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Electric MH ballast worth the extra cost?
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Jared View Drop Down
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Joined: November 25 2002
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    Posted: May 26 2004 at 11:34am

I ran the numbers and a dual 175W electric setup would save around $0.05/day over a dual 175W Magnetic ballast, but the initial cost is significantly more.  Even buying used it would take around 5 years to make up the difference in electricity.

The real difference is that the electronic ballasts claim to have a longer bulb life,  and this could add up quickly.  Is there any truth to this?  Is the difference in bulb life even noticeable?
Jared Neilsen
Lehi, Utah
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Flaz View Drop Down
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Points: 188 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Flaz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2004 at 11:48am

If the electronic MH ballasts are similar to electronic VHO ballasts then they will produce much less heat, weigh less, and typically take up less space.  Like you pointed out, the electricity cost savings alone wouldn't make it worth it, but together with the other benefits I think they're worth it.  My duel PFO ballast is great but I sure wish it was electronic...

Also, I believe that they will fire both single and double ended bulbs (I may be incorrect on that though).



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Aaron

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mdawson8931 View Drop Down
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Points: 373 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mdawson8931 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2004 at 11:51am
I've got 2 mag ballasts running 175's and they get hot, hot, hot. I run my bulbs for 8 months then replace regardless.
Mike
Layton, Ut.
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Adam Blundell View Drop Down
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Points: 18526 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Adam Blundell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2004 at 11:52am

I was recently talked into buying an electronic for my halides, and it was about doublt to triple the cost.  But you know what, I love that ballast.  I can't believe how cool it runs.  And for me, that was worth the money, to not have that heat box sitting in my stand. 

So I say get the electronic.

Adam
Come to a meeting, they’re fun!
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jfinch View Drop Down
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Points: 7067 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jfinch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2004 at 1:23pm

I too wonder how much longer you can run a bulb using an electronic ballast... Everything I've ever read and everyone I've talked to with electronics still change their bulbs out in the 6 months (20K bulbs) to year time frame, same as I do with my core/coil.  But you should get more life using electronics.  Electronics are really getting cheaper too.  But I like my core/coil and will probably... maybe... possibly  not change.
Jon

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Crazy Tarzan View Drop Down
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Points: 1681 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Crazy Tarzan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2004 at 2:13pm
yes.  if you get electronic usually you can switch bulb k and brand without much problem either.  i have an icecap an it puts out very little heat--evev at the end of the day i can toch it and it is not at all uncomfotable.
Was that in there yesterday? Casper--WY windier than ?

Down to a 20, soon to double or nothing
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