Product Overview
An Optronic Laboratories Radiance Standard Lamp in Its Fitted Wooden Case, Sold AS-IS for Restorers
Condition
AS-IS, offered for repair, refurbishment, or spare parts. Untested. The photos show exactly what you get: a T-shaped glass lamp with a flat metal ribbon element and an integral side viewing tube, cradled in a fitted wooden case with hinged lid and latch. The glass envelope and side arm are intact, with light whitish deposits visible inside the tube. The metal screw base wears heavy patina, and the case foam is degrading with age, shedding black residue that clings to the base. Our records show a calibration due date of January 1990. Stored for many years; because of its age, this unit is sold with no returns.
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Product Overview
The Optronic Laboratories OL 550C is a spectral radiance standard: a stable, NIST-traceable reference light source used to calibrate instruments that measure radiance across visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The photos show the construction plainly: a flat ribbon element mounted inside a tubular glass envelope, with a side tube rising from the middle of the body to serve as the viewing port, the classic layout of a strip filament radiance standard lamp. It ships in its fitted wooden storage case, measures roughly 8" x 8" x 8" packed, and weighs about 2.2 lb. It has not been powered or tested here, and its last calibration was due in January 1990, so it is offered strictly as a project unit, parts source, or restoration candidate.
Key Features
- Type: spectral radiance standard lamp
- Brand: Optronic Laboratories, model OL 550C
- NIST-traceable calibration standard by design
- Flat ribbon element and integral side viewing tube, visible in the photos
- Metal screw base, aged with heavy patina
- Includes fitted wooden storage case with hinged lid and latch
- Approximate packed size: 8" x 8" x 8"; weight about 2.2 lb
- Calibration due date on record: January 1990
Applications
- Calibration lab tech sourcing an original OL series lamp for evaluation or rebuild
- Instrument restorer returning a vintage radiance standard to working service
- University or research engineer studying how NIST-traceable light sources are built
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work?
Unknown. The unit is untested and sold AS-IS. The glass envelope and ribbon element look intact in the photos, but functionality is not guaranteed and the last calibration was due in 1990.
What exactly is included?
Exactly what the photos show: one OL 550C radiance standard lamp and its fitted wooden storage case. The viewing tube is integral to the lamp. No manuals, power accessories, or calibration documents are included.
Can it be recalibrated?
Not confirmed - a calibration lab familiar with radiance standards would need to evaluate the lamp. Budget for that before planning to use it as a working reference.
What does AS-IS mean here?
Sold without guarantee of functionality, for repair, refurbishment, or parts. Because of its age, there are no returns on this unit.
Why buy a one-off piece like this from PartsMine?
Because surplus like this rarely comes in tidy lots anywhere. We sell the exact quantity that exists - here, one unit - photographed honestly. Shipping is $8 flat rate and free over $28, so this order ships free, same or next business day from Idaho.
Somewhere, a metrology lab once trusted this glowing ribbon to say what light should be. Whether it becomes a working reference again or donates its glass and hardware to one, the next entry on its calibration record is yours to write.
