Bad Ballast or Bulb?

[TomToro]

My MH is flashing on and off about 5 times a second. Is this usually a bad ballast or a bad bulb?
Thanks,
Tom

[Reefscape]

Easiest solution is to swap bulbs over...if the same happens, then you can rule out the bulbs...

One thing i will say is that there is a DNA CAPACITOR inside the ballast unit, there is a possibility that it could be this...Again, they are easy to swap over and test as they are usually a push in / pull out wire connector, rather than a srew or solder joint...

Hope this helps a little mate

Niko

[jojo22]

What Niko said unless you have a ballast that is electronic and resin filled. I use a fulham high horse that is resin filled and there is no way to service it.

[Reefscape]

The DNA Capacitor is a seperate servicable item in a metal halide fixture usually...

View this website for examples, i know this is a UK site, but its just to show you an example of what one is....

Niko

[Reefscape]

Just doen a search on ebay for you...

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&submitsearch=Search&satitle=30uf+capacitor&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=st1+5rq&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=


The common capacitors in metal halides are 30uf ( micro pharad )...

Niko

[jojo22]

not to tit for tat but isn't uf a nano farad and a micro would be mf???

I may be wrong, not being a smart butt, really thought that was how it is???

[Reefscape]

Well, actually, no...Reason i know it is, is because i no long ago had to buy a pair...Also, its not mf...It MFD if you want specifics...

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=uf+microfarad&spell=1

Please check before "Tit for Tattin " mate

Niko

[jojo22]

I said not to tit for tat. I was asking a serious question so there is no need to try to get superior with me. I asked a question you answered no need to be smart about it!

[Reefscape]

It is nothing to do with being smart about it or getting superior, i made a comment to TomToro, if i did not know what i was talking about, i would not of commented.

If you are asking serious questions, then i suggest you change your wording in future. That maybe normal to talk to someone like that where you live, but, people in different countries take comments in different ways.

Niko

[jojo22]

THEN DIFFERENT PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT AND NOT GET UPSET!

[TomToro]

So........... Does that mean I can maybe repair my ballast instead of shelling out a hundred plus dollars for a new one?

Didn't mean to start a war here, honest.

[Reefscape]

ha ha ha ha...no, you did'nt mate, me and JoJo was just having a quick heated debate......

yes, i would say you could....Start by swapping bulbs if possible and take it from there..

Niko

[TomToro]

ha ha ha ha...no, you did'nt mate, me and JoJo was just having a quick heated debate......

yes, i would say you could....Start by swapping bulbs if possible and take it from there..

Niko

I always appreciate your help, Niko. I'll try the bulb thing and if it still does it, I'll bother you guys again for some advice on the next step. I think the bulb in there is only around 5 months old, but I've been wanting a 14000k anyway.

Thanks again,
Tom

[Reefscape]

No problem Tom, anytime mate...let us kow about the bulb swap results...

Niko

[TomToro]

No problem Tom, anytime mate...let us kow about the bulb swap results...

Niko

I swapped out a 6500k Hamilton that lit up real bright and then dimmed down to less than a flicker. I then swapped it out to an old Aqualine 10000k and it lit up and is still lit with no problems...except it's humming like a buggar. I'm thinking I'm on borrowed time with this ballast so if you guys have any idea on how to fix it or what site could help me, I'd be grateful. A new one is around 56.00 plus shipping 25.00 usps.

It's a model af175ws mh s
serial 4602
175w 120v 1.8 amps
energy savers unlimited, inc
harbour city, ca 90710

[Reefscape]

The humming is the bugga part of it, then is certainly not the capacitor..more rather the ballast itself...you could try ebay for a similar fixture and swap the guts over...Sorry i cant be of anymore help than that buddy..

Niko

[TomToro]

The humming is the bugga part of it, then is certainly not the capacitor..more rather the ballast itself...you could try ebay for a similar fixture and swap the guts over...Sorry i cant be of anymore help than that buddy..

Niko


Naw, I need to hear the truth, my friend. I'll start saving up for a retro kit and aim the other two halides towards the middle of the tank in the mean time. It was an old one I bought used 8 years ago. I guess I got my time out of it. Thanks for the help, Niko.
Tom

[Reefscape]

Anytime Tom, you know that...

Niko

[jojo22]

If you HAVE to replace the ballast go with a Fulham electric. It is more money but well worth the price and you won't have to change it again in a few years (or at least not as soon as a cheapie)