Ideas for DIY Ballast box

[Stasiu]

I'm looking for some housing ideas for two 70 watt MH electronic ballasts. I have an old ATX PSU i've gutted and could make work with some modification, but i'm looking for something a bit easier to work with. They're 5" X 3.25" X 1.5".

 

[funman1]

First off!!
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Some use old Towers, some use metal boxes (Called cans or gutters) used in electrial work. You can get them almost any size and they are metal and have knockouts so you can run cords into and out of them easily.

 

[pescadero]

are you planning on rolling your own ballasts from components? i was at the international recto site yesterday looking for appguides for suitable high frequency switching power supplies for electronic MH ballast applications, but i haven't had any luck yet in finding them. got schematics?

 

[funman1]

If you go with magnetic ballast they can be had VERY cheaply at lowes or HD for only $20-$30 They have no housing.

They are for "rebiulding" old MH fixtures and they work GREAT for this hobby.

 

[pescadero]

thanks. i had seen the magnetic ballasts at the home stores, but i haven't tried them. everything that i've read tells me that the e-ballasts are more efficient and provide better voltage regulation, which results in a better color spectrum. so i've been leaning towards building my own... that is, if i can find a good sample circuit so i don't have to completely re-invent the wheel. the prices on e-ballasts are so obscene that it really makes sense to DIY if switching power supplies are up your alley.

 

[funman1]

yeah I don't know.... You'd have to find some really good prices on components to beat them..


But hey this is the DIY forum, someone may just pipe up..

 

[Stasiu]

I got the ballasts from ballastwise.com. I can't see making my own ballast when i can buy a new one for $30. I checked HomeDupa but didn't see any boxes I liked, just small metal conduit boxes. I'll have to make another trip and take a look again. Thanks

 

[funman1]

If you have any electrical supply places near you then they will have them for sure..

Try CED(Consolidated Electrical Distributors), Platt, Independent Electric, etc...

It's more of a commercial can then a resi, so some HD's may not carry them.. Depends on what's being built in the area.

 

[pescadero]

thanks for the sourcing ideas and for the links to the inexpensive electronic ballasts.

i'm still interested in rolling my own, as i know enough about high frequency switching power supplies to appreciate that there is a huge difference in design and performance between a $30 e-ballast and the $200 e-ballast. i'm looking for something that has lower THD, better regulation, power factor, etc. (yes, i'm a multidisciplinary geek.)

anyone?