the M57 doesent have a ignightor.. it relise on the bulb having a ignitor andit just sends it open curent.. the 137 has a ignitor that sends a high voltage/low current pulsing to the bulbs which starts it in a more frendly mannore which increases bulb life.

Steve

Oh boy, getting confused again... I think it's almost time to start drinking...

Thanks for the info, I guess I've got some thinking to do.

Doug

The M57 (or any probe start ballast) is a two-component ballast, transformer and capacitor. The M137 (or any pulse start) is a three component ballast, transformer, capacitor, and ignitor. The ignitor looks a little like a second capacitor, but it's basically a totally different component.

Odds are not all that bad that the M59's will suit you fine for the moment. If the bulbs flicker or don't start up, then something's amiss but if not and you're happy ... then no worries. :biggrin:

what is the address to Al Brite???

Steve & Delphinus are right,

M57 is a probe start ballast (also called TAR, CORE & COIL) and has just a transformer and condenser (does not include ignitor)

M137 is a pulse start ballast (Initially used for HPS bulbs) has a ignitor in addition to transfomer and condenser, a lot of european made bulbs need this to work.

So if you bought the M57 you should be fine since it is recommended by them, you migt have to check the distance between ballast and bulb (only a manufacturer can recommend this) as too much length may not transmit the heat to the bulb for it to start, a safe distance for TAR ballast is less than 8 feet.

Thanks

Venki