Need help with older model Sunlight ballast. (will it fire up a HQI lamp)

[Scuba Dan]

Not sure if anybody here can help me out. I'm searching for a ballast and found a fellow member who has a Sunlight ballast for sale. We are not sure if it will fire up a HQI lamp. This is all the information he could provide:

Manufacture date: Nov 04
SN: 0303200411314609
Type: m138

Would any of you happen to know if this will fire up a HQI lamp? He said the ballast is blue and has a orange timer on it. I've email the manufacturer, but was hoping to get the information sooner as not to loose out on this deal.
Thanks....

[PaulErik]

That ballast is an ANSI M138 (pulse start 250-watt) ballast. It will light HQI/double-ended (ANSI M80) lamps but will under drive them (operate them at reduced wattage). An ANSI M138 ballast is designed to provide 2.1 amps to the lamp. HQI/double-ended (ANSI M80) lamps are designed to be operated at 3.0 amps. This ballast is not recommended for HQI/double-ended (ANSI M80) lamps because the lamp will not operate at the proper wattage.

[Scuba Dan]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll have to pass on the ballast.