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Trying to build a moth trap... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jwaldo
- Start date
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
jwaldo said:
Hi jwaldo,
I'm not familiar with the design of your bug zapper, but I think you would have to remove all the electrical fittings pertaining to the operation of the bulb, i.e. bulb holders, wiring, and any voltage regulator/transformer to enable the bulb to work. All the U/K zappers I have seen use a 12 volt DC Actinic light bulb which is usually connected to the household mains supply, which here is 240v AC. Some form of voltage regulator/transformer will be necessary.
I believe your mains supply may be different from ours so I would suggest you contact your local electrician for some advice on setting up your bulb and as to what equipment you may need. If you get the electrical set up wrong it could make your hair stand on end. lol.
Harry
Surreybirder
Ken Noble
I don't know if it helps, but there's an interesting picture of a moth trap here:
http://users.pandora.be/diederikdhert/temp/trap.jpg
Diederik's home page is here:
http://users.pandora.be/diederikdhert/
but I've not managed to find any info about the trap other than the pic.
Ken
http://users.pandora.be/diederikdhert/temp/trap.jpg
Diederik's home page is here:
http://users.pandora.be/diederikdhert/
but I've not managed to find any info about the trap other than the pic.
Ken
Last edited:
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
Surreybirder said:
Good grief,
I've seen some cobbled together moth traps. The electrics look professional, but the trap looks very 'Heath Robinson'. Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun. lol.
Harry
PS. I just hope jwaldo understands English humour.
Surreybirder
Ken Noble
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
jwaldo said:
Hi jwaldo,
It may be possible that they are called something other than 'Actinic' in the USA. Try your local electrical supplier and ask him if the supplies small 12 volt tubes that emit a percentage of Ultra Violet light. Alternatively try contacting an entomological group in your area, they will be able to help you with information as to the type of bulb(s) that are used by them.
Also try contacting some of the bulb manufacturers, their sales or technical advice departments will be able to help.
Harry
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
jwaldo said:
Way to go jwaldo,
Don't give up. Just remember, the impossible you can do today, miracles just take a little longer. Stick at it.
Harry
Hi - old thread, but did you get an answer on this? =)
There's a gentleman I correspond with regularly in the USA who would be able to help you. Over there. they're referred to as blacklight, I believe, as oposed to over here where blacklight is a bit more specific, referring to woods-coated lights. He himself uses a custom rig made up of two 175 Watt MV bulb, four 40 Watt Quantum 365 BL, and four 350 Watt Sun Lamps, and he has been making traps for 25 or so years. He is very friendly and certainly knows his stuff - his site is at http://leptraps.com and you can order anything you need there.
Regards from England =)
Johan
There's a gentleman I correspond with regularly in the USA who would be able to help you. Over there. they're referred to as blacklight, I believe, as oposed to over here where blacklight is a bit more specific, referring to woods-coated lights. He himself uses a custom rig made up of two 175 Watt MV bulb, four 40 Watt Quantum 365 BL, and four 350 Watt Sun Lamps, and he has been making traps for 25 or so years. He is very friendly and certainly knows his stuff - his site is at http://leptraps.com and you can order anything you need there.
Regards from England =)
Johan
Surreybirder
Ken Noble
An interesting site! I was amazed to see that Leroy sells "A light stand for 1000-Watt Mercury Vapor Unit"--that should bring in the moths from some considerable distance!surreyjohan said:
Ken
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
Surreybirder said:
With a light that powerful you may also need some good sunglasses, and a very high factor sun screen ointment. :eek!:
Harry
Surreybirder
Ken Noble
I bet they catch a lot of scorched wings 
Ken
Ken
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
surreyjohan said:
That cheap, eh?. I'll take half a dozen,
I don't think. Just imagine the size of the light radius you would have to search in the morning, after using a bulb like that. About half a mile all around the trap. No thanks.Harry
