helios sucks

[jign4bass]

I received two new ballasts from Commodity Axis today. It took about three weeks, but I got them.

They look identical to the old ones. Maybe they made a change inside. Don't know and don't care. My Helios lights will be on Ebay tomorrow.

Rob

[jffuerte]

I just bought a Helios Light 2x55 on ebay recently without knowing how bad the ballasts were. I received it and the fixture doesnt work. I am assuming it is the ballast. I emailed the guy that sold it to me and he said that it was working fine when he sent it out. He said "you have my word". I dont know whether to believe him or not. I also emailed commodity axis and they said to send the ballast and I will get a replacement. I mean I already waited 3 weeks for this guy on ebay and dont want to wait another 3 weeks for the ballast to come in.

How can I find out if its the ballast thats crapped out? Do you think the LFS could figure out whats wrong with it? Someone help please!

[jign4bass]

Well, the buyer of my Helios lights was somebody from back east. Glad it wasn't you having a problem with the light set I sold.

In any event, my experience with this light system is that usually one side of the ballast would crap out, meaning one side of the your light bar would function. Now out of the several ballasts I had go south on me, one did quit on both sides altogether.

Just to be sure, make sure the bulbs are seated all the way on the connectors. I guess you could also try another bulb just to make sure the bulbs didn't get damaged during shipping. If the lights still don't work, it has to be the ballast.

Hope this helps. If you go through Commodity Axis, push them hard or they'll put you on the back burner.

Rob

[Scotsman]

Has anybody heard of any problems with the 2x24w? I have them on my 18g nano I was getting ready to add 2 more to increase my wattage but it sounds like I would be better replacing the whole thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vester_72]

I have not heard of probs with those, but I would stay away from buying any more Helios lights.

I finally gave up - I have gone through 4 ballasts - and bought an IceCap 660, modified the Helios PC lighting hood and put in VHO lights.

Same wattage, MUCH cheaper to replace that PCs and should eliminate the ballast probs too.

Just my thoughts, but ****es me off how much $$ and time I ended up wasting on the Helios set-up.

[jffuerte]

i emailed commodity axis again about how long it will take and what ballast they will send. This is what they said:

We have the NEW 48220 ballast in stock now.
Usually within a week after we received your ballast.

has anyone received this ballast and had any problems. He says one week but i heard some people waited 3 weeks.

[jackson6745]

My girlfriend bought 2-55w helios ficture on ebay. two months later----it wont start up. HELIOS IS A BIG PEICE OF CRAP!!!

You pay for what you get!!!
Say away from HELIOS LIGHTING!!

[Racenrich]

yes guys and gals, i do too have the same issue. Ive been waiting for a replacement ballast since MARCH, 03. What's todays date? 6-12-03. Im close to three months wait time. I've emailed them every week for 10 weeks now! Well i finally got a response that "HEllios promised i should get a replacment this week!" Will C!

I was think of making a new ballast setup for the light, but was warned by Commidity that the lights could not be modified for another ballast. Maybe we could come up with a mod and give the specs...........

I'll let you know what the new one is like!


Anyone want to buy a Hellios 4x55 watt setup with 2-10K and 2 50/50 BULBS?

[jackson6745]

DO NOT BUY HELIOS LIGHTS
THEY OFFER LOW PRICES AND LOWER QUALITY

[jffuerte]

i just sent in my helios ballast. I got an email saying they just received stock for their new ballasts. I guess they finally replied to you (the guy that sent his ballast in in march)....i guess i had perfect timing...i hope i dont jinx it...

[Ophiuchus]

Ummm.... well... how do I say this? Commodity Axis owns another product that is infamous for it's technical failure in the aquarium hobby- rio pumps. Look at this thread and compare it to a rio thread... nuff said.
They also own via aqua, any comments on these? That new multi skimmer is out, but I haven't seen any posts on it yet.

[dwangerin]

Originally posted by vester_72
modified the Helios PC lighting hood and put in VHO lights.

Same wattage, MUCH cheaper to replace that PCs and should eliminate the ballast probs too.

I have the same Helios problems and am interested in your modification. Do you have any more info and/or pictures of the mod?

Thanks,

David

[vester_72]

Hi - what I had to do was:

1) Bought IceCap VHO Endcaps (two pairs) and an IceCap 660 Ballast

2) I removed the PC bulbs/endcaps from the Helios

3) Routed out part of the hood itself and placed two 4' 110 watt VHO bulbs and endcaps (46.5") into the hood.

Works great, but I spent WAY too much on the new ballast. The only reason I bought the 660 was so I can power 4 VHO bulbs in the near future.

However, you may as well get new lights in the process - a huge pain in the ***.

But, you can try using the IceCap 430 ballast with the 4x55w PC configuration in the Helios hood as is. all you will need to do is re-wires the bul bs.

Regardless - it is a nightmare and looking back, I could have purchased a Hamilton setup for the same proces and saved a lot of time on my part.

[Racenrich]

Well folks, ITS HERE!
The replacement ballast for my 4x55 setup!
i posted some pics for people to view. The unit is smaller and lighter than the original.
It also has a different name on it "PLS" Professional lighting system.
Did they change there name, they need to with the rap they are getting.
Looks ok, will c if it works or not.
ive only been waiting since March 03 for this.
Wish me luck.

There are photos in my gallery for you to view.
not to sure on how to add them to a thread, anyone know how?

Till then....

[jffuerte]

hopefully i get mine soon as well. Ive been waiting for a whole week! haha...when did u get it in? today?

[vester_72]

Wow - I think I'm going to send mine in ASAP.

Hoepfully I'll get the same results.

It will be nice to finally have a fix for this!

[Racenrich]

Yes the ballast showed up at work today.
So i will not be able to check them out till tonight.
i'll let everyone know how and IF it work's.

Vester, i'll get that email to you. the letter is on my home PC.

Wish me luck with the ballast!

[vester_72]

Thanks Rich.

GOOD luck

Jason

[Racenrich]

WEll folks, no luck. This really sucks. Tried everything, pulled wires out to confirm connections, checked power with a jigger, YET NO LIGHT. I even pulled each bulb out to confirm that each one of them works okay, and they did.
Called my electrican buddy over to help and he final result was the ballast!!!!!!!!

Well i sent them a long winded mesage. Will see if they respond.
I was nice but direct.

I've had it with Heios and ANY PRODUCT THEY SELL. (via aqua)

Vester and others,
here is there address and web site.
Please return ballast to

Commodity Axis Inc.
1011 Avenida Acaso
Camarillo Ca. 93012

www.commodityaxis.com

For replacement.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thank you for using Via Aqua products.

[jffuerte]

I am suppose to get mine soon. I hope I don't get the same outcome as you did. I really hope these new ballasts really work a lot better than their old crap ones...

[Racenrich]

i woundnt count on it.
I sent them an email and they have yet to reply.
Actually i sent two emails one on the ballast being **it and another about the box being smashed, i even included at photo.
i get a reply to the box and not to my ballast.
I dislike these people!

They really dont care and it shows!

I may have to chaulk it up as a big loss!

Broken light for sale?

Rich K.

[Snailman]

dwangerin


[welcome]

[vester_72]

Sorry to hear that Rich - for you and all of us that bought the lights.

Too bad - they look great, too bad they don't work and their CS SUCKS.

EVERYTHING I have bought with doing my homework (including the Helios lights), I have been burned on. I think I have officialy learned my lesson.