By the time the Solar 250 effect projector was launched in 1974, Optikinetics had been converting slide projectors into effects projectors for the discotheque and club market for two years. But with their supplier reluctant to produce a purpose-built multi-effect projector, the company decided to build its own.
Based around the M33 24V 250W quartz halogen lamp, early Solar 250 models were supplied with a 60mm wide-angle focusing lens and rotators for both 6" Effect Wheels and Effect Cassettes. It quickly became a reliable staple for '70s mobile discos.
The chrome-plated 10,000th model was a prize at the 1977 BADEM (later PLASA) Show in London. Production peaked in 1979. The projector enjoyed a renaissance in the early '80s, then again at the end of that decade when it was taken up by the rave/warehouse party scene. Over 70,000 have been sold, and it remains available - updated to LED form - to this day.

Solar 250
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