Dataflash 5000: The Strobe Fixture Redefined

In 1989, High End Systems introduced a new Xenon strobe fixture called Dataflash. It was unique in that it didn’t rely on a large capacitor to boost the output; it took its energy directly from the mains power. That made it extremely bright, and it was an instant success. The 8.5" diameter fixture was 10.5" long, slightly reminiscent of a PAR 64 fixture, except it had a clear plastic dome instead of an output lens.

Dataflash 5000 with Reflector Dome

In the second year of production, the company started making the dome out of Lexan, a shatter-proof polycarbonate.

The inventor of the product, Richard Belliveau, used to demonstrate just how tough Lexan is. When customers came into the demo room, he would randomly choose a Dataflash fixture from the eight-by-eight matrix on the wall, unscrew the dome, and with all the might he could muster, throw it straight down on the concrete floor, which was covered with a thin layer of industrial carpet. It would bounce around but not break. It was an impressive show...

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