viptanner

Dear Don,
We use the UVA-B Solarmeter to read our lamps and have used the same meter for amost 4 years. I have noticed a significant drop in the lamp output at the starting point compared to previous lamps in the same unit. In other words, If I start between 32-36 for the first 100 hours, shouldn't the same bed, with the same brand/type of lamps start at appoximately the same reading in the first 100 hours on the following lamp changes?
Could it be my meter? battery? electrical?
lamps? I've noticed the difference with other units, not only this bed. There are no indicators on my meter advising of battery failure. I'm getting a reading of 24-28 when I used to get 32-36. I'm concerned, should I be?

solarmeter

If the battery is 4 yrs old, you should try changing it first, although "batt" indicator should come on when it drops to ~6.5 volts.

As a point of reference, check sun on clear sky day at noon. In TX it should read ~5.5 or so this time of year. Depending on clarity, haze, etc it could be anywhere between 5 & 6.

If you suspect a problem, it can be sent here for re-calibration. Fee is $30. Address is on "contact" page of www.solarmeter.com .

Sometimes a new lot of lamps will read lower or higher than a previous batch. Usually that would be within +/- 10% mfg tolerance and is normal. But sometimes the PL company will switch manufacturers or plant locations, and a larger variance may occur.

Don Smith

VIP:

Chances are the UVB meter is telling you something. Some things to check:

1. Check the output with the acrylic off and then with it on. If the reading varies by more than 10%, THOROUGHLY Novus your acrylic. If that doesn't work, change your acrylic. [Note: I have used my UVB meter for the past 5+ years to "check" the transmission of my acrylics.]

2. Check your electrical "input" to your sunbed. We found that the "power" in one of our salons had dropped off and were able to get the electrical company to fix the problem. Remember, the "input" can (and does) vary by 10% in most areas.

If this doesn't identify your problem, send the meter back to Steve for recalibration.

Let us know what you find.

Don

Chippp

Acrylics not bring changed soon enough are a big problem for clients, the salon save a buck, and you don't get tanned.

Its best if a tanning machine dosen't use acrylics.

Its a fact.

solarmeter

I think Viptanner has the plain jane model 5. For acrylic checks the model 6 is best (UVB). Model 7 too, since it detects mostly erythemally weighted UVB.

Acrylic will keep letting most UVA transmit thru as it ages (solarizes), but UVB will be blocked (absorbed).

Perfect Tan

CHIPPP

As a Canadian salon I guess you are aware that Health Canada's proposed regulations would prohibit the sale of stand-up units without plexi's. Apparently this is already the case in Japan where Suncapsule had to add plexis to all of their units. Check out Tan Today's Canadian forum if you want to keep on top fo the new regulations.

Merv

viptanner

Thanks for the info Don and Solar-
I've checked the acrylics and their OK (Chippp)
I'll replace the battery next and follow up.

Chippp

Perfect Tan , that does not apply to older models, just the newer made. We did have acrylics over the mesh of one model it was an option only.

They are easy to replace or add to the mesh if ever needed.
I don't see it as an issue for us at all.
You worry too much!

The latest book I have from the gov. says nothing about all tanning booths ever made and in use have to have arcylics instead of mesh.
Acrylics used in booths will never ever be as strong as metal mesh.




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Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best.
Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.
Don't get booth envy, get a booth.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-05-15 10:56 ]

viptanner

To follow up with my little problem with my meter readings. It is NOT the Acrylics, it is NOT the lamp manufacturer, it is NOT the electrical flow into the units, and it is NOT the battery.
Recalibration must be neccessary.
I learned something new. Don't always trust your radiometer readings.







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[ This Message was edited by: viptanner on 2002-06-03 14:05 ]