Pulse start vs. Probe start

robitreef · 01/23/2006, 05:30 PM

Any advantages of one over the other?

Also, aside from electrical cost and more flexibility of bulb choice, what are the advantages/disadvantages of electric ballasts vs the magnetic ballasts?

grim · 01/23/2006, 05:44 PM

Probe Start - Used with bulbs that have an internal ignitor. Some have difficultly lighting euro bulbs.

Pulse Start - Used with bulbs that have no internal ignitor or euro bulbs. Pulse start ballasts can light both probe and pulse bulbs.

There are some differences in driving voltage/power. A pulse start ballast will typically result in a higher PAR, however it's not always the case. For example, the XM20k 400w bulb puts out higher PAR with a probe ballast.

Electronic ballasts are much more expensive. While they may be more efficient than mag ballasts, the price is much higher. It may take years and years to realize any savings due to efficiency. Mag ballasts typically put out higher PAR than electronic ballasts of the same type.

Mag ballasts are larger, run hotter, and may hum. Electronic ballasts are cooler and quiet, but some emit a large amount of RF/EMI.

grim

electric130 · 01/23/2006, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grim
Probe Start - Used with bulbs that have an internal ignitor. Some have difficultly lighting euro bulbs.

Pulse Start - Used with bulbs that have no internal ignitor or euro bulbs. Pulse start ballasts can light both probe and pulse bulbs.

There are some differences in driving voltage/power. A pulse start ballast will typically result in a higher PAR, however it's not always the case. For example, the XM20k 400w bulb puts out higher PAR with a probe ballast.

Electronic ballasts are much more expensive. While they may be more efficient than mag ballasts, the price is much higher. It may take years and years to realize any savings due to efficiency. Mag ballasts typically put out higher PAR than electronic ballasts of the same type.

Mag ballasts are larger, run hotter, and may hum. Electronic ballasts are cooler and quiet, but some emit a large amount of RF/EMI.

grim

ditto on all that. i ran electronic 250w ballasts on my 90 gallon. based on electrical savings alone, it would take me 13 years to recoup the additional cost of the electronics over standard magnetic ballasts. that's at $0.07/kwhr if you pay more for electricity, then the repayment time will be less.

Myka · 04/17/2006, 07:26 PM

So why would you want a pulse or a probe??? I'm trying to decide which one to buy, and I have no idea.

wife no likey · 04/17/2006, 08:17 PM

Pulse start ballasts are generally meant to fire European bulbs. The difference between the types regards the starting voltages and the use of an ignitor in the ballast vs. inside the bulb itself.

Here is an explaination from PaulErik, who has posted lots of useful info:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ht=probe+pulse

Myka · 04/17/2006, 08:26 PM

Excellent! Thanks for the link!

01/23/2006, 05:30 PM	#1
robitreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Chicago Posts: 440	Pulse start vs. Probe start Any advantages of one over the other? Also, aside from electrical cost and more flexibility of bulb choice, what are the advantages/disadvantages of electric ballasts vs the magnetic ballasts?

04/17/2006, 07:26 PM	#4
Myka Reefing since '93 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 2,436	So why would you want a pulse or a probe??? I'm trying to decide which one to buy, and I have no idea. __________________ ~ Mindy, SPS addict. Current Tank Info: 69 SPS (73 gal net) established July 1/15. (HBD