digital ballast set up?

[lemonbud]

hey guys, i just bought my first 250 watt HPS/MH grow light system with a digital ballast. when i plug it in to the standard wall outlet, nothing happens. not bulb ignition, no noise, nothing. there were no instructions either i dont want to leave it plugged in for too long in case there is a short some where or dose the ballast need to stay plugged in for some time to ignite? or is it possibly faulty? i contacted the seller just now too so i will see what they have to say. thought i might ask the pros too. also, it is a switchable ballast, but there is no switch. does it automatically change the frequency? sorry if i sound like a total noob. this is still all kinda new to me...

 

[messn'n'gommin']

Is it new or used? How long did you leave it plugged in for?
Some brands of eballasts don't play well with some brands of lamps and even then, some wattages of brands.

If it's supposed to be a switchable ballast but doesn't have a manual switch, that would send up a red flag to me. But, I don't know eballasts, so, I suppose it's possible, just not likely.

hth

 

[growshopfrank]

hey guys, i just bought my first 250 watt HPS/MH grow light system with a digital ballast. when i plug it in to the standard wall outlet, nothing happens. not bulb ignition, no noise, nothing. there were no instructions either i dont want to leave it plugged in for too long in case there is a short some where or dose the ballast need to stay plugged in for some time to ignite? or is it possibly faulty? i contacted the seller just now too so i will see what they have to say. thought i might ask the pros too. also, it is a switchable ballast, but there is no switch. does it automatically change the frequency? sorry if i sound like a total noob. this is still all kinda new to me...

Sorry if this sounds obvious but make sure everything is plugged in properly and the lamp is properly seated (screwed in tightly) also try a different outlet and if you are using a timer try it without the timer. Digital ballasts do not have a hps/mh switch they should light ether (proper wattage of course) good luck

 

[sm0k4]

A volt meter would tell you where your problem is. Measure AC volts at every contact point from the wall and see where it stops. Maybe you have a swapped wire.

 

[lemonbud]

figured it out. didnt leave it plugged in long enough
i was used to my old 150 watt hps magnetic ballast. instant plug in and fire up. and it must sense the different bulbs because both work when it fires up. thanks for your help any way guys!

 

[stonedar]

FYI a 250w digital ballast will run 270w HPS bulbs, sometimes they are a better deal

 

[messn'n'gommin']

Sorry if this sounds obvious but make sure everything is plugged in properly and the lamp is properly seated (screwed in tightly) also try a different outlet and if you are using a timer try it without the timer. Digital ballasts do not have a hps/mh switch they should light ether (proper wattage of course) good luck

Thanks for the correction!

 

[lemonbud]

FYI a 250w digital ballast will run 270w HPS bulbs, sometimes they are a better deal

really? could i get one of those at my local hydro store or do i have to get them online?