Fluorescent Light Controllers

MERCRON’s Fluorescent Controllers exhibit distinct illumination consistency and allows varied output customization, equaling unparalleled flexibility.

Despite their replacement by LEDs in numerous commercial applications, Fluorescents have retained their usefulness in a greater number of Vision’s applications than is commonly credited.




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Facts:
  • Fluorescents generate a desirable light-field with spectral stability, excellent field depth, and filter-free simplicity.
  • Fluorescents’ spectral range of lamps: Cool White, Daylight, Black Light, Custom Phosphors, makes them uniquely suited to a wide range of color-specific and UV applications.
  • Fluorescents offer a plentiful variety of shapes, lengths, widths, shapes, output levels (that, by the way, are safely over-driven by MERCRON), phosphors, & several apertures choices.
  • Because of this great assortment, they are most versatile as well.
  • Fluorescents are very efficient, twice as efficient as LEDs, in most cases.
  • Fluorescent present the most cost-effectiveness to Machine Vision users, 1) allowing usage of a more economical lamp to begin with; 2) extension of lifetime; 3) and low maintenance requirements.
  • They do not require complex reflectors - especially apertures – filters, or lenses; thus, are easily integrated into Machine Vision systems.

Additionally, when Fluorescent / Apertures are MERCRON-regulated…

+ They are flicker-free, consistent, therefore, dependable and stable, steady as sunshine.

+ They are extra bright, as much as 5x brighter (apertures).
Regular Fluorescents yield 1400 candlepower; apertures yield approximately 6500. The sun produces 14,000 footcandles; the MERCRON-driven generates as many as 20,000.

In short –

MERCRON-regulated Controllers transform Fluorescents from a rugged, industrial lamp into a precision light source, ideal for Imaging; despite the trends, they are classic.

MERCRON-regulated FLUORESCENT Lamps: Before & AFTER
Any light-sources has its pros and cons.
The most appropriate lamp is determined by several factors:
  • color of target
  • background color
  • color sensitivity of both the detector and the camera
  • color temperature of the lamp itself
Regardless, MERCRON allows the System Designer to capitalize upon its positives, and goes a long way to eliminate its negatives.
Advantages with Fluorescents

  • A rugged, linear light source
  • No need for complex reflectors / lenses
  • Low heat control risks
  • Provides soft light ideal for imaging
  • Very efficient: 110 lumens per watt
Concerns with Fluorescents

  • Preconceived false notion: "Not bright enough"
  • Steady and rapid lamp decay
  • Sensitive to operating temperatures
  • Often requires extra coding

But when regulated at high-frequency by MERCRON…
Generate a desirable light-field with:

  • A diffused source
  • Spectral stability
  • Brilliant output
  • Excellent field-depth

400 mA Series:

When ordering, be sure to specify correct version: 120 VAC or 230 VAC. MERCRON will confirm the prefix of the correct model number.

Note: All lamps in this series are T5’s (⅝”diameters), Standard Output (one exception)

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
0416 } 2 F4/T5/Std 6” 8 19 3:1
2 F6/T5/Std 9” 12 30 “
1 F10/T5/Std 16” 10 20 “
0424 } 4 F4/T5/Std 6” 16 38 3:1
2 F8/T5/Std 12” 16 44 “
1 F13/T5/Std 21” 13 32 “
2 S&Y Ring n/a 16 20 “
0436 } 4 F6/T5/Std 9” 24 60 3:1
3 F8/T5/Std 12” 24 66 “
2 F10/T5/Std 16” 20 40 “
3 S&Y Ring n/a 24 30 “
0448 } 4 F8/T5/Std 12” 32 88 3:1
HR/HN Models
7:1
0464 } 4 F6/T5/Std
(Preheat)		 9” 24 60 3:1
FY Models
7:1
4 F8/T5/Std 12” 32 88 “
4 F10/T5/Std 16” 40 80 “
0480 } 3 F18/T8/Std 18” 45 59 3:1

600 mA Series

When ordering, be sure to specify correct version: 120 VAC or 230 VAC MERCRON will confirm the prefix of the correct model number.

