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Logisys Dual Switchable CCFL Kit |
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Written by Mikhail Ivanenkov
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Sunday, 01 July 2007 |
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Thanks to Logisys Computer for the product sample.
Logisys first impressed us with their high quality, low cost CCFL and "Thunder" neon light kits. Their latest creation is a dual mode cathode, controlled via a switch by the user. Currently only one version is available - a 12" blue and "UV blue".
The kit comes in the basic retail package shown above. Aside from the light tube there's also an oversized (supposedly more powerful) inverter, a pass-through 4-pin molex connector, and an expansion slot tab with 3-stage switch. Unfortunately the kit is not complete: the expected adhesive-backed Velcro strips are missing. This is quite an oversight unless you plan on letting the cathode sit at the bottom of your rig.
Multi-colored cathodes are nothing new; they've been around for years. However Logisys' approach is quite different. They opted to fit two separate, entirely independent bulbs inside one tube. The white one is blue, the black is UV. There are three wires coming out of the tube: one positive for each bulb and a ground. Also in typical Logisys fashion, the tips of the bulb make use of square end-blocks. These are ideal for mounting anywhere in a case.
As previously mentioned, the expansion slot bracket contains a 3-step switch which allows you to either run the cathode in blue (daytime) or a combination of a faint blue and UV (nighttime). This is slightly misleading as I was expecting some sort of automatic light detection mechanism (similar to that found in nightlights). Long story short, this is nothing more than two cathodes in one, controlled by the user.
At night, the blue bulb is one of the brightest cathodes we've seen. The mesh-in-a-bag is UV reactive and was placed there to see what effect the UV bulb would have on it. You'll notice it's already illuminated fairly well by the blue light alone.
Changing to night mode dims the blue light and enables the UV. The resulting light combination is actually dimmer than the blue alone (contrary to the photographs). It does illuminate the UV-reactive material a bit better, but it's barely noticeable. Personally I was expecting a pure UV light rather than a combination, or at least a brighter one. The UV bulb on this cathode is also a bit underpowered. As for heat, due to it having a pair of bulbs it does warm up a bit more, though it never gets hot.
Overall it's a step in the right direction and could quite possibly be the future evolution of cathodes. Unfortunately it's just a baby step. The UV bulb is dull and there's no automation. There's certainly a lot of potential (such as sound or light activation), but as it stands the only innovation is squeezing two bulbs in one tube. While this may save some space, you forfeit a level of flexibility in favor of the "newest thing".
Pros
- First product to integrate two bulbs in one tube
- User controlled lighting
- Saves space by having two lights in one
- Very bright blue tube
- Lengthy wiring with pass-through connector
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Cons
- Missing Velcro installation strips
- Large inverter
- No real "new" features (sound or light activation)
- Dim UV bulb
- Can't have just the UV bulb lit
Logisys' dual bulb cathode is certainly a novel approach, but it lacks any major features to really make it stand out. You can achieve the same effect by having two separate lights; the only advantage of this kit is a space-saving one. If interested, you can find more info here.
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