This is an update from the previous thread, viewed here: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=252370
Sorry for the long delay in updates on this. It took awhile, but we finally made a breakthrough and have come to a conclusion.
We have confirmation via independent testing that newer sunblaster fixtures do not reflect UV anymore. Unfortunately, we are not sure exactly when this change occurred, but if you recently bought a sunblaster fixture (most likely in the last year or so) there is a good chance you have a "bad" reflector.
Unfortunately, the easiest way to confirm or deny you have a working reflector is still using a solar meter. However, we do have a method for you to check your reflector even if you don't have a solarmeter. It is slightly subjective, as it relies on your own eyesight and interpretation of what you see, but it should still help you decide what you should do if you own a sunblaster reflector.
In the above picture, you can see a few differences in between the two images. The most striking, and easiest to spot difference is in the quality of the mirrored image in the reflector.
You will note on the mirrored image in the left hand reflector, the image is slightly blurry, it has an almost textured look. This is the WORKING REFLECTOR
The reflector on the right side, shows a much clearer reflection. This is most likely a symptom of the reflector being coated in some type of varnish, which makes it a better mirrored surface. This is the BAD REFLECTOR
So, clear crisp mirrored image = bad reflector
Slightly blurry mirrored image = good reflector
Reflector 1 is the good reflector
Reflector 2 is the bad reflector.
So, your best bet is to try to use your reflector as a mirror. If you can see objects clearly with it, you most likely have a bad reflector. If your objects show up as slightly blurry, you likely have a good reflector.
If you have any questions or need help identifying your reflector, try to take a good picture of your reflector mirroring an object, and hopefully we can help you determine whether your reflector is bad or not.
If you have a solarmeter and use a sunblaster fixture or any other fixture with reflector, we encourage you to please test it and post the results. There is a chance that other manufacturers buy from the same factory in China.
Arcadia reflectors are made in a separate factory, and have been confirmed to work as intended. They will be available in the US sometime this year. They are already available in the UK.
A couple people to thank who have helped me with this whole process:
Dr. Frances M. Baines , M.A., Vet. M.B, M.R.C.V.S
John Bines - who confirmed my initial observation of a visual difference between working and non-working reflectors - And verified with his solarmeter
John Courteney-Smith from Arcadia Lighting
Our Contact at Sunblaster
And of course everyone in Dr. Frances' group who helped test their reflectors
-Brandon
Sorry for the long delay in updates on this. It took awhile, but we finally made a breakthrough and have come to a conclusion.
We have confirmation via independent testing that newer sunblaster fixtures do not reflect UV anymore. Unfortunately, we are not sure exactly when this change occurred, but if you recently bought a sunblaster fixture (most likely in the last year or so) there is a good chance you have a "bad" reflector.
Unfortunately, the easiest way to confirm or deny you have a working reflector is still using a solar meter. However, we do have a method for you to check your reflector even if you don't have a solarmeter. It is slightly subjective, as it relies on your own eyesight and interpretation of what you see, but it should still help you decide what you should do if you own a sunblaster reflector.
You will note on the mirrored image in the left hand reflector, the image is slightly blurry, it has an almost textured look. This is the WORKING REFLECTOR
The reflector on the right side, shows a much clearer reflection. This is most likely a symptom of the reflector being coated in some type of varnish, which makes it a better mirrored surface. This is the BAD REFLECTOR
So, clear crisp mirrored image = bad reflector
Slightly blurry mirrored image = good reflector
Reflector 2 is the bad reflector.
So, your best bet is to try to use your reflector as a mirror. If you can see objects clearly with it, you most likely have a bad reflector. If your objects show up as slightly blurry, you likely have a good reflector.
If you have any questions or need help identifying your reflector, try to take a good picture of your reflector mirroring an object, and hopefully we can help you determine whether your reflector is bad or not.
If you have a solarmeter and use a sunblaster fixture or any other fixture with reflector, we encourage you to please test it and post the results. There is a chance that other manufacturers buy from the same factory in China.
Arcadia reflectors are made in a separate factory, and have been confirmed to work as intended. They will be available in the US sometime this year. They are already available in the UK.
A couple people to thank who have helped me with this whole process:
Dr. Frances M. Baines , M.A., Vet. M.B, M.R.C.V.S
John Bines - who confirmed my initial observation of a visual difference between working and non-working reflectors - And verified with his solarmeter
John Courteney-Smith from Arcadia Lighting
Our Contact at Sunblaster
And of course everyone in Dr. Frances' group who helped test their reflectors
-Brandon