Help on DIY magnetic ballast

[DOUGAL25]

Hi all! Well, I have a 150w HPS bulb w/ a medium base laying around. I'm curious if I'm able to order this hps ballast (link below) off e-bay, and get it to work for my bulb.
Would this be a project that could be finished with little electrical background? Would I need more parts?

Hopefully this is feasible enough to work...I'm a broke college student and looking to skip corners on my budget.

:stoned:

120V Magnetic Reactor Ballast For 150W HPS - eBay (item 380138052143 end time Aug-08-09 20:20:18 PDT)

DOUGAL25 Reviewed by DOUGAL25 on 08-03-2009. Help on DIY magnetic ballast Hi all! Well, I have a 150w HPS bulb w/ a medium base laying around. I'm curious if I'm able to order this hps ballast (link below) off e-bay, and get it to work for my bulb. Would this be a project that could be finished with little electrical background? Would I need more parts? Hopefully this is feasible enough to work...I'm a broke college student and looking to skip corners on my budget. :stoned: 120V Magnetic Reactor Ballast For 150W HPS - eBay (item 380138052143 end time Rating: 5

[oldmac]

It most certainly will work for your bulb and socket. And for only $20 you really can't go too wrong.

I would suggest looking for a wiring diagram to follow, check out one of the DIY ballast companies, or do a search for one.

You'll need a power cord, from outlet to transformer, and a cord from your socket to ballast. Easiest and cheapest will be to use a heavy duty extension cord wire and hard wire both ends. Some wire nuts can handle the wiring connections and you need to mount the 2 major components on or in something mechanically. Maybe another $20 for these assorted items.

BTW, you could enlist the help of someone with more electrical knowledge to help you with no need to tell them the ultimate use....just tell them it's a light for your shop/garage/basement/or something equally benign.

[Italiano715]

Basic wire sizing guide for US 120 and 240 volts

How can I build my own HPS or MH light system?


Building and buying an HPS system


BIG LIST OF SHIT!!

I'm sure you will find these links useful in some way! Enjoy the knowledge and reading!

[DOUGAL25]

Oldmac : thanks for the encouragement and advice
Italiano : thankyou for the great links/information

Well tried to get my money out so I could purchase this, but seems that ALL ATMS in my area are dysfunctional right now (no telling when they'll work). In the meantime, I'm going to read up on as much as this as I can. My insecurities are growing into confidence.

Appreciate the help guys, wouldn't be anywhere w/o this site.

ps. possible future questions once i receive this ballast(couple weeks)...we'll see!

:stoned:

[killerweed420]

I don't see an ignitor in the kit. Its needed for hps.

[DOUGAL25]

I don't see an ignitor in the kit. Its needed for hps.

Underneath the specs, there is a footnote that reads "Ground Ballast Core and Metallic Case of Capacitor and Ignitor". So i think it comes with one...I could be wrong tho as being a electrical noob.

:stoned:

[killerweed420]

Yep I missed it.