I managed to score two M&R Quartz flashes circa 1996 from locally from a super nice fellow for next to nothing. Machine #'s 0099 and 0100! This guy also has a CHII sitting in his garage that he was given for free. Wish I knew where he found his friends! Anyway, these flash units are in great shape considering their age. Super clean on the inside. They could use some paint, and there are a few toggle switches that need replacing. The lamp timers look like they've seen better days as well so Im going to swap those out as well. These look exactly like the Cayenne D, only blue! Looks like it will plug right up to our sportsman. We don't have power wired up to test yet, but that should change soon.
I only have experience with IR flashes, so I'm curious about the quartz tubes. One of the units was missing two bulbs, so I at least need to replace those. The spring sockets look to be in good condition (no black / brown spots that would indicate arcing).
From what I understand there are 3 types of bulbs, short wave, medium wave, and instant start medium wave. From the windings, these tubes appear to be Medium wave. If i'm swapping lamps, is there any benefit to "upgrade" to the instant start medium wave tubes, or would I be shooting myself in the foot on this older unit? M&R does carry them
https://www.mrprint.com/store/product/1007133/quartz-curing-length-18-220vac-1080w-filament-length-17-25-total-length-20-25-marked-yellow. And holy smokes are they $$$! If I replace all 18 lamps in both units i'm looking at dropping a good bit of cash. I can't complain too much as I got both units for $600, but If I don't need to spend the extra $$ I'd rather not. So tell me, who is your favorite vendor to pickup replacement tubes?
On a side note, has anyone ever wired in a temp controller to one of these? Unnecessary, or crucial to prevent scorching? If it wasn't needed in 1996 I'm good riiiight
