Concrete Base Found Inside A Nameless Circular CFL Lamp With Magnifying Lens
Strange as it might be to hear, I saw a concrete base inside this CFL Table Lamp with magnifying lens that I use for my service work. I had to open this as the mains cord had loose contacts. Though I knew that the base should be heavy to hold the lamp when we tilt it to a convenient angle, I was under the impression that it was using cast iron material inside.
But I was surprised to see a molded concrete block with grooves, which is a very cheap way to add weight! Needless to mention that it was made in China! The block was fixed with three screws!
I did a reinforcement of the flexible lamp holder at its base, as I noticed a few cracks which might break away the bolt/nut with which it was fixed to the top cover of the base. I inserted strong copper wire using my iron and liberally applied bonding gels and allowed it to dry and get hardened. I also fixed a thin layer of metal underneath and bolted it from the top of the cover. Then replaced the two e-caps (2.2uF/400V & 47uF/50V with 2.2uF/450V & 47uF/63V) and did a retouch of the board, as a preventive measure.
I replaced the interconnecting wire from the switch and mains cord, as these were found damaged. After finishing these works, when I applied power, the CFL gave a decent illumination which was good enough for my work. Let us have a look at the board and circuit:
(The picture shown in second above was taken for future reference before I cleaned the board with IPA) As you might have noticed, it used a simple switching circuit using two 13001 transistors, associated biasing components, one coil and fixed capacitor for triggering the CFL.
Mission accomplished allowing my service work to continue unhindered, and a double satisfaction mixed with amusement got collected!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 74 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Waleed Rishmawi
May 25, 2024 at 2:08 pm
totally agree that is very odd to find concrete in a base of a table lamp but I am glad you do that job done as always and a satisfying job or replacing capacitors along the way..LOL. have a blessed day
Parasuraman S
May 25, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Many thanks, dear!
Albert van Bemmelen
May 25, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Thanks for sharing! I guess that they this way make shipping these Chinese made table lamps around the world more complex. Especially knowing they will be transported in large but relatively light Aluminium cargo planes. Where this primary aircraft material alone already is comprising about 80% of an aircraft's unladen weight.
Parasuraman S
May 25, 2024 at 8:43 pm
Yes, yet another unthought of angle! Many thanks for sharing!
Yogesh Panchal
May 25, 2024 at 10:50 pm
Good Fix! Sir
Parasuraman S
May 26, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Thanks, Yogesh
Imoudu.O
May 26, 2024 at 4:34 am
It's not surprising to find such unacceptable things from made in china products.Well you upgraded it a little to your satisfaction taste, which also jumped to your that ever elastic bag....lol.
Parasuraman S
May 26, 2024 at 1:39 pm
LOL! Many thanks for your hilarious yet encouraging comments!
Mark
May 26, 2024 at 7:29 am
Crazy what they will do just to save some money!
Parasuraman S
May 26, 2024 at 1:40 pm
Yes, that's the correct word! Thanks for your comments!