Jens,I assume you are talking about "black light", which seems rather odd to me as a light source, but interesting none the less. Astronomers simply use red light via a colored bulb or filter to maintain night vision. A few strategically placed red led's in the cabin would preserve night vision, probably consume a lot less power than a black light and could be operated with 2 "AA" batteries if power is lost.
Black lettering illuminated by red light provides as much contrast as black light on white lettering. My problem with black lighting is that every time I've been in it, the black light seems to make my peripheral vision blurry, almost as if I'm in a slight fog. Not sure if anyone else has noticed the same thing and could just be my eyes.
I'm afraid I can't speak to the UV issues with viewports, but a red light solution means UV from within the cabin is a non-issue.
Jon Jens Laland wrote:
During talks between David Bartsch and myself, we have been addressing the use of long-wave ultraviolet light for illumination of various instruments and/or instrumentation panels that has previously been marked by use of phosphorescent pigments. This to maintain proper night vision, etc. ILLUMINATION ALTERNATIVE #1: This alternative represents the use of one or two strong, central source(s) of UV-light placed above (and slightly behind) the pilot, but in such a manner that sufficient light still reach the entire area of interest on the control panel in front. ILLUMINATION ALTERNATIVE #2: This alternative represents a method where each part of a control panel has been furnished with it's own local, shaded "eyebrow" type of UV-lamp. QUESTION REGARDING ALTERNATIVE #1: Has an acrylic (or similar type of) viewport being given a proper UV protection ( coating ? ) that would also make it resistant against UV light coming from the inside? QUESTION REGARDING ALTERNATIVE #2: Would it be correct to assume that if we restricted all use of ultraviolet light to the deployment of eyebrow lamps placed along the upper brim of each instrument (in the sub), then this practice would not be in any conflict with what would be best for the physical health of any viewport? Best regards, Jens laland
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