Converting a standard HPS to a MH/HPS Switchable for less than $8.00

[WillysWonder]

Does this mean that if you use a 400W MH ballast and add an ignitor (HQI style) it would fire a 400W HPS? I often have wondered about this...

WillysWonder Reviewed by WillysWonder on 08-01-2006. Converting a standard HPS to a MH/HPS Switchable for less than $8.00 Ok if you are not comfortable working with electricity and do not know how to make safe High voltage connections, DO NOT ATTEMPT Now the discalimer is out of the way. OK, you start with a standard HPS ballast and crack it open. Remember that most manufacturers will void the warranty if the ballasts seals are broken. With that said, lets begin the surgery. After the ballast is cracked open you need to locate the ignitor (generally next to the capacitor but smaller) and trace the wires Rating: 5

[djsethall]

4x5 Take pics of the setup. Maybe a part # and manufacturer of the capacitor would help. It might have an internal ignitor inside the capacitor. Which would be harder to convert. But could be done.

WillysWonder

Thats the theory. I will be attempting this for my 1000 watt Sunlight Supply Ballasts. Once I have succesfully done this, I will post pics. I do know that there is a difference between MH ballasts and HPS ballasts. I'll give it a shot and let you know how it goes, if the actual ballast coil can handle it then it should work. I know that MH has a higher startup voltage than HPS so it should be able to handle the load. A MH bulb has the ignitor in the bulb whereas the HPS doesn't. Cross yer fingers on this one. Once it is done I'll start a thread on convertin your MH ballast to a switchable.

[WillysWonder]

cool. I will keep my eyes open for it...