My New DIY Dual 250w
 

Just made this today. Its not quite complete, I didn't have enough screws to finish mounting the lid, and the power sockets (which I will do tomorrow), but both ballasts have been tested on 250w venture bulbs, and it works like a charm.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/me...r/ballast1.jpg
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/me...r/ballast2.jpg

The box is made of aluminum (wood grain!) that Des bent up for me. The ballasts consist of two M58 (M250) ballasts. The sockets used in the back of computer power supplies was used as the AC power source, the top two sockets are used as quick disconnects to the lamps. The two white control panels on the front are wall mount digital timers. The whole enclosure measures at about 8"x6"x6" (lwh).

Here's a breakdown of the costs (including gst more or less):

Enclosure: 15 dollars
Ballasts: ~75 dollars each (~65 if I went to Westburne, but they ****ed me off) ~150 dollars total
Timers: ~26 dollars each ~52 dollars total
16/3 guage cord: 62 cents/foot. ~12.40 cents (20 feet bought)
Sockets and misc power cords for quick disconnects: ~25 bucks

Total cost for a 2x250watt setup in an aluminum enclosure with two integrated digital timers: ~260 dollars.

It was a bit of work, but in the end, I'm glad I went ahead and did this on my own.

-Rich

nice, i like the built in digital timers that makes it easy without having them plugged into the wall.

that is very nice! Good Job, man if i had an ounce of the skill you ppl had, i would be set lol

Looks good Rich! That woodgrain looks sweet :mrgreen:

How much for a 3 by 250 watt halide, I'll provide the enclosure. You did that for a pretty good price, considering that the timers are worth more than $50. I'm just too lazy to wire it up. You can tell me what dimensions to make the enclosure.

Des

mh
 

Are you drilling vent holes in the housing? or do you have a ventilation system?

I could probably get it down for you with the additional third timer for about 320 bucks... plus or minus 10 dollars. If you don't want those integrated timers, it could probably be done at around 250.

-Rich

I'm not sure if I'll put vents into the box. I know a few people with enclosures tigher than mine who don't have vents... it shouldn't be a problem dremling out a few vent slots if the need arises though.

-Rich

okay i have the ballast, now i need an enclosure and timers, what would that run?

Hey Rich
What store did you pick up the sockets at?

Alvin