1. Jacob, you and your team spearheaded the development of the Chameleon® Qualis IP LED fly control unit. Could you tell us a little more about this project?

The predecessor model, the Chameleon® 1×2 IP, had to be discontinued, as the IP rated lamp holder that had been used for this model is no longer available. Nonetheless, there is still a demand for an IP66 rated fly control unit. Therefore, we wanted to fill this gap and offer a future-proof IP rated LED model. The Chameleon® Qualis IP has the same aesthetic and slim design as the regular Chameleon® Qualis and fits perfectly into the existing LED range.

2. What makes this new unit so special?

The special feature of this particular LED unit is its IP66 rating. Currently, PestWest is the only manufacturer offering an LED fly control unit with this rating. In general, an IP rating is a measure of an enclosure’s ability to keep foreign objects and liquids out. In this case, this means that the housing is completely dust-proof and can withstand water thrown from high-pressure water jets, so there will be no problems when the unit is located somewhere with regular cleaning with a garden hose or water jet. The smaller lamp holder (compared to the predecessor model) allowed us to build a slimmer, more attractive trap.

3. In what environments can this unit be used on site?

The Chameleon® Qualis IP can be used wherever this type of classification (IP66) is required by the customer. Made from grade 304 steel, the unit can resist corrosion and is very suitable for humid environments, for example dairies, slaughterhouses and industrial kitchens or in the pharmaceutical or food manufacturing sectors.

4. Very good. Compared to the predecessor model, what advantages does the Chameleon® Qualis IP offer PCO users?

We created this unit with usability in mind, aiming to provide even greater ease of service. When changing tubes in the predecessor model, you had to grasp each of the tubes with one hand and unscrew the white waterproof cap counterclockwise with the other hand, until the tube could slide freely out of the holder. lamp. Special care had to be taken when removing each waterproof cap to ensure that its red rubber sealing ring on the back did not move and remained on the lamp holder body. Therefore, we took into account feedback that screw caps could be difficult to screw on and built the Chameleon® Qualis IP with a lamp holder that simply slides in:

It takes much less time, plus the tube change only needs to take place every 3 years, instead of every year. Additionally, the new unit does not have a catch tray, which could be inconvenient to empty and clean when working on a ladder. To prevent insect fragments from falling, the dedicated glue board has a crease at the bottom. Overall, it’s a new and improved version!

5. So, to clarify, what consumables can be used for this unit?

The Chameleon® Qualis IP uses 2 Quantum® X LED tubes, as well as a new dedicated plastic LED glue board. However, the current LED range glue board (made from cardboard) would also be suitable, so it depends on the intended area of ​​use and the humidity level at the site.

6. Which units are next on the development schedule?