Post by Ron Walker on Mar 5, 2023 18:17:02 GMT -7
Someplace on the old OC there were threads about using the Streamlight Stinger bulb as a replacement for pin hole star projectors. There has been some renewed interest in the use of these bulbs so I am trying to finding these threads. In the meantime I have found some pictures that should help in building adapters for these very useful lamps.
This first image compares a GOTO lamp designed for an E-5 projector with a Stinger lamp. You will note that the filaments are virtually identical. The only slight negative is that the filament supports in the Stinger bulb go high enough to dim any stars directly on the filament axis.
The Stinger bulb has a bi-pin base with two posts approximately 1/8" apart. There is not an inexpensive socket for this, so back to the good junk box. If you don't have one a computer hard drive or DVD/CD drive cable will work. With a Dremel cut off wheel I cut through every other double contact to get several double female socket sets. From left to right we have: 1-#13 bulb with miniature screw base, 2-#13 bulb with glass removed (To get the wires out heat the base tip with a soldering gun/pencil so as not to destroy the screw base), 3-A multipin computer connector with all the wires separated, 4-A single double socket cut from the multipin connector, 5-A Mini-Maglight bulb in the socket (this a perfect replacement for a Spits Jr. if you have one), 6-A Stinger bulb in the socket.
It is easier to see in this photo. from left to right, 1-Computer connector, 2-Single connector cut from strip, 3-Stinger in socket, 4-Socket mounted in mini screw base (The socket wires, one through the bottom and the other folded back out to go around the top of the screw base. The socket was then hot glued in place).
This first image compares a GOTO lamp designed for an E-5 projector with a Stinger lamp. You will note that the filaments are virtually identical. The only slight negative is that the filament supports in the Stinger bulb go high enough to dim any stars directly on the filament axis.
The Stinger bulb has a bi-pin base with two posts approximately 1/8" apart. There is not an inexpensive socket for this, so back to the good junk box. If you don't have one a computer hard drive or DVD/CD drive cable will work. With a Dremel cut off wheel I cut through every other double contact to get several double female socket sets. From left to right we have: 1-#13 bulb with miniature screw base, 2-#13 bulb with glass removed (To get the wires out heat the base tip with a soldering gun/pencil so as not to destroy the screw base), 3-A multipin computer connector with all the wires separated, 4-A single double socket cut from the multipin connector, 5-A Mini-Maglight bulb in the socket (this a perfect replacement for a Spits Jr. if you have one), 6-A Stinger bulb in the socket.
It is easier to see in this photo. from left to right, 1-Computer connector, 2-Single connector cut from strip, 3-Stinger in socket, 4-Socket mounted in mini screw base (The socket wires, one through the bottom and the other folded back out to go around the top of the screw base. The socket was then hot glued in place).