My Collection: WRTL 2600 (3)

Manufacturer WRTL
Catalogue Number (model) 260022.237 260050/70N
Wattage 70W
Lamp-Type SON-T
Gear Original
Ballast Parmar HSZ57223221
Ignitor Parmar PVE070255
Photocell Zodion SS6
IP Rating (when new) IP65
Date Of Manufacture 04/04/2003
Date On Photocell ~~/03/2014
Date Acquired 04/04/2024
Restoration Status Cleaned
Collection Number #30

This is the 3rd WRTL 2600 currently in my collection. It was obtained on the 04/04/2024. When in service, it ran 70W SON-T. Visually, it was in shockingly good condition.

It has the standard WRTL NEMA socket, much like my other 2600s that host a one-part photocell.

A date code drawn in marker on the gear tray can be seen. The 11.03 may refer to November 2003, though it may be pointing to the 11th week of 2003.

To the left, you can see where the faulty capacitor was installed. The capacitor had blown open, and the mark can be seen on the tray even after a clean... pieces of the capacitor were all over the lantern, especially in the bowl.

A closer look at the Parmar HSZ57223221 Ballast, operating on a frequency of 50Hz. A 4th April 2003 date code can be seen toward the connector terminals.

A Parmar PXE070255 ignitor is also present. It has the numbers 260303 printed on the left-hand side. This may be a date code corresponding to 26th March 2003. This matches the other date codes around the lantern, meaning this is the original ignitor.

The lantern was tested but would flicker rapidly. It turns out the photocell socket was waterlogged with mud, causing a loose connection between live in and live out, which happened after it's removal. The socket was disconnected and the lantern was tested again, This time, the lamp sprung into action without protest (image coming soon).