Metal Halide ballast info

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Ushios are supposed to have a pulse start ballast (except for the 250's) but FWIW they will still fire on probe starts. I bought my ballasts several eons ago (175's) well before anyone knew the difference between probe & pulse starts and I've been using Ushios for years. They do have a little trouble firing but after a little while they seem to start anyhow. The only thing is it sounds like a Harley getting started. A pulse start is a much nicer start for sure, and I'm sure, much better for the lamp overall, of course.

ushio has changed the specs on the bulbs a year or so ago and will no longer support probe style ballasts. they will infact fire sometimes but the colour can be quite yellow.

[Delphinus]

They never supported them except for the 250's. And the warning about yellow has been around for years but honestly I've never had a problem.

I'm not saying run out and use Ushio's on probe starts, but just recounting my experiences with them. Theory is one thing but seeing is another.

[midgetwaiter]

I'm playing a game of mystery ballast myself at the moment. Fun isn't it.

Seeing as though they are ESU ballsts your best bet would be to ask them about it.

http://www.esuweb.com/knowledge/modules.php?name=Forums