Help I think I have been screwed...MH ballast?

[NightOwl]

Ok so back in June I ordered an used MH pendant and ballast from an online vendor and when it arrived the bulb was broken :( . They gave me the run around about the bulb until about two weeks ago and then finally sent me a new one. When installing the bulb which was supposed to be new the bulb broke so I ordered a new one. Today I tried to turn on the lights with the new bulb I had ordered and nothing happened . Is there anyway to tell if the ballast is dead. Oh this might help to know. I heard a rattling sound in the ballast and took it apart and it was one of those black paper clip binders rolling around. So I think that may have shorted something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Henry

[treesprite]

shoot, that all sucks. Sounds like you were ripped off.

[traveller7]

Ok so back in June I ordered an used MH pendant and ballast from an online vendor and when it arrived the bulb was broken :( . They gave me the run around about the bulb until about two weeks ago and then finally sent me a new one. When installing the bulb which was supposed to be new the bulb broke so I ordered a new one. Today I tried to turn on the lights with the new bulb I had ordered and nothing happened . Is there anyway to tell if the ballast is dead. Oh this might help to know. I heard a rattling sound in the ballast and took it apart and it was one of those black paper clip binders rolling around. So I think that may have shorted something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Henry

Going to need a bit more data to assist if you are not working on a return of the goods.

 

Model numbers, pictures, etc., would be a great start.

 

Good luck.

[NightOwl]

It's supposed to be a Coralvue HQI 400 Pendant Kit but I do not see the name on any of the stuff :(.

 

 

 

 

 

 

similar to http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic...ndexID=lt-mh-mq

but the one i have is the old syle and is bigger. Mine is 16" long and about 11" wide and 5" tall.

 

 

 

LT-CV-400PEN-DE

Description: 400 watt 20K double ended metal halide HQI pendant system. Includs electronic ballast with 3 year warrenty, 20K DE bulb and pendant enclosure. Pendant dimensions are 13.5 inches long by 11 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall. NEW STYLE BALLAST. 400 watt double ended metal halide HQI pendant system. Includs electronic ballast with 3 year warrenty, 20K DE bulb and pendant enclosure. Pendant dimensions are 13.5 inches long by 11 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall. Pendant had a 6 foot lamp cord.

 

 

treesprite hopefully there is hope...otherwise I would have spent just as much as buying a new one :(.

 

 

thanks,

 

Henry

[jason the filter freak]

You got something that used from an online vendor?

 

You got something that used from an online vendor?

 

Do you have a multimeter where you can tell if there is current coming out of the ballast. Also check the pins for corrosion you can scrap them individually with a blade to make the contacts cleaner

[Caribbean Jake]

do you know how to troubleshoot electric wires? it is easy, I did mine few times and is not rocket science

[NightOwl]

Jason and Jacob,

I have a voltage meter if that's what you mean. I have tinkered around with small electronics, but nothing with any real voltage. I don't want to end up the poster child for what not to do . The most adventurous I have been is changing all the sockets and switches in my house. Thats with power off .

The vendor sells corals and the like, but from time to time have a section where they sell their used goods. It was described as a pedant they carried to shows and in good shape, etc so I ordered it. I have since learned that good shape can have a wide range of meaning. After it did not even power on the fan I opened it up and it looks like a lot of dust and what not in there and other stuff. Oh and don't forget the loose black binder clip...lol. I think it was rigged to work because there are other black paper binder clips in it. I will try to get pictures tonight. What do I clean it with?

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Henry

[jnguyen4007]

Jason and Jacob,

I have a voltage meter if that's what you mean. I have tinkered around with small electronics, but nothing with any real voltage. I don't want to end up the poster child for what not to do . The most adventurous I have been is changing all the sockets and switches in my house. Thats with power off .

The vendor sells corals and the like, but from time to time have a section where they sell their used goods. It was described as a pedant they carried to shows and in good shape, etc so I ordered it. I have since learned that good shape can have a wide range of meaning. After it did not even power on the fan I opened it up and it looks like a lot of dust and what not in there and other stuff. Oh and don't forget the loose black binder clip...lol. I think it was rigged to work because there are other black paper binder clips in it. I will try to get pictures tonight. What do I clean it with?

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Henry

 

 

to clean off the corrosion from the pins, you can use a small knife or blade to scrape the stuff off. to remove dust, from the inside, use a compressed air can. be sure to do it outside so you don't get dust and whatever else all over the inside of your house.

 

I have to admit, from the look of that ballast, it's pretty nasty looking.

 

James

[yauger]

which vendor did you buy from?

[NightOwl]

Sorry for the delay I am not out in Winnipeg Canada. The vendor is Sharky's Reef :(. looks I will have to check to see if its getting power when I get back. I could not find my voltage tester before I left.

 

Henry

[NightOwl]

Hey I don't want to end up electricuted so can I ask a favor of someone to test this ballast for me. Please let me know how much it will cost. I found my testers, but I can not find my directions and with a 400Watt ballast I dont want to make any mistakes. I have been shocked before and it is not a plesant feeling.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Henry