Here are few things you can do to have a long life of the Projector -
1.When the projector is turned off, the fans will continue to run for a while to cool the lamp. Do not disconnect the power cable from the projector until the fans turn off.Follow the proper shut-down procedure. Lamps produce extreme temperatures during prolonged operation. Suddenly cutting off all power to the projector leaves the lamp extremely hot without proper ventilation. Projectors follow a specific programmed routine when the off button is pushed to allow the ventilation fan to continue to operate until the lamp has cooled. Turning the projector off by removing the power cable or turning off the power strip the unit is attached to will circumvent the proper power-down sequence. Use a UPS specially for Indian conditions so in case of power failure the fan can run for the specified time after the projector is shut down.
2.Avoid using or storing the projector in locations where excessive humidity, dust, or cigarette smoke may contaminate optical components, thus shortening the projectors life span and darkening the image.
3.Use care when transporting or moving the projector. Dropping or bumping the projector may damage the lamp or optical components.
4.Always open the lens shutter or remove the lens cap in advance before the projector lamp is turned on.Avoid operating or storing the projector in any area that will reach an ambient temperature above 35C / 95F.
5.The projector is designed to operate safely within a voltage range between 100 to 240 volts AC, but could fail if power surges of 10 volts or brownouts occur. In areas where the voltage may fluctuate or there are frequent lightening storms, it is recommended that you connect your projector through a power stabilizer, surge protector, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
6. If the brightness can be adjusted, use the optimum brightness level.
7. Overheating is the major cause that leads to lamp failures. So switch off the lamps and let it cool when not in use, this will increase the lamp life.Do not run the projector continuous for more than 3 hours.
8.Fans are vital parts that aid cooling, so they need to be cleaned and the dust should be removed from the filters that clog the same.Keep the projector clean. Many projectors have air filters at the intake point for fresh air circulated by the ventilation fan. If not properly maintained, these filters become clogged with dust and dirt, impeding air flow. If your unit doesn't have an air filter, dust and dirt can enter the unit and surround the lamp housing, increasing the operating temperature of the lamp. Clean the unit by spraying compressed air into the ventilation channels to blow out dust and dirt.
9.Use the projector in an area where there is sufficient space available for the heat rejection and venting of heat from the projector.
10.Do not expose the lamp or the projector to direct sunlight which will cause potential damage to the same beyond repair.
11.The best way to enhance the life of these lamps is to operate them in a suitable climate which is neither too hot nor cold.
12. After shutting the projector down, don't restart the same immediately give it a break for at least 30 minutes and then turn it back on. This will reduce the load on the lamp and increase life.
13.Never touch the bulb with your bare fingers. Oils from your skin will remain on the glass surface. When the lamp is used, oil causes an uneven dissipation of the heat from the surface of the glass, resulting in premature fatigue. Touching the lamp during installation or maintenance can actually cause the bulb to explode.
14.Turn the projector off when not in use. This is one of the most practical ways to extend your bulb's life. Leaving a projector on for unnecessary periods of time deducts from the total life of the bulb.
