Just gave my Optimus 550 some love and care and now it’s up running. However far too bright and dazzle everyone close to it. So, I got the idea is to add a Petromax radiator and use it as heater during chilly summer nights. Anyone here at the forum that have experience of these radiators on a 500 CP lamp? Are they affective? Since I plan to use it outdoors I'm especially curious about the infra red radiation performance.
I have one of those radiators on a Butterfly (350/500) They are kind of nice, but beg for a reflector to focus the warmth. That lantern has a screen globe on it, and I haven't put a glass one in to compare the radiant warmth. Frankly, the Tilley heaters and their kind do better IMHO.
Could be worth a try without glass or wire globe when used as a heater and a reflector would help directing heat.
I made a reflector for mine using some polished aluminum material from a solar light tube. Works very well for both light and heat. I should try running it without the wire globe. I'll likely wait until fall since it's getting a tad warm for that here. (83F/28C)
Thanks for your feedback. I have order a radiator set and will report back my experience. I understand that a reflector is necessary to optimize the performance however I doubt the 2 versions of original Petromax side reflectors will contribute much so I will start without any.
It's a really nice looking lamp, personally I'd keep it as it is and just bide my time until a proper heater came along...
The radiator has arrived and tested last night. I didn’t have any expectation and was not surprised either. I would say that you can feel the heat radiation up to 1 meter from the lamp. More pre-heating is necessary before igniting and more pressure when running as well. I get a feeling that the vaporizer does not get enough heat to work efficiently. When using the needle to clean the nozzle don’t expect the lamp to ignite again every time so keep a match ready. Best use of this feature is actually to place it under a table and let it warm the legs of you and your guests. I agree with Gneiss, this lamp is too good to waste as a heater. I will add a top reflector and use it as it should and start looking for a 500 cp wreck that can serve as a heater under my garden table.
