The 6th annual solid-state lighting conference, exhibition and gala dinner, euroLED 2009, Europe's premier solid state lighting event, was staged at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th June and marked the exhibition debut of McGeoch LED Technology.

A highlight of the global solid-state lighting calendar, the event offers a unique opportunity for global organisations to penetrate, expand and understand the European and global LED & solid-state lighting markets and continues to generate unprecedented industry participation from leading organizations.

For the first time, McGeoch joined leading manufacturers, component and equipment suppliers, lighting specifiers and design engineers, all of whom are shaping the future of LED technology.

Not only did McGeoch exhibit its latest range of high tech products for LED Marine, Offshore and Rail Lighting, the new McGeoch LED Motor Racing Flag - probably one of the greatest innovations of the last few years - was also on show. The new LED Flag combines design ingenuity with practicality to provide a fresh and dynamic approach to motor racing track signalling. Tried and tested in the most arduous of conditions, the new flag is now available and has met with unprecedented approval within the world of motor racing.

Further establishing McGeoch's place in the future of LED technology, Phil Logan*, McGeoch's Director of Technology, presented a paper on 'Harsh applications for LED's - A case study in Grand Prix Motor Racing' which was exceptionally well received on the first day of the conference programme.

Key points from the presentation included:

The General Requirement...

*Phil Logan, McGeoch's Director of Technology, has been involved in lighting and LED technology for over 30 years. He developed the first night vision goggle compatible cockpit for the RAF’s Tornado, Jaguar and Hercules aircraft, the first LED emergency light for Astute class submarines and was seconded from McGeoch to BAE Systems to project manage all lighting on Astute (both internal and external). He has been with McGeoch for five years, working to augment a very strong defence business with products aimed at  more diverse markets with a particular focus on LEDs. Current projects include a specialised ATEX approved LED light fitting for the oil and gas industry, the development of a wide range of LED light fittings for primary lighting in railway carriages, and of course the subject of this presentation, Grand Prix motor racing. Based in the  LED capital of the world (namely the market town of Ulverston in Cumbria), he is supported by a small local team and the larger McGeoch organisation in Birmingham. Phil has led teams of engineers both in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. A bit of a hybrid, he has also led sales and marketing departments. Phil was a semi-pro stage performer and keyboard vocalist for many years winning many professional awards and now spends his free time sailing on Lake Windermere.