Icecap 660..NO or VHO?
 

For anybody using an Icecap 660 for actinics, have u noticed an actual difference between using NO tubes vs VHO? I've only used NO on the 660 and I know they're overdriven, but are they overdriven to VHO levels?

Re: Icecap 660..NO or VHO?
 

nope, a icecap over drives NOs to HO levels and under drives VHO to HO levels.

Steve

Re: Icecap 660..NO or VHO?
 

Interesting. Thanks Steve.

How about a Fulham WorkHorse 7 ballast?
Is it consider a HO or VHO ballast for 2X48 inch bulbs

Re: Icecap 660..NO or VHO?
 

[quote="Son Of Skyline"]how come they only drive a vho bulb to ho levels? is this not a vho ballast?

It has to do with the Icecap circuitry. I believe it runs them at lower wattage but slightly higher frequency.

If you wire them in parallel (as in the manual), a WH7 will power 2-48" tubes to HO level. Wiring them in series (like one 8' tube) might run at close to full VHO level as a WH7 can run 2-96W PCs, though I have never done this.

the icecap is actualy a electronic ballast like the workhorse but the prewiring done by IceCao sets it up to be a electronic HO ballast.

a work horse 7 can drive NO, HO or VHO depending how you set it up.

Steve

Re: Icecap 660..NO or VHO?
 

I am currently using an Icecap 660 to drive 4 x 48" lamps.

So if that theory (or fact as it may be) holds true, it really is a waste of money to spend $34 per URI 110W VHO actinic bulb when an $18 Phillips 40W NO actinic bulb will produce nearly the same output?

(Pricing based on 48" florescent tubes as of Jan 17th, 2004 online J&L's website)

If so, I'm gonna save myself some money when it's time to change lamps!

PS.. I'm already using GE Ultra-Daylight NO 40W lamps from Crappy Tire in place of URI 110W VHO Aquasuns ($4.25 vs $41.95) Hell I can change them 4 times a year and still save over 50% over the URI VHOs. :cool:

Is this true? If it is I will be ****ed I am no electrical engineer but if this is the case why would they advertise it the way they do.?

insteed of getting new bulb got to albright lighting in coquitlam of the mary hill bypass and get a work horse 7 balast and drive the vho properly . last time i checked they sell to the public also and i think the price on one is around 65 buck . why whould anyone not got to vho over no or ho ? :biggrin: