| The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of the first Holophane High Mast luminaire. In commemoration, I will be describing each and every one of the luminaires in chronological order.
1972
The first luminaire in the High Mast Series was the 1100 Series. It featured a prismatic glass reflector and refractor for superior optical control. The reflector was crucial in increasing light uniformity and lux levels. This refractor was also used to reduce glare and increase visual comfort. The distribution types and four refractor patterns were available: 4590 Symmetric, 4591 Long and Narrow, 4592 Symmetric, and 4593 Asymmetric. Since the luminaire has an open top (around the base of the ballast housing) and bottom, heat dissipation was exceptional. Cutoff shields could be ordered to cut off light in undesired areas; the SD-79 shield was essentially a house-side shield you would see on cobrahead street lights, available for 90°, 120°, and 180° cutoff patterns. The SD-81 shield was a bell-shaped cone that fully encircled the refractor for absolute cutoff. Another accessory that was available for the 1100 Series was the Skyscape™️ decorative shroud. They came in a choice of colors and five different geometric shapes: Sphere, Cube, Cylinder, Rectangle, and Hexagon. There were even specially designed poles to accompany the architectural aspect of the designs. Light sources available were 400W and 1,000W HPS, 1,000W MH, and 1,000W MV.
1973
Holophane's HMS Lowering System debuted for the ease of maintenance for the aforementioned 1100 Series;t it could accommodate up to 12 luminaires. Lowering can withstand wind speeds of up to 30 MPH. At ground level, the luminaire ring is within 3 feet of the ground, making for servicing with ease. Aircraft-grade aluminum cables and spring-loaded, auto-centering guide arms are used on the luminaire ring for long life expectancy. Stainless steel cables could be specified for corrosive environments. In later years, a bumper within the ring was available, but without the centering arms. Indicator "flags" attached to the luminaire ring turn automatically to indicate a secure connection of each latch that holds the cable and the ring together. This fail-safe latching system removes all weight of the ring, ensuring no premature cable wear. Each latch is manufactured so that they can support eight times the weight of the ring and the total weight of the luminairee, making a 24:1 safety ratio. Also on the ring is weatherproof plug receptacle, allowing for energizing and testing of the system. All cables and other equipment can be serviced and replaced at ground level, eliminating the need for servicing at high elevations. The HMS Lowering System requires a portable power unit to operate the winch. A remote control units allows for the operator to stand 15 feet away from the pole base. The speed, in normal weather conditions, of raising and lowering the ring, was 17 feet per minute. In later years, integral and remote power units and winches were available. Model LD-1 was designed for poles with a diameter of under 17 inchs, Model LD-2 was designed for poles with a diameter between 17 and 24 inches with up to eight luminaires, and Model LD-3 was designed for poles with a diameter between 24 and 40 inches with up to 12 luminaires.
Later on, Holophane came out with the LMS™️ Lowering System, which was a more architecturally styled take on the HMS Lowering System. It was rectilinear in shape and it featured auto-centering guide arms, top latches, and a choice of stainless steel or galvanized, powder-coated steel; up to six luminaires could be mounted to the ring. Its power source was an external motor and winch. It was also available in four colors: Black, Bronze, Natural Stainless Steel, and White. Mounting heights were between 30 feet and 100 feet. Obstruction lights and even a lightning rod could be mounted at the top of the cover.
1984
The HMST®️ (High Mast) came out 12 years after the 1100 Series, similarly featuring a glass reflector and refractor. The ballast housing had made a change, and will continue to be used throughout all of the HID High Mast Series luminaires. With this combination, it was capable of pole spacing for up to eight mounting heights. The HMST®️ goes through seven stages of phosphate pretreatment and a polyester powder finish, which is suitable for saltwater areas. The optical combinations available offer 35 different distribution patterns, satisfying all market requirements. Its sealed optical system uses RTV108 silicone between the glass reflector and the aluminum dome to keep out any debris. Its open bottom and weather shield also prevent any debris from entering the inside of the fixture. The weather shield allows air to pass through, but hinders ice, snow, dust, and rain from entering in. For HPS models, the ignitor automatically shuts off if run continuously or in the case of thermal failure; it then automatically resets. Like the 1100 Series, the HMST®️ had a decorative shroud available, but only in cylindrical and cubic shapes. Light sources available were 400W, 750W, and 1,000W HPS, 400W MH, 1,000W MH, and 1,000W MV.
1986
Just two years after the debut of the HMST®️, the HMSC (High Mast Cutoff) came out. This luminaire was significantly different than Holophane's prior High Mast Series models. The differences include no weather shield, no prismatic glass optics, a fully enclosed, cutoff refractor, and even a horizontal lamp socket for the Asymmetric optical pattern. In place of the glass optics were anodized aluminum reflector segments (Asymmetric) and the bare aluminum reflector cover (Symmetric). The reflector cover for the Asymmetric optic is smooth and fluted for the Symmetric optic. Unlike the previous models, the HMSC wasn't available in MV due to it having cutoff optics. Most cutoff luminaires during that time weren't available in MV. The HMSC was made the longest (1986 - 2019) out of all the luminaires in the series. Light sources available were the same as those for the HMST®️, plus 400W PSMH.
