Solar 250 (1974)
Optikinetics

Optikinetics Solar 250

Effects Projector
The following text was written by Neil Rice in 2024 for the PLASA Exhibition.
Two models displayed [pictured below] are circa 1976* and the final CE approved version.
The Solar 250 Effects Projector was launched in 1974. A prototype was displayed on the company’s stand at the Hanover Messe in April of that year.
Production models were shown at the NADJ (National Association of Disc Jockeys) first exhibition, organised by Ben Cree, at The Sundown discotheque, Charing Cross Road, London in November ‘74.
Optikinetics had then been converting slide projectors into effects projectors for two years and had already introduced their own Solar 100. This took a single 3” Effect Cassette.
Their main supplier’s reluctance to produce a purpose built multi-effect projector was behind the decision to design and manufacture one themselves.
Based around the M33, 300 hour, 24v 250w quartz halogen display lamp the early models were supplied with a 60mm wide-angle focussing lens. Also included were rotators for both 6” Effect Wheels and 3” Effect Cassettes.
The Solar 250 quickly established itself in the mobile discotheque and club market as both functional and reliable. Many mobile discos in the 1970s had one if not more.
By ‘77, the year of BADEM’s (later changed to PLASA) first UK exhibition in London, Optikinetics presented the 10,000th production model, chrome plated, to Martin De La Fuente on their stand. Won in a competition run by the company.
Production peaked in 1979 with 2000 units being made in August that year. The plastic twin effects gate, also introduced that year, replaced the earlier all metal seam-welded gate. Assembly at Optikinetics’ Luton HQ was then faster than the time taken by their Huntingdon metal fabrication factory to produce casings.
A Sound Animated version was also introduced that year. This had circuitry which enabled effects to be turned in time with music. A Disco International magazine’s best new lighting effect award ensued.
The Solar 250 has enjoyed two renaissances. First in the early 80s Beam Effects were introduced to compete with other lighting effects that, at the time, relied on smoke to be seen. And again in the late 80s/early 90s when the Solar 250 was taken up by a new generation of younger lighting designers and used extensively in the rave/warehouse party scene.
A short hiatus to production occurred in 1996 when the Solar 250 was withdrawn, and temporarily replaced by the K1, whilst it was redesigned for CE compliance.
Production ceased in the noughties after a total exceeding 70,000 had been sold. Many of those are still in use today around the world. The Solar 250 was superseded by projectors with brighter and alternative light sources which continue to be produced by Optikinetics. The current range is all powered by LEDs.
When first introduced the Solar 250 retailed for under £80.00. On on-line auction sites, and elsewhere, the projector still commands resale prices in excess of this figure second (third, fourth?) hand today.
Kindly loaned by Gregg Crabbe and still in use with The Hawklords.
Copyright Neil Rice July 2024