Ballast question

[JosefDevaty]

Im looking at setting up some MH lighting. Does anyone use icecap 250W mogul base ballasts? If so, do you like them? I didnt find many reviews online so I figured I would ask here.
Thanks for any input

 

[TheGrog]

Icecap makes a very good ballast. I have never personally used them, but know of many who have and really like them. The only problem is that they get really hot, so you need a heatsink for them.

What I would recommend is a Lumatek digital ballast. It runs cooler and I noticed a slight drop in the power bill after installing these (replaced magnetic ballasts)

Here is a link: Lumatek

Hope it helps!

 

[gwrench]

Hey Josef,
I currently use two of the Icecap 250W MH ballasts. I have been using them for quite sometime without any issues at all. Virtually no bulb flicker, consistant color, using Hamilton 14K bulbs. Excellent value for the money. I can't say enough good things.
Hope this helps
G

 

[Chris@IceCap]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12667786#post12667786 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheGrog
Icecap makes a very good ballast. I have never personally used them, but know of many who have and really like them. The only problem is that they get really hot, so you need a heatsink for them.

Actually the exact opposite is true! IceCap ballasts never get too hot, only warm to the touch.

Chris
IceCap Inc.

 

[mlivvy]

I have a 250w ic ballast and it gets warm to the touch.

I believe they work with either SE or DE bulbs. I could be wrong tho.

 

[Chris@IceCap]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12669456#post12669456 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mlivvy
I have a 250w ic ballast and it gets warm to the touch.

I believe they work with either SE or DE bulbs. I could be wrong tho.

You are correct, IceCap ballast will operate both SE & DE Lamps!

Chris
IceCap Inc.

 

[gwrench]

I have to agree with Chris on the heat issue. I have never had either of my ballasts get any warmer than your average transformer/power supply. If there is a heat hot to the touch problem then something is definately wrong somewhere.
G

 

[JosefDevaty]

Thanks for all the input on this!! I went ahead and picked them up, they should be here this week. Now I just have to build a canopy for them...... George, how is your canopy set up? Do you have fans in it or is heat not really an issue?

 

[gwrench]

Hey Josef,
Yes I have fans in my canopy as it is fully enclosed and with 440W of VHO and 500W of MH heat is an issue. I currently run (2) 180CFM 12volt clear pc fans. I have had good luck with the clear fans that use ball bearings. I also think the 12 volt models are much quieter than any of the 110 volt models.
Plus they are much more economical.
G