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Product:
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Sunbeam Blue Meteor Light Kit |
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Price:
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$22 (CAN) / $16 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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ADPmods
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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September 20th, 2003
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The inverter is a small blue shelled version with the Sunbeam logo embossed on the top that should tuck
away easily into any corner of the case. The inverter measures 50mm x 20mm x 34mm and has a 50cm run of
wire to the external ON/OFF button and effect switch. There are a total of four plugs in the inverter
with two on each side. The first side has two white 4-pin connectors, one which can be used for the
Meteor Light Kit and the other for another Sunbeam or a cold cathode lamp. The other side has one white
3-pin and one red 2-pin connector.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The external ON/OFF switch and the effect switch are mounted on a slot cover that will be installed at
the rear of the case. The green button plugs into the inverter via the red 2-pin connector and is
the toggle between the "always on" and the "flash effect". The red slide switch plugs into the inverter
via the white 3-pin connector and turns the unit ON or OFF. The kit draws its power through a 4-pin
pass-through connector that connects to a spare PSU connector or inline between the PSU and a device,
such as a Hard Drive or CD-ROM.
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Velcro pieces
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Click image for larger view
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To simplify the installation process, Sunbeam has included three pieces of sticky Velcro pads to help
in mounting both the Meteor Light and the inverter. The use of Velcro helps in removing both the
inverter and lamp from the chassis when maintenance work needs to be done.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Sunbeam Meteor Kit was installed on the bottom of the Nikao Zizon case, which also houses a Pentium
2 400 MHz on an unknown board. The primary function of the machine is a television replacement, as well
as an Internet machine, small print and file server within the house. Once the slot plate was screwed in
to place, I quickly noticed that the green switch was larger than the slot, bowing the plate inwards.
While this is not detrimental to the operation, one should make sure the bottom is seated into the
motherboard tray to prevent the plate from moving under pressure, or worse yet, drop into the case out
of reach. Once powered on, the blue LEDs lit up the interior very well, too well in fact as it has lit
up the blatant proverbial rat’s nest of wires inside.
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Conclusion:
Sunbeam does have a decent track record with most of their products and the Meteor Light Kit is no
exception. While the kit does not offer anything new to the scene, what it does have is unique
fade and flash effects which add a new alternative to interior case lighting applications. While writing
the review, the kit does remind me of a simpler and cheaper version of the MADLights Kit
that I reviewed back in May 2003. As far as construction, it is made of the same quality seen in most
cold cathode kits. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Sunbeam uses several pieces of their CCFL kits
to make up the new Meteor Light Kits. For what it does, I am giving the Sunbeam Meteor Light Kit an
8 out of 10 and would recommend this product
to individuals looking for a low cost alternative lighting solution. If you have any questions regarding
this review be sure to visit the ADPMods website
for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Installation can be completed in 10 minutes
- Several LED effects
- Great aesthetics for case modders
- Price
- Can add a second lamp
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Cons:
- Green switch too large for opening
- DIY users will prefer to build their own units
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