newbie central in my grow room

hey guys, need some advice from all you intelligent folks out there. My newbie heart is broken (lol). I was given (i repeat given) a powerplant reflector, a star 250w enclosure ballast and a 250w hps bulb. When i set up i got no light so i thought bulb may have been shook around. when i got second bulb i heard a slight sound inside the bulb and thought it may have been damaged so today i tried hps bulb number 3 and nothing. There is a very slight hum coming from ballast. Can anyone explain in newbie language how to check or test a ballast or should i get a new one. Thanks and keep up the great work

Is it magnetic or digital ballast? If it's digital there isn't a way for you to repair. And a magnetic can hold power for along time. Sometimes enough to kill. So I wouldn't feel safe giving you ideas on what to look for when opening it. Take it to a hydro store and ask them to take a look. Most will look for free.

yes take the ballast to a qualified electrician or somebody who specializes in ballast repair. They will test all the components and find out what the problem is. If you have no knowledge of how to repair them I wouldn't try to on your own.

Thanks for the reply. The ballast is a corona 250w. I took the top case off and you are both right, it needs someone with knowledge in this stuff. I may try get all new set up as hand me downs sometimes seem to cost more god damn them.. Thanks again. By the way there is the slightest sound of a buzz coming from ballast, thats what had me thinking it was working..ah well