Build your own ballast meeting

[easttn]

I never did get a clue who wanted to build a ballast and who just wanted to watch, so I'll try another way.

I have 16 large heat sinks, each ballast requires two of these sinks. The first 8 folks that claim a pair will be building a ballast in a future meeting. You will need to provide your own transformer, capacitor, starter (if needed), wire, plugs, reflector, socket and bulb.

Post the bulb you want to use and I (and others) can help with recommendations for the other parts. This is really an easy project, some mechanical and some electrical. The ballast never gets more than warm to the touch because of the size of these sinks.

We'll work out the date after everyone has purchased all their equipment. You will save 75%+ doing this over store bought. If you really want to nuke your tank get the Lumenarcs at here (http://www.propertyroom.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/Search?GO_SEARCH=YES&textsearch=Grow+Light+Hood+&au_nbr=&minprice=&maxprice=&au_type=-1&status=O&category_select=-1&wl=31895249) , it was Art's link in another thread.

Ready GO!

[imsqueak]

"each ballast requires two of these sinks. " So if I want dual 400s I'd need 8 heat sinks? I'm still floppin on electronic vs DIY but if I need 8 heat sinks for a dual 400 that would lead me towards the reef fanatic or maybe just a dual sunlight supply that already matches my pendant sockets.

[easttn]

My bad Don, you only need two. Does not matter if you going to burn 175's, 250's, 400's, or 1000's.

Each dual system is sandwiched between two of these heatsinks. If you only want one bulb np, still two heatsinks.

[TriMax]

I will bring the one Charles built for me to the meeting Sat. It is a dual 400w.

Eddie

[easttn]

No interest, I'll try to sell on the forum.$15/pair then.

[imsqueak]

Sorry it went that way Charles. I was/am wanting to update my dual 250 to a dual 400 but after several times on the links provided I still havent decided to go M58/59 or electonic. Eddy's had a noticable hum that's probably muted by my sunlight supply ballast cover/heat sink.

IOU1

[EvilMel]

I too am sorry that it went that way Charles as I think this is a great topic. But ya know...it's one of those things that most people kinda need to be in immediate need of to really recognize as important.

I totally get that this is a great topic and am sorry it hasn't gone further for you.

[easttn]

Eddie needs new caps, his would be silent if he replaces those old caps. Sorry guys, I got 16 ballast in the back of my car and my wife wants them gone. I'm sure I'll get more as operators drop or ding others in the future. We'll try again, I'd only ask that everyone get their necessary items first. No problem gangsters.

[EvilMel]

You need to come to meeting soon Charles! I'm getting tired of bringing all the desserts.

[imsqueak]

"Eddie needs new caps"
Showing my stupidity, but do you mean the caps used to tie the wires? I hate electricity and dont pretend to know anything other than plugging in a plug into a GFCI outlet.

[easttn]

No he has two old electrolytic capacitors that are breaking down, they make that 60 hertz hum when they degrade. He knows about it, just haden't gotten to I guess. 10.00 fix.

[RCS]

Sorry Charles, I've been slacking over on my end here...I'm thinking I'll need to build some ballasts soon. Probably 6-10 bulbs...how many pairs of heatsinks would I need? Any other recommendations for parts? I'd like to do either some 400w mogul or 250w hwi bulbs...

[easttn]

You need 2 heatsinks for each pair of lamps. One top, one bottom and each set will hold a pair of coils (ballasts). Which coil you buy depends on the lamp you want to burn, so you'll need to decide that first.

[EvilMel]

Charles, can I build a ballast that would be small? I am thinking of those 150 HQI fixtures that people put over some nanos. I don't know too much about this stuff but it would be nice to have a smaller MH light and some actinics over a 20L.

[easttn]

These heatsinks are over kill for a 150, but I'll see if I can get a smaller pair (of heatsinks) :D.

[RCS]

You know what...let's say I want to do the 250w mogul bulbs. Do I need to pick a specific brand and color to match up good components....or is that overkill?

[EvilMel]

Thanks Charles! Let me know.

[Runner]

I have a pair of 175W ballasts in my garage in a 12x12 junction box. The box gets very hot to the touch behind the ballasts. I could use a pair of those heat sinks to help out.