DIY Ballast construction

Hello all. I know my way around a circuit board, and I know of electronics suppliers that usually have low-cost components. I can buy transformers, caps, ignitors, etc. for virtually any rating. I'm just curious what the specs are on HPS AND MH 400W, 600W, and 1000Ws for the transformers, capacitors, and ignitors. If anyone can help me find this information (either if you know already, or just take a look at your ballast components and read the numbers from the transformer, Cap, and ignitor) I would be very appreciative, and would share information I put together (or offer to sell complete systems at lower cost than competitors).


Thank you for your time and cooperation!

wow. great info! thank you very much!
I'm going to find to lowest cost way to do HPS at first in the 400W, 600W, and 1000W ratings, and post my results here.

i too have been doing research here recently on buying the parts for a 400W MH ballast... but i think the folks over at HTGSupply.com have a very cheap 400W ballast kit, only $49... i will have to look into that page, post back with your findings ismokedank/... i'll do the same, good luck

any updates i.smoke.dank.bud intested im making 1 from scratch too

spliffbazz

Typical stoner?

Instead of shopping around online, just use google to find local elctrical supply places in/near your local area. That's how I got what I needed for my lighting needs. I am only running 100 watts HPS, but the other ballast kits of greater wattage were not much more on the wallet. The whole shabang was just under $50 including ballast, socket, cords, lamp and everything I needed to assemble the ballast. I used a heavy-duty weather proof junction box to house the ballast components. I think the 400w kit was around $80. Don't take my word for it, just get out there and look around.

One other advantage to going to an actual store-front is having a first hand account of what you will be purchasing. Keep that in mind.

akuira said:

i too have been doing research here recently on buying the parts for a 400W MH ballast... but i think the folks over at HTGSupply.com have a very cheap 400W ballast kit, only $49... i will have to look into that page, post back with your findings ismokedank/... i'll do the same, good luck

Click to expand...

That's about the same price that www.1000bulbs.com charges, but they're in Texas instead of the East Coast. So anyone out West would save a few bucks on S&H charges!

These "ballast replacement kits" are the cheapest way to go, they include everything you need except a plug and light socket - some even include those! And they have better componants than most "Security Light Ballasts" I have seen!