My Collection: THORN Pilote T1
| Manufacturer | Thorn |
| Catalogue Number (model) | Pilote T1 QPIL T1P |
| Wattage | 70W |
| Lamp-Type | SON-T |
| Gear | Original |
| Ballast | Thorn SHP 70 AE/AI |
| Ignitor | Thorn G53498 |
| Capacitor | NF (10μF) |
| Photocell | Zodion SS6 |
| IP Rating (when new) | IP23 |
| Date Of Manufacture | ~~/06/1993 |
| Date On Photocell Socket | ~~/06/1992 |
| Date On Photocell | ~~/08/2016 |
| Date On Capacitor | ~~/06/1993 |
| Date Acquired | 13/03/2024 |
| Restoration Status | Cleaned |
| Collection Number | #25 |
Somewhat of a rarity here in the UK, the Thorn Pilote T1 was the smallest version of the Thorn Pilote. There were 3 sizes available, T1, T2 and T3. The T1 lantern could use lamps of a wattage up to 150W. Deep and flat polycarbonate bowls were available. This one has the deep polycarbonate bowl and runs 70W SON-T.
The Thorn Pilote does look good, operate well and this one hasn't needed any repairs that I can see of.
This said, the Pilote had a few drawbacks in my opinion. The first is the canopy: On the deep polycarbonate bowl versions like this one, can't be opened fully unless the bowl hangs open. The bowl is held on by two plastic hinges, which after so long in service could go brittle. The clips were made of two parts - at least in my experience the smaller of these often falls out when the bowl is opened. The clips are also plastic, and were quite easy to break off if too much force was applied.
A view with the bowl opened, revealing the 70W SON-T lamp inside.
With the bowl removed, I could open the canopy completely to access the gear area.
The ballast is a THORN SHP 70 AE/AI, operating at a frequency of 50Hz. To be fair to the Pilote, it is in great condition and really only needs new wire connectors, which I have stock-piles of!
The Ignitor is a THORN G53498.
The lantern was cleaned, put back together and fired up for the first time!
