number in the window above the door so it is backlit by the normal inside light.
Reposted
Astonishing evidence at the Covid Inquiry.
The Government repeatedly ignored offers from the Crick Institute to provide mass testing on a national scale.
Instead, the Government paid Deloitte consultants to project manage, not yet established, privately run labs.
1/2
The Government repeatedly ignored offers from the Crick Institute to provide mass testing on a national scale.
Instead, the Government paid Deloitte consultants to project manage, not yet established, privately run labs.
1/2
May 15, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Astonishing evidence at the Covid Inquiry.
The Government repeatedly ignored offers from the Crick Institute to provide mass testing on a national scale.
Instead, the Government paid Deloitte consultants to project manage, not yet established, privately run labs.
1/2
The Government repeatedly ignored offers from the Crick Institute to provide mass testing on a national scale.
Instead, the Government paid Deloitte consultants to project manage, not yet established, privately run labs.
1/2
I have been reading up about Whaling and one day I must attempt to read this book when I can find a copy and I have a month with nothing else to do.
In the meantime I enjoy these unusual quotes
In the meantime I enjoy these unusual quotes
I’ll get a crucible, and into it, and dissolve myself down to one small, compendious vertebra.
May 19, 2025 at 7:41 AM
I have been reading up about Whaling and one day I must attempt to read this book when I can find a copy and I have a month with nothing else to do.
In the meantime I enjoy these unusual quotes
In the meantime I enjoy these unusual quotes
My camera no longer works and it was a 24 megapixel DSLR
Expensive £500+ to replace what was originally £350 camera
A £200 smartphone has a 50 megapixel camera.
More phones made than cameras so are cheaper and smaller.
Is this the way to go?
Expensive £500+ to replace what was originally £350 camera
A £200 smartphone has a 50 megapixel camera.
More phones made than cameras so are cheaper and smaller.
Is this the way to go?
May 18, 2025 at 9:23 PM
My camera no longer works and it was a 24 megapixel DSLR
Expensive £500+ to replace what was originally £350 camera
A £200 smartphone has a 50 megapixel camera.
More phones made than cameras so are cheaper and smaller.
Is this the way to go?
Expensive £500+ to replace what was originally £350 camera
A £200 smartphone has a 50 megapixel camera.
More phones made than cameras so are cheaper and smaller.
Is this the way to go?
Last night I watched a documentary broadcast by pbsAmerica
It was on the Iwo jima battle in WW2
During the commentary photographs showed American soldiers in battle.
Except for the overlaid text.
A. I. Image
Maybe the original photos were too expensive.
But not historic photos.
What do others think?
It was on the Iwo jima battle in WW2
During the commentary photographs showed American soldiers in battle.
Except for the overlaid text.
A. I. Image
Maybe the original photos were too expensive.
But not historic photos.
What do others think?
May 17, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Last night I watched a documentary broadcast by pbsAmerica
It was on the Iwo jima battle in WW2
During the commentary photographs showed American soldiers in battle.
Except for the overlaid text.
A. I. Image
Maybe the original photos were too expensive.
But not historic photos.
What do others think?
It was on the Iwo jima battle in WW2
During the commentary photographs showed American soldiers in battle.
Except for the overlaid text.
A. I. Image
Maybe the original photos were too expensive.
But not historic photos.
What do others think?
I mostly buy used books because the content is fixed at the time of printing and they are a window into past thoughts and technology.
Some of my best finds have been sleeping on library shelves for decades until revealing their contents to me.
Some of my best finds have been sleeping on library shelves for decades until revealing their contents to me.
Used books are a low-cost way to see if you like what an author has to offer. If you do find you like them, then you can buy their next book new, possibly from the same bookseller. They're also a way to get books no longer in print.
(gift article)
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/m...
(gift article)
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/m...
Is It Ethical to Buy Used Books and Music?
www.nytimes.com
May 16, 2025 at 7:37 AM
I mostly buy used books because the content is fixed at the time of printing and they are a window into past thoughts and technology.
Some of my best finds have been sleeping on library shelves for decades until revealing their contents to me.
Some of my best finds have been sleeping on library shelves for decades until revealing their contents to me.
Waking up this morning the choice was between a book on shipwrecks or this post on the finding of the remains of an 1857 ship being discovered.
Which one was the biggest temptation to read.
The screen was easier to read and I will never see it again.
My book can wait for another day, week or month
Which one was the biggest temptation to read.
The screen was easier to read and I will never see it again.
My book can wait for another day, week or month
May 16, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Waking up this morning the choice was between a book on shipwrecks or this post on the finding of the remains of an 1857 ship being discovered.
Which one was the biggest temptation to read.
The screen was easier to read and I will never see it again.
My book can wait for another day, week or month
Which one was the biggest temptation to read.
The screen was easier to read and I will never see it again.
My book can wait for another day, week or month