Batboard

I recently heard discussion that referred to linear and non-linear strobe lights in reference to vehicle warning lighting. Since I have never heard these terms, could someone tell me what this is about?

Liniear: Long straight tubes

Non-Linear (AKA: Helix, twisty, curly, spiral, etc): The small spiral tubes.

Now, here is why it matters. If you are using a power supply that is not "output regulated", you can not fire long strobes and short strobes at the same time. There impedence difference between the long strobes and the shorts ones will cause the short ones to be over powered and the long ones to be underpowered.

If you have a regulated power supply, you can fire whatever you want whenever you want. The power supply will compensate for the difference.