another 80W T5 and ballast question

sphelps · 12/04/2006, 10:25 AM

I was reading a few past threads on this subject, basically I want to run 4-6 80W HO T5s and I'm unsure on the ballast. First off I've been using workhorse ballasts for my previous T5 setups but I'm noticing uneven lighting and dim spots at the ends of the lamps. Pretty sure I don't want to use any more WH ballasts.

Stated in previous threads the icecap 660 will run 3 80W T5s but I don't get it, it's a 440W ballast and it can only power 240W of T5? I'm aware it will be oversdriven which I don't have a problem with.
I'm curious why the IC 660 will not run 4 80W T5s?
or even 5?

Not 100% sure how these ballast work but wouldn't the ballast power be spread over the amount of bulbs? 4 T5s would receive 110W each?

Any comments would be appreciated

sphelps · 12/05/2006, 05:21 PM

a little help please

sjm817 · 12/05/2006, 05:23 PM

The T5s take more ump to drive them. 3 80W is what they will run (@ 100W ea).

If you want more detail, I'd try the Ice Cap forum.

hahnmeister · 12/05/2006, 06:37 PM

Well, the IC660 can only run 3 5' bulbs, and rather than 80 watts, it runs them at 100watts each. Still, I wondered the same thing, and asked around. It turns out that Icecap and others have tried it, but the IC660 just cant start more than 3. FWIW, its not a true T5 ballast, so the fact that it can run T5s at all is just luck.

Just look around (I scored NICE sylvania 2x54wattT5 ballasts on ebay for $10 each) for a sylvania QTP 1x80T5HO/UNV PSN model ballast. Best T5 spec ballast you can buy.

sphelps · 12/06/2006, 09:09 PM

awesome! Thanks guys! I guess the IC isn't the ballast to go with then, I'll look into some other options.

Thanks again

sjm817 · 12/06/2006, 09:22 PM

The IC is an excellent ballast. There are not many other options for 60" bulbs. IMO, using a bunch of single bulb ballasts would be a pain.

12/04/2006, 10:25 AM	#1
sphelps Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 275	another 80W T5 and ballast question I was reading a few past threads on this subject, basically I want to run 4-6 80W HO T5s and I'm unsure on the ballast. First off I've been using workhorse ballasts for my previous T5 setups but I'm noticing uneven lighting and dim spots at the ends of the lamps. Pretty sure I don't want to use any more WH ballasts. Stated in previous threads the icecap 660 will run 3 80W T5s but I don't get it, it's a 440W ballast and it can only power 240W of T5? I'm aware it will be oversdriven which I don't have a problem with. I'm curious why the IC 660 will not run 4 80W T5s? or even 5? Not 100% sure how these ballast work but wouldn't the ballast power be spread over the amount of bulbs? 4 T5s would receive 110W each? Any comments would be appreciated

12/05/2006, 05:23 PM	#3
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The T5s take more ump to drive them. 3 80W is what they will run (@ 100W ea). If you want more detail, I'd try the Ice Cap forum. __________________ - Scott

12/06/2006, 09:22 PM	#6
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The IC is an excellent ballast. There are not many other options for 60" bulbs. IMO, using a bunch of single bulb ballasts would be a pain. __________________ - Scott

12/05/2006, 05:21 PM	#2
sphelps Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 275	a little help please

12/05/2006, 06:37 PM	#4
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	Well, the IC660 can only run 3 5' bulbs, and rather than 80 watts, it runs them at 100watts each. Still, I wondered the same thing, and asked around. It turns out that Icecap and others have tried it, but the IC660 just cant start more than 3. FWIW, its not a true T5 ballast, so the fact that it can run T5s at all is just luck. Just look around (I scored NICE sylvania 2x54wattT5 ballasts on ebay for $10 each) for a sylvania QTP 1x80T5HO/UNV PSN model ballast. Best T5 spec ballast you can buy.

12/06/2006, 09:09 PM	#5
sphelps Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 275	awesome! Thanks guys! I guess the IC isn't the ballast to go with then, I'll look into some other options. Thanks again