larryk
Enlightened
Does anyone know if there is a way to test the ballast on a Microfire K500 ? The light stopped working and I'm not sure if it is the bulb or ballast.
Testing for faulty ballast ?
- Thread starter larryk
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nitekayak
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2006
- Messages
- 43
I do not believe there is an easy test to determine the condition of the ballast. Start at Page 28 of the document shown in the link:
http://www.advancetransformer.com/uploads/resources/hid-troubleshooting-guide.pdf#search=%22testing%20HID%20ballast%22
If you find an easier method, please let me know since I also have a UK Light Cannon that needs a ballast or bulb. I don't want to buy a bulb if the ballast if bad. There is also a fuse somewhere in the ballast that is not intended to be user serviceable. If I can get the ballast casing open, I'll try that first.
Good Luck!
http://www.advancetransformer.com/uploads/resources/hid-troubleshooting-guide.pdf#search=%22testing%20HID%20ballast%22
If you find an easier method, please let me know since I also have a UK Light Cannon that needs a ballast or bulb. I don't want to buy a bulb if the ballast if bad. There is also a fuse somewhere in the ballast that is not intended to be user serviceable. If I can get the ballast casing open, I'll try that first.
Good Luck!
nitekayak
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2006
- Messages
- 43
I do not believe there is an easy test to determine the condition of the ballast. Start at Page 28 of the document shown in the link:
http://www.advancetransformer.com/uploads/resources/hid-troubleshooting-guide.pdf#search=%22testing%20HID%20ballast%22
If you find an easier method, please let me know since I also have a UK Light Cannon that needs a ballast or bulb. I don't want to buy a bulb if the ballast if bad. There is also a fuse somewhere in the ballast that is not intended to be user serviceable. If I can get the ballast casing open, I'll try that first.
Good Luck!
(Don't know why this got posted twice on one save)
http://www.advancetransformer.com/uploads/resources/hid-troubleshooting-guide.pdf#search=%22testing%20HID%20ballast%22
If you find an easier method, please let me know since I also have a UK Light Cannon that needs a ballast or bulb. I don't want to buy a bulb if the ballast if bad. There is also a fuse somewhere in the ballast that is not intended to be user serviceable. If I can get the ballast casing open, I'll try that first.
Good Luck!
(Don't know why this got posted twice on one save)
Last edited:
larryk
Enlightened
I sent Ra a PM about the bulb and ballasts. He seems quite knowledgeable about the workings of HID lights.
jayflash
Flashlight Enthusiast
If you know someone with a high voltage probe for a VOM or DMM, the ballast's output (or lack of) could be measured. If the initial strike voltage is less than 600v then a regular meter could be used.
I'm not sure if the electronic, regulating, ballast lends itself to measuring the output current. The method used for magnetic ballasts measures short-circuit current but I'm uncertain if that would affect, or damage, an electronic unit.
An oscilloscope would be ideal for electronic ballast testing as the output may be high frequency.
Perhaps one of our members with experience will chime in. I've only worked with commercial/industrial lighting, not the miniture arc tube lights.
I'm not sure if the electronic, regulating, ballast lends itself to measuring the output current. The method used for magnetic ballasts measures short-circuit current but I'm uncertain if that would affect, or damage, an electronic unit.
An oscilloscope would be ideal for electronic ballast testing as the output may be high frequency.
Perhaps one of our members with experience will chime in. I've only worked with commercial/industrial lighting, not the miniture arc tube lights.
