In article ,
Ian writes:
I'm looking at light boxes for someone who suffers from SAD. How can
they be so expensive -- for example, 4 fluorescent strips in a box for
£230? Goodness me!

Because people will pay that much.
Part of the scam is convincing people they need some
special expensive tubes, which is complete bull****.

I'm going to make a box myself. Any tips?

Buy a 4-tube modular ceiling fitting (as used in offices),
the type with an enclosed box rather than just a flimsy
reflector. Last time I bought one, it was £20 complete
with tubes and gear, and about £2 for a polycarbonate
diffuser. You can often find them in skip dives outside
an office refurb for nothing. They come in 600x600mm and
600x1200mm, with 2' or 4' tubes respectively (and there
are 3 or 4 tube versions, but you want the brighter 4
tube ones).

Hang the thing vertically on the wall like you would a
picture (they aren't heavy), and fit the polycarbonate
diffuser (you might have to improvise to hold it in place,
as they're normally just held by gravity in the frame).

When switched on, it will subconciously feel like a window
with bright sun outside. To be effective, it should be
positioned close to where the person sits or works - it
doesn't work at distance.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]