Difference between new and old 250W MH ballast?

[oaksenov]

What is the difference between old MH ballast that look like blue brick and new ones with heat sink integrated with the case? Besides the case of course. Is new one worth extra $100?

Old one

New one:

 

[outy]

the old one is great so I know I would not pay the extra 100. my icecap VHO ballast is 15 years old and works great lol

its the old style and has a external heatsink mounted on the backside that you find with these ,ost of the time

 

[Chris27]

Most likely one is electronic and the other is magnetic. Electronic ballasts typically are more efficient, quieter and produce less heat given they don't depend on large transformers and capacitors like a magnetic one does.

 

[cdeboard]

The blue one on top says "electronic lamp driver" so IDK

 

[outy]

there both electronic and both solid units

 

[RA]

Is new one worth extra $100?

Old one

New one:

I don't understand the question. The top IC ballast has not been made for years, the bottom IC ballast is the current production ballast. Are you comparing someone selling a used ballast vs. buying a new ballast? If so then you are just comparing used vs. new. I have 3 of the older style ballasts that work fine, but as with most electronic equipment they don't work forever.

 

[DustinB]

As stated, one is the old style, no longer in production. I remember seeing a post from icecap about the difference. I believe it said the new style is more efficient and compatible with all bulbs. The old style may or may not be compatible with most bulbs depending on the revision.

 

[oaksenov]

Yes I just need one more ballast and I see old ones are selling for like $40 so I was thinking weather it is good enough ballast or should I get newer models instead.


That thing that old ones are not as efficient and may not work with all bulbs makes me want to get new one

 

[DustinB]

I would, I found some locally for $75 each about 10 months old. You don't have to pay $140 for a new one or even $100 for a used one.

 

[radicaltimes]

Have you contacted Icecap and asked them ? They would be the one with the answer.

 

[oaksenov]

I have posted to their forum over here on RC, but nobody answered. I have decided to look for used newer models. I was able to score two for $70 each few weeks ago. So I just need one more.