an interesting fluorescent web page (and long)

[rossb]

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/flamp.htm#int0

This is a very good article, but boring. Although you will likely fall asleep before finishing it I think it is worth scrolling down to the link to "how to convert a blown CF ballast to a normal fluorescent ballast". If your into inexpensive ballasts...this might help out.