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
0624 } 1 FC6/T9/Std 2 n/a 20 30 3:1
1 F14/T12/Std 15” 14 22 “
1 F15/T8/Std 18” 15 30 “
F15/T12/Std 18” 15 27 “
1 F20/T12/Std 24” 20 32 “
0648 } 1 FT/18/DL 9” 18 23 3:1
1 FT/24/DL 9” 24 28 “
2 FC6/T9/Std n/a 40 59 “
1 FC12/T9/Std n/a 32 45 “
2 F14/T12/Std 15” 28 44 “
2 F15/T8/Std 18” 30 59 “
2 F15/T12/Std 18” 30 55 “
2 F20/T12/Std 24” 40 63 “
1 F30/T8/Std 36” 30 51 “
1 F30/T12/Std 36” 30 42 “
1 F40/T12/Std 48” 40 56 “
0664 } 1 FT/36/DL 16.6” 36 41 3:1
1 FT/40/DL 22.6” 40 45 “
2 FC8/T9/Std n/a 44 69 “
0696 } 2 FT/18/DL 9” 36 45 3:1
HR/HN Models
7:1 3
2 FT/24/DL 9” 48 55 “
3 F15/T8/Std 18” 45 89 “
4 F15/T8/Std 18” 60 118 “
4 F15/T12/Std 18” 60 109 “
1 Osram Dulux 21” 55 60 “
1 FT/55/DL 21.1” 55 60 “
1 PPL/80/W4 22.5” 80 90 “
2 FC12/T9 n/a 64 89 “
4 F20/T12/Std 24” 80 126 “
2 F40/T12/Std 48” 80 112 “
1 FO40/T85 60” 40 63 “
06120 } 2 FT/36/DL 16.6” 72 82 18:1
2 FT/40/DL 22.6” 80 90 “
4 F15/T8/Std 18” 60 118 “
2 F30/T8/Std 36” 60 103 “
4 F10/T12/Std 36” 90 126 “
06144 } 2 FT/36/DL 16.6” 72 82 9:1
2 FT/55/DL 21.1” 110 120 “
2 Osram Dulux 21” 55 60 “
2 PPL/80/W 22.5” 160 180 “
4 F30/T12/Std 36” 120 167 “
3 F40/T12/Std 48” 120 167 “
06192 } 4 F40/T12/Std 48” 160 240 5:1

1: One of MERCRON’s unique features: its “overdrive” capability by which it not only increases the
light’s output, but extends the lamp’s utility WITHOUT causing the lamps to blacken.
2: FC = Circline / Ring lamp
3: HN / HR = High Ratio Models with extra-wide Variability Range.
4: PPL = Phillip’s biaxial / Twin-tubed lamp
5: FO = Fluorescent Octron lamp

1000+ mA Series

Note: All lamps in this series are high output / HO lamps.

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
1024 }  

1

  

F15/T8/HO

  

18”

  

30

  

38

 HR Models:

20:1
1 F24/T12/HO 24” 32 40 “
1048 } 2 F24/T12/HO 24” 64 80 5:1
1 F48/T8/HO 48” 60 75 “
1072 } 2 F36/T12/HO 36” 88 110 5:1
1 F72/T12/HO 72” 85 106 “
1096 } 4 F15/T8/HO 18” 90 112 5:1

FNC Models

3.6:1
2 F24/T8/HO 24” 64 80 “
4 F24/T12/HO 24” 128 160 “
2 F36/T12/HO 36” 88 110 “
2 F48/T12/HO 48” 120 150 “
1 F72/T12/HO 72” 85 106 “
1 F96/T12/HO 96” 110 138 “
10120 } 4 F28/T12/HO

(Preheat)

 28” 152 192 5:1

FNC Models 3.6:1
2 F60/T12/HO 60” 140 170 “
10144 } 4 F36/T12/HO 36” 176 220 5:1
2 F72/T12/HO 72” 170 212 “
4 F48/T12/HO 48” 240 300 5:1
2 F96/T12/HO 96” 220 270 “

1: One of MERCRON’s unique features: its “overdrive” capability by which it not only increases the light’s output, but extends the lamp’s utility WITHOUT causing the lamps to blacken.

