New 250MH Ballast Problem

[iNsiNuASiAn]

I just recieved two 250MH ballasts and find that one starts up immediately everytime and the other usually does not. I got it to fire once, in the last 24 hours but have not had any luck since. I tried to rule out the individual parts, so I switched the bulb, reflector, then power cable. Each part one at a time, in order to find the problem. I then tried each bulb, reflector, and power cable on the "good" ballast to double check that the problem was with the ballast. In the end, I am sure that there is something wrong with the ballast.

Now I dont know the best way to go about exchanging the defective ballast. I will contact the company that I ordered from tomarrow morning, however I am not sure if they will direct me to ICECAP directly. Do most people return directly to ICECAP or is the norm to return to the place of purchase?

I know this is pretty much jumping the gun until i contact the selling company first, but I really an excited about getting the MH lighting system, and would like the get it up and running properly ASAP.

Thanks,
Darek J.
insinuasian@yahoo.com

[TJcop]

When I purchased my Maristar lighting system, one of my ballasts were bad. I called up the manufacturer (Sunlight Supply) and they had a new ballast sent out the next day.
On a side note: They then fixed the original ballast and sent it back to me! I told them to send me a shipping label so they could have it back, but they never sent one! So now I have an extra ballast sitting around (oh, it'll get put to use soon) :)

[ASH]

The one test you didn't do is just swap ballasts and leave everything else as it was - working. Nevertheless, from all the work you've done we'll be happy to exchange it directly with us or through the retailer (if they will). Whichever is easier for you.

Unlike the SLS situation above, we would likely cross ship a new ballast to you by UPS while yours is on its way back to us by mail (least expensive) unless the retailer can provide faster service. We take care of the retailer so that they get a replacement ballast from us on their next order if they help you out.

Andy

[iNsiNuASiAn]

Okay, thats good to hear. I will contact the seller first, then let you know what they instruct me to do.

Thank you.
~Dj

[iNsiNuASiAn]

UPDATE-
The retailer advised me to let the ballast attempt to power the working bulb for a 24 hour period. Apparently there may be an initial break in period, which should be reduced as use continues. I will give that a try when I return home.

Could this info be correct? I hope so.

~Dj

[ASH]

No. After 3 tries our ballast turns off. What he might have meant, is if you run your new bulbs (I'm assuming they are) for a while they'll become easier to start.

I'd start with, is your reflector / pendant grounded? If not, do so.

Next, break in a bulb by cycling it on and off with the 'good' ballast for a day. Then switch bulbs and see if the other ballasts starts the broken-in bulb.
Or - call Dave in IceCap service, 800-742-3227 ext. 25 and see what he can suggest.
Andy

[iNsiNuASiAn]

What did you mean, after 3 tries the ballast turns off? Is this an internal mecanism that attempts 3 times, or do you mean after 3 times of the user attempting to power it up? Ill give your instructions a try when I get home. Ill cross my fingers and hope they work. Still not sure though. The good ballast seemed to fire up fine each time. Each time it would humm/buzz for a sec and te bulb would fire. Then be completely silent while working. The other one seemed like it tried to do the same, but the sound was not the same. Almost like it gave a try, then gave up.

Thanks for the help.
~Dj

[ASH]

The ballast tries 3X (waiting 5 Min. between tries to let a hot bulb cool down) and then says - bad bulb, no bulb or wrong bulb and calls it a day until the next on cycle of your timer.

Andy