USA bulb for Mathmos Astro?

[Michael Adkins]

Hello I am currently converting my Mathmos Astro to  USA set up.

I have viewed a thread on here that states an R14 40w reflector spotlight soft white is the ideal bulb to use on a USA converted Astro.  but the bulb (ge 71695) is no longer in production.

What would be a good bulb to go with now?

Would it matter if I used a R14 40w 120v spotlight reflector, clear or frosted?  

Would the clear be too hot ? and also has anyone tried a tinted bulb?  Ive seen a few R14 40 reflector spotlight bulbs with blue, or green tints on the ends.

overall I'm just unsure if the frosted is just as good as the clear, or if the clear is even better. 

here is a link with the clear and colored bulbs I've been looking at...

https://bulbrite.iqlightbulbs.com/r12-r14-r16-light-bulbs.asp

Thanks everyone 

-Mike

[Brad]

Any brand 40w R14 E26 (the short stubby one) should work, though I am not sure about frosted or colored bulbs as I used a spotlight reflector for this modification.

[Michael Adkins]

Hey Brad it was actually your thread that inspired me to get the Mathmos and modify it !

I just ordered the (ge) 71695 off eBay but it is discontinued now,

I figure next bulb I will tryout a clear instead of the soft white. Im wandering if it will change the flow or brightness of the lamp.

[Kirk]

Mike, I've spent some time working with this problem, and Brad's Astro rewiring discussion inspired me, too.  The following recs assume you are rewiring with E26 medium sockets.

The best USA bulb for the current Mathmos silver base Astros is a 35w halogen bulb.  If you look at the specs on the Mathmos site for the silver base Astros, they recommend a 35w halogen bulb.  This bulb runs my Astros for hours on end without overheating.

Here’s where to buy the USA 35W Halogen bulbs - http://www.bulbconnection.com/ViewSIMItemDetail/bcrw/simid/6696/ite.... 

I don't own a Heritage Astro, so I can't recommend a bulb for it, but the Mathmos specs do say that the Heritage also uses the 35w halogen bulbs.

The best USA bulb for the Fluidium is a USA 40w R16 flood reflector.

Some of the Fluidium wax seems to be "softer" than other Fluidium wax and needs a little less heat.  If your Fluidium overheats, install an inline dimmer in place of the on/off switch.

Here's where to buy the inline dimmers - http://www.fruitridgetools.com/storefrontprofiles/DeluxeSFItemDetai...

[Brad]

Thanks Kirk! I'll have to try the halogen bulb sometime.

[Brad]

Michael - best of luck with the modification! It works well on the 2 Astros I have.