1997
Holophane's HMSD [(High Mast Cutoff Open) assuming the 'D' stands for 'disclosed'] is released, featuring prismatic glass optics once again. The overall design of this luminaire was essentially copied from the HMST®️, only the exterior refractor was omitted and the weather shield was reduced in height. It was unique, yet similar to other luminaires in the series; what made the HMSD unique was that an asymmetric optical system wasn't available. Also, it satisfied the needs of reducing light pollution and glare reduction by providing an option for an extra-low-brightness reflector. This was done by coating the interior of the reflector cover with a black finish. Available light sources were the same as those of the HMSC, but without 400W PSMH.
2000
The HMSP (High Mast Prismetal®️) was yet another revolutionary product of Holophane's High Mast Series. It looked similar to the HMSD, but was considerably smaller in size (17 inches tall vs. 21.5 to 24.5). It also featured a patented rear surface, metalized Prismetal®️ glass reflector. It was the first luminaire in the series to offer an asymmetric optical system without an external refractor. Distribution patterns included Narrow Asymmetric, Wide Asymmetric, Symmetric, Symmetric Square, and Long & Narrow. Like the HMSD, it created zero uplight for full cutoff capabilites. The HMSP was the most optically complex High Mast yet with 64 different optical combinations. Light sources available were the same as those for the HMSD.
2007
Holophane, yet again, made radical changes to their next debut, the HMAO™️ (High Mast Advanced Optix). All other luminaires except the HMSC were discontinued in favor of this luminaire. The internal prismatic glass reflector system was omitted and external refractors were brought back once again. In place of the glass reflector were specular aluminum panels sealed to a prismatic glass piece and the reflector cover. There were four different optical distribution patterns available: J (Asymmetric Reflector), L (Asymmetric Refractor; Long & Narrow), S (Symmetric Reflector), and R (Symmetric Refractor). The R optic utilized the 4590 refractor and the L optic utilized the 4591 refractor. Beam angle spreads could either be Low for a more focused coverage or High for a more widespread coverage. Cutoff shields could be used, but they were only available for the S optic only. The HMAO™️ also had a Quick Disconnect plug for fast installation and removal. Light sources available were the same as those for the HMSC.
2012
With new technology evolving, Holophane incorporated the latest LED technology of the time into the new HMAO™️ LED High Mast. The housing was revamped in order for the LED components to perform at optimum levels. The weather shield was kept, but it served two purposes: to keep debris from entering the fixture and prevent debris buildup, and to allow air through to cool the LED components. The hinged, removable driver door made it easy to service the internal components and installation; the LED drivers were mounted to the door for optimum thermal management and internal access. It also had heat-sink fins for further thermal management of the drivers. The cast aluminum optical cover that holds the LED's in place can be rotated up to 180 degrees for "street side" asymmetric distribution. Also, a twist-off photocontrol receptacle was included for modular control options. Each LED module consists of a cold-forged aluminum heat-sink, COB (chip-on-board) LED diode, internal reflector, and a gasketed, prismatic glass refractor cover. A cover plate was then screwed into place over the diodes with specified holes for each module. HMAO™️ LED could have either seven, 11, or 14 diodes per luminaire. Distribution patterns available were Type II Asymmetric and Type V Symmetric. Choice of color temperatures were 4,000K and 5,000K. Four different color finishes were available: Gray, Graphite, Black, and White. Wattages available were 291W (7 diodes), 444W (11 diodes), and 560W (14 diodes).
2014
A mere two years later, the next generation HMAO™️ LED II debuts. The overall design of the electrical housing didn't change, but new LED optics were introduced. Since the weather shield was omitted, the optical housing was redesigned. It was thinner in profile and had heat-sink fins on the top for thermal management. Instead of the previous aluminum heat-sink on each LED module, they were attached to a metal plate that fit inside the optical housing. The optical covers on the diodes were still made of glass, but more distribution patterns were available: Narrow Asymmetric (Type II), Medium Asymmetric (Type III), Forward Throw Asymmetric (Type IV), Narrow/Wide Symmetric (Type V). Instead of five LED drivers like the previous model, there were four drivers since the diode layout was different. There could be either six diodes (252 watts), nine diodes (376 watts), or 12 diodes (500 watts). Also, there was an adjustable output dimming module that allowed for brightness levels between 35% and 100%; an optional ROAM control also allowed for enhanced dimming.
2017
The third generation HMAO™️ LED III makes its release three years later. Although there weren't any external changes, the lumen packages, improved lumen efficacy, and even an additional color temperature was added on. There were four different lumen packages; PK1 raged from 31,178 to 33,075 lumens, PK2 ranged from 44,169 to 46,757 lumens, PK3 ranged from 63,676 to 67,407 lumens, and PK4 ranged from 81,801 to 86,595 lumens. However, the lower the color temperature, the lower the lumen output. The warm color temperature of 3,000K was introduced for more visual comfort.
2021
Just last year, Holophane made major changes to the lumen packages yet again in their new HMAO™️ LED IV. The only external change was that the metal plate that holds the LED modules in place got four slots, each toward the center of the plate. Instead of four packages, there are seven: P1: 31,000 lumens, P2: 42,000 lumens, P3, 63,000 lumens, P4: 85,000 lumens, P5, 105,000 lumens, P6: 112,000 lumens, and P7: 120,000 lumens. An additional optical distribution was also offered - Type V Symmetric Wide Square.
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