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Stond_Face
09-03-2007, 08:02 PM
:confused:

I have a 400W HPS with a magnetic ballast. It's just about 1 year old this month.

The problem is that it shuts off a few times an hour. Then it re-lights.

Do you guys think this is a ballast problem, or a bulb issue?

Thanks in advance.

S_F

Oh Yeah!! congrats Z, the new forum looks great. Thanks for the grow report, I listened to every one.
Dubnky
09-03-2007, 11:55 PM
I think it is your capasitor that is inside the ballest you should be able to buy one seprate online and change it yourself not a hard job. Just need to make sure you hook wires back in the right place. I work for a hydro greenhouse and we replace them all the time for the same problem. Hope that helps :)
Stond_Face
09-04-2007, 09:34 PM
I think it is your capasitor that is inside the ballest you should be able to buy one seprate online and change it yourself not a hard job. Just need to make sure you hook wires back in the right place. I work for a hydro greenhouse and we replace them all the time for the same problem. Hope that helps :)

Hey Dubnky,

OK That's a surprise, but I trust your experience. I don't really have any. I say it's a surprise because I thought the capacitor was only there to build a charge to start the lamp. I don't understand what role the capacitor plays in keeping the lamp going once it's already lit.

Anyway, thanks. I will try a new cap if I can find one.

B.R.
S_F
Mingus Dew
09-04-2007, 11:00 PM
I've known Dubinky for a looooooooooong time and he knows his shit for sure.
Stond_Face
09-05-2007, 01:55 AM
I've known Dubinky for a looooooooooong time and he knows his shit for sure.

I'll post to let you know when it's fixed.
Thanks 4 the help.

S_F
Stond_Face
09-08-2007, 02:22 AM
It turned out to be the bulb.

A little google-ing revealed that cycling on and off is the typical end of life sign for an HPS bulb.

A quick trip to home depot+ $23 solved the problem.

Thanks all.
Dubnky
09-16-2007, 08:26 PM
Glad thats all it was. happy harvesting!
Sir Stangle
09-17-2007, 09:07 PM
i had a similar problem. You should concider getting an electronic ballast. it raises the voltage toward the end of the bulbs life to maintain a steady intensity. then DIES all at once. with a magnetic ballast, its like an arch.