T5 ballast

[LeviT]

Hey everyone. I bought a used icecap 430 ballast a month or so ago and after much tinkering (thanks again Matt!) I've determinded it's toast. Does anyone have a spare I could borrow until I find out if I can have this one rebuilt or replaced. I only need to power 4 24w bulbs so it doesn't have to be an icecap ballast.

Thanks in advance!

... because I know someone is going to ask, the bulbs work, the fuse isn't blown and we tested all the connections. Even in a 2 bulb configuration i only get a flicker when i plug it in.

 

[Elite]

I don't think 430 can fire 4 bulbs. The 660 can do 4 bulbs but not the 430. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[sfsuphysics]

4 lamps are possible up to 330 watts (why they call it the 430 I don't know)

 

[Elite]

OH ok.. Thanks for the correction Mike.. I thought 430 only support 2 bulbs that's why there is a 660.. I guess the only different between the two is the wattage.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Not sure if the 430 will "overdrive" bulbs.. which IMO was an silly thing for IceCap to do, of course it might not be intentional either.

 

[LeviT]

an icecap 430 is meant to power up to 4 bulbs (8 ft of bulbs) but i tried with 2 just bulbs even if I was wrong (which I'm not, look it up )

 

[xinumaster]

how many endcaps to you have hooked up on your 430?

 

[LeviT]

[quote author=xinumaster link=topic=5142.msg63267#msg63267 date=1226334008]
how many endcaps to you have hooked up on your 430?[/quote]

I've tried both a 2 bulb and 4 bulb configuration. Matt (Dyngoe) checked for shorts from the endcap to the ballast and it was wired fine. My goal was 4 bulbs but right now I have an RBTA and some softies in there with just a fw light so I have to get something quick, even if it's temporary.


Do any of the LFS's sell new ballast's? I just want to put it behind me at this point.... sigh.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Want a quick fix? Swing by homedepot/lowes pick up an advance t8 ballast, 4 bulb. It'll fire 4-24watt T5s just fine.

 

[LeviT]

[quote author=sfsuphysics link=topic=5142.msg63272#msg63272 date=1226335433]
Want a quick fix? Swing by homedepot/lowes pick up an advance t8 ballast, 4 bulb. It'll fire 4-24watt T5s just fine.[/quote]

Really... hmm any idea what they run $$ or if the light output is weaker (I'm ok with overdriven )?


FYI, the tank is only 18 deep.

 

[dswong01]

probablt not more than $20-$25 bucks

 

[LeviT]

it looks like they are 4x32 watts so that would mean they would be overdriven some. I'm guessing that's brighter light but a lower bulb life.... are there any other draw back? For the price that'll work for short term at least but I may just leave it that's the only concern.

 

[xinumaster]

Here is what other reefer been using http://ballastwise.com/item.asp?PID=28&FID=15&level=1

 

[sfsuphysics]

They may or may not overdrive the bulbs, electronic ballasts don't quite work in the way they'll pull what the rating is.

I think they run $20-30, its been a while since I've bought them.

But they'll work for the short term no problem, hell I ran a couple 54w T5s with one for quite a while, I'm sure you can get a better deal/price on stuff online, but you need something in a hurry, it's a good alternative.

 

[LeviT]

Thanks guys. I'll make some time to run to HD and get one.


....now what to do about my bad ballast. is anyone familiar with icecaps procedures/policies?

 

[sfsuphysics]

email/call them

 

[Dyngoe]

Give it to me. With a little more time I can check each piece of the board. I think IC has a $75 flat fee for basic repairs. Don't quote me on this but I remember reading something like that on RC once.

 

[LeviT]

[quote author=sfsuphysics link=topic=5142.msg63285#msg63285 date=1226338170]
email/call them[/quote]
duh! I was looking for some first hand info Mike. everyone has to be a wise guys ....wait that sounds like a comment I would make.

[quote author=Dyngoe link=topic=5142.msg63290#msg63290 date=1226339082]
Give it to me. With a little more time I can check each piece of the board. I think IC has a $75 flat fee for basic repairs. Don't quote me on this but I remember reading something like that on RC once.[/quote]
Thanks Matt. I'm going to throw in a T8 ballast to buy me some time. I should be out your way tonight but if you aren't home I'll leave it on your patio if that's ok?

 

[Elite]

There should be a date on the ballast. Is it out of warranty?

 

[LeviT]

[quote author=Elite link=topic=5142.msg63294#msg63294 date=1226339334]
There should be a date on the ballast. Is it out of warranty?[/quote]
Just a serial number from what i can find.

No worries, I'll give Matt a crack at it and if he doesn't find anything I'll give IC a call.