Bulb flicker

[Guest Wilderbud]

I just bought a second-hand 70W MH security light and it seems to flicker a bit - is this just a worn bulb or could it be something else?

 

The ballast has the wattage rubbed out and also one number of the model number - its a HMV0*0 FSNNN [* = unknown]. It has 'for 70W MH' written on it in nikko but Im a bit suspicous that it could be a dodgy ballast?

 

Its a very bright lamp for 70W.

[Tom]

it seems to flicker a bit - is this just a worn bulb or could it be something else?

Is there any sign of wearing or blackening at the screw thread end of the globe? Does the ballast make much noise? What other electrical equipment shares the same circuit?

[Guest Wilderbud]

Its a double-ended bulb and the centre [inside] part is black but I dont know if its normal since I havent got a new bulb yet. The ballast is making the typical ballast sound [like a electrical sub-station type noise - I have to be within inches to hear it though].

 

Good idea about seeing if another power-point does it also - Ill check when she cools down.

 

Update: another power point with nothing in it still lets it flicker.

Edited November 20, 2003 by Wilderbud

[Guest Wilderbud]

Hmm there is a small [1mm] plate attatched to the inside of the bulb with some metal oxide like stuff on it and some has fallen onto the filiment and also onto the inside of the bulb. Im checking the Internet to see if this bulb should be flipped upside down - this could be why its flickering.

 

My bulb type. The ball part in the centre is black on my bulb and I havent seen one like it.

 

I have a choice of; 70W or 150W and 3000, 5000 and 7000 color [the more the bluer I think] by the looks of it [my ballast box will handle 150W]. After reviewing what colour temperature means it seems I want about 2000 for a white-blue [same as a sylvania grow lamp] - 20000 would be very blue [aquarium light] so it works out cheaper [sweet].

Edited November 20, 2003 by Wilderbud