Need help with metal halide ballast,

[zheka757]

I got this selectable ballast, and selector is broken, I can switch it, but I don't know what selection I got. The bulk will light up on all selections. (400w radium) I want to select it at 400w and keep it there, is there a way to find out what selections I'm in. Like checking output of while it's on..... or something like that. I have multi meter I can use on it. And I can get Amp meter from work if necessary.

 

[Reefering1]

Does the bulb stay lit if you turn the knob(with it already on)? Can you see 4 levels of brightness? A kill-a watt meter would make it easy to tell also

 

[PM Corals]

You can get a new one for maybe 30/50 bucks

 

[Dburr1014]

I got this selectable ballast, and selector is broken, I can switch it, but I don't know what selection I got. The bulk will light up on all selections. (400w radium) I want to select it at 400w and keep it there, is there a way to find out what selections I'm in. Like checking output of while it's on..... or something like that. I have multi meter I can use on it. And I can get Amp meter from work if necessary.

Can you pull the knob off? This should be a flat spot or something to tell you where the selector switch should line up with the line on the knob. Then you can just put the knob back on where it should be and see where the line is.

 

[zheka757]

Does the bulb stay lit if you turn the knob(with it already on)? Can you see 4 levels of brightness? A kill-a watt meter would make it easy to tell also

Yeah I though a out using this way, I have a kill a wat metter somewhere in the house.

 

[zheka757]

Can you pull the knob off? This should be a flat spot or something to tell you where the selector switch should line up with the line on the knob. Then you can just put the knob back on where it should be and see where the line is.

The line is only on a know, there is nothing to indicate where line is behind the knob

 

[zheka757]

You can get a new one for maybe 30/50 bucks

New what? Ballast or knob? Ballast is $165

 

[zheka757]

I don't know why I didn't think of using apex as a Metter before, is 437w sounds right to radium bulbs on icecap ballast? I say 437 and not 443 because apex draws 7 watt on it own. Actually it has to be correct one, cause if I move one up it will show 470w. And if I move one back is will show 300w

 

[Dutch_Roots]

I don't know why I didn't think of using apex as a Metter before, is 437w sounds right to radium bulbs on icecap ballast? I say 437 and not 443 because apex draws 7 watt on it own. Actually it hass to be correct one, couse if i move one up it will show 470w. And if i move one back is will show 300w

Yeah that’s probably right with the ballast factor added to the wattage. Socket voltage for a 400w MH should be in the range of 250v-320v if you do want to check the socket voltage but thinking your apex is proof enough in that measurement.