MH Question

[mpcart]

I recently purchased a used one of these to use over a small frag tank.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=HT1313

However, I can't get the thing to work on a timer. The only way to get it to light is via one of those push button on/off switches that is located on the ballast box.

Do I need to bypass the switch to use it with the timer? This is my first MH light so I'm not sure how the thing works.

-Mike

 

[DrBDC]

So even if you push it to on, then unplug and plug it to the timer it doesn't go on? It must be some kind of a pulse on/off switch. Some timers like the intermatic digital timer won't turn on when in auto mode until the next time it goes through the cycle. If using one of those timers, push the mode button until it shows on instead of auto and see if that works. If not, you may need to bypass the switch or replace it with an old school toggle switch. Or just eliminate it and only use the timer.

 

[DrBDC]

What if you push it to on, then unplug, and then replug it (all of this done just to a regular wall outlet). Does it still require pushing the button to start? Also take into account that sometimes mh's take a cool down period and will refire after 15-30 minutes.

 

[pewter_jean]

That looks just like the one I sold to Dennis, it was a 175 watt Hamilton. The one I had worked on a timer. It was the regular cheap timer from Wal-mart. I would think it would work just fine.