Please Help: HPS not lighting

[benamucc]

Hey everyone,

I've been having some problems with my HPS bulb lighting. It's a 400w HTG Supply HPS. Every once in a while it doesn't actually light the bulb, and the ballast just buzzes and the light blinks like it's trying to ignite. i'll unplug it, and count to 10, plug it back in and all is fine. the past few times this has happened it's taken a couple replugs...now today i can't get the bulb to light!! HEELLLPP!!!

 

[Growdude]

Sounds like the ignitor, can you try a new bulb?

Do you have a magnetic ballast? or electronic?

 

[benamucc]

it's magnetic. i have a mh conversion bulb for it, but have never used it...brb!

 

[benamucc]

one more plug for good luck and she fired up, so i'm not going to mess with it right now.

however...you think it may be the ballast itself since the bulb actually DOES ignite sometime? OR do bulbs do this before they burn out? i don't have much experience with HPS troubleshooting.

THANKS FOR THE QUICK REPLY!!!

 

[Growdude]

Most HPS bulbs ive seen that are bad cycle on and off.
If it has trouble lighting but stays lit without problems I say its the ignitor.

Is just a guess from past exp.

 

[7greeneyes]

last grow before my summer hiatus. I took to using a conversion lamp in my HPS socket and some times it would take freakin forever to light up. May be normal w/ these MH conversion lamps. Do u have a back up light just in case?I've always gotten my fixtures and indoor items @ my local "indoor" store. That way if I hadn't a clue how to fix it, my guy could take care of it for me. I guess I just like a more hands on buying experience for just these emergencies. You could also go to Home De Pot and buy a temp cheaper MH ballast in case of emergencies. Take care, hope everything works out for ya!