1600 mA Series

When ordering, be sure to specify correct version: 120 VAC or 230 VAC, MERCRON will confirm the prefix of the correct model number

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
1696 } 2 F48/T12/VHO 48” 230 245 3:1
1 F96/T12/VHO 96” 215 229 “
16144 } 4 FA30/T12/VHO2 36” 228 243 6.5:1
2 F72/T12/VHO 72” 330 352 “
16192 } 4 F48/T12/VHO 48” 460 491 5:1
FCC Models3
3:1

1: One of MERCRON’s unique features: its “overdrive” capability by which it not only increases the light’s output, but extends the lamp’s utility WITHOUT causing the lamps to blacken.
2: FA = Fluorescent Aperture, and in this case, with TB1 Phosphor
3: FCC – Modification to newer models having to do with current-limiting circuitry

1800 mA Series

When ordering, be sure to specify correct version: 120 VAC or 230 VAC, MERCRON will confirm the prefix of the correct model number

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
1872 } 2 FA28/T12/VHO2 28” 136 163 4.5:1
2 FA30/T12/VHO2 36” 114 137 “
1 F60/T12/VHO 60” 135 162 “
1 F72/T12/VHO 72” 165 196 “
1896 } 4 FA20/T12/VHO2 24” 228 274 4:1
4 F24/T12/VHO 24” 228 274 “
3 FA28/T12/VHO2 28” 204 245 “
2 F48/T12/VHO 48” 230 276 “
1 F96/T12/VHO 96” 215 258 “
18120 } 3 FA30/T12/VHO2 36” 171 205 7:1
2 F60/T12/VHO 60” 270 324 “

1: One of MERCRON’s unique features: its “overdrive” capability by which it not only increases the light’s output, but extends the lamp’s utility WITHOUT causing the lamps to blacken.
2: FA = Fluorescent Aperture, and in this case, with TB1 Phosphor.

2000 mA Series

When ordering, be sure to specify correct version: 120 VAC or 230 VAC, MERCRON will confirm the prefix of the correct model number

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
2024 } 1 FA20/T12/VHO2 24” 57 76 6:1

HR Models3

20:1
1 F24/T12/VHO 24” 57 76 “
2048 } 2 FA20/T12/VHO2 24” 114 152 6:1

HR Models3

20:1
2 F24/T12/VHO 24” 114 152 “
1 FA28/T12/VHO2 28” 68 91 “

 
1 FA30/T12/VHO2 36” 57 76 “
1 F48/T12/VHO 48” 115 153 “

1: One of MERCRON’s unique features: its “overdrive” capability by which it not only increases the light’s output, but extends the lamp’s utility WITHOUT causing the lamps to blacken.
2: FA = Fluorescent Aperture, and in this case, with TB1 Phosphor.
3: HN / HR Models = high ratio with extra wide Variability Range.

2300 mA Series

When ordering, be sure to specify correct version: 120 VAC or 230 VAC, MERCRON will confirm the prefix of the correct model number

Model Has Successfully Regulated Lamp Type Lamp Length Wattage:
Before		 AFTER1 Light Dimming Ratio
2372 } 2 FA20/T12/VHO2 24” 57 76 6:1
2 F24/T12/VHO 24” 57 76 “
2396 } 2 FA20/T12/VHO2 24” 114 152 6:1

HN/HR Models[2]

21:1
2 F24/T12/VHO 24” 114 152 “
1 FA28/T12/VHO2 28” 68 91 “
1 FA30/T12/VHO2 36” 57 76 “
1 F48/T12/VHO 48” 115 153 “
23120 } 4 FA28/T12/VHO2 28” 272 417 9:1

HN/HR Models2

44:1
2 FA30/T12/VHO2 36” 114 175 “
2 F60/T12/VHO 60” 270 414 “

1: One of MERCRON’s unique features: its “overdrive” capability by which it not only increases the light’s output, but extends the lamp’s utility WITHOUT causing the lamps to blacken.
2: HN / HR Models = high ratio with extra wide Variability Range.

FLUORESCENT Light-Controllers' Dimensions

Overall:
Regular Metal Box:
9.5" X 5.125" X 2.625"
(241 X 130 X 67 mm)
Long Metal Box:
11" X 5.125" X 2.625"
(279 X 130 X 67 mm)
Weight:
4 - 5 lbs
(1.8 - 2.3 kg)
Mounting:
3" X 8-32 or 10-32 bolts

Mechanical Specifications

Some of our customers over the past 30 years: