Metal Halide, where does a MH noob start?

[Tritoch84]

My head is spinning! I know I want it, but don't know what to get! I've seen some kits, but do i NEED the pricy one, or the 250watt one? Should I just get the more expensive one? Someone said it was almost TO bright, so I thought a 250watt setup would be cheap and better? I've seen a MH mod done on my type of OHP (Apollo A1-1000) so I know it can be done. I don't know anything about wiring (well, basics,) so where should I start? I just want a cost effective lighting setup, the kit on lumenlabs I was looking at included everything and is here

https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/group.php?id=4

But it's kinda pricy for a projection setup that cost me 80 bucks. Should I look at that DIY HID ballest thread? Anyone recomend a kit to get that would be good?


*head spins*

[bodgy]

as far as the diy ballasts, I think thats better left to the guys who know what they are doing... I thought about it but I figure its not worth killing myself over afew bucks.

the only way you can really save money on a MH setup is through using a magnetic ballast as opposed to an electronic one.

magnetic ballasts are fairly big, (roughly 12" x 4" x 4") weigh a lot and can produce a slight buzzing noise. They pretty much need to be mounted remotely from your projector box.

electronic are much smaller and silent but cost a lot more. easy to hide one within the projector itself.

I'm in the same boat, probably gonna go with a magnetic one because of a lack of funds.

[Tritoch84]

Ah, guess I'll have to as well, and my setup all READY sounds like a jet engine! Whats the price range for the cheaper setup?

[bodgy]

if you go here:

http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/

they have an add on the front page for these bulbs and the associated gear.

they sell the same bulbs as lumenlabs.com for $38, the socket for $9 and a ballast for $78. Thats $125 all up. I'm not sure on what type of ballast that is but I'm thinking it might be electronic, these things are usually cheaper in the USA than Aust and I can get a magnetic ballast here for about $60us. Thats just specualation though... maybe someone can help you out there who knows more about it.

[justme]

Don't take my word for it but I've heard that electronic ballasts will retain a charge even when disconnected from power. I'm not saying anything against them just be aware. Make sure to check this out for yourself, it's just something from among the floating debris in my mind. When money is less tight thats what I will use. It also seems that most of these have wiring diagrams on the housing.

[Squalish]

Bodgy: Most ballasts are magnetic - the standard price for electronic ballasts at the 400w level seems to be $150-$200.

[mdmcginn]

The ballast that is on sale at
http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ is magnetic not electronic. I asked and they told me they don't sell electronic ballasts.

[bodgy]

well I guess the lumenlabs kit is a bit of a bargain then?


Kit Includes:
1 x 400w S400DD Metal Halide Lamp
1 x (1006) 400w 120V Electronic Ballast
1 x (1008) Mogul Base

$159.00 USD

[tylerheatherly]

Hey, i was wondering if you had taken any pictures of the projectors guts or have any drawn scematics, as I took mine appart to put in another case and ended up with one extra wire.

Thanks for your help,
Tyler (about-blank@houston.rr.com)

[mdmcginn]

Another source http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com/
sells a Electronic 250w HQI Metal Halide Ballast by IceCap, lamp holders, and a double-ended HQI lamp for $159.95. I back-ordered the 400w HQI Metal Halide Kit for $214.95. I might have gotten the Lumenlabs kit, but I'm trying to put the MH setup directly into an existing OHP, and the S400DD MH lamb looks too long.