General Light Box Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of lamps can be used with my light box?
Each light box lists the recommended fluorescent replacement lamp in its user's guide; however, the color temperature of the lamp is your choice. Daylight (6500K) lamps put out the greatest illumination while Color Corrected (5000K) lamps offer the best color rendition. If brightness is the most important factor, use daylight lamps as they are around 20% brighter.
Why doesn't the light turn on when I depress the switch?
If your unit is a Lightracer or Lightracer II, keep the switch depressed a second or two until the light comes on. If the light still does not come on, remove the top plastic surface (make sure unit is unplugged first) and make sure the lamp is secured into the lamp sockets by rotating the lamp back and forth until it locks in place.
Can I cut on the illuminated surface?
Cutting on the plastic surface will damage the plastic finish. It is suggested that you simply mount a sheet of glass or a clear cutting mat before cutting.
What is the thickest paper I can see through?
This depends on three things; Opacity of the material, image to be viewed and number of lamps in the light box. Opacity of the material is more important than the thickness. Typically the bench mark material for tracing is 300 lb watercolor paper and most light boxes with 3 or more lamps work fine. However, the contrast of the image to be viewed is a critical element and results vary depending if the image is a pencil or pen drawing or the most difficult, a photograph. The best answer is to test with the materials you will be using.
ProSeries/ArtSeries::
Which model is the brightest?
Usually the more lamps in the light box the brighter the illumination though the ProSeries 16" x 18"/4 LAMP has the highest light output per square inch. The ArtSeries light boxes use day light lamps which put out about 20% more illumination than 5000k lamps.
How do I remove the top surface to replace the lamp?
Pry open the top edge of the plastic viewing surface by placing a screwdriver in the small hole located at the back left corner of the light box (older models had the hole in the back side). To replace, simply insert the plastic edge into one of the sides with the clips and snap down the other side.
ANIMATION:
How do I keep the rotating surface from sticking?
If the Disc does not turn smoothly, remove the disk and clean the surface using a small amount of protectant, such as Armor All or Turtle Wax Formula 2001. Spray onto a clean cloth and wipe around the outside edge. Remove excess protectant with a dry cloth.
How do I remove the top surface to replace the lamp?
Pry open the top edge of the plastic mounting platform by placing a screwdriver in the small hole located at the back left corner of the light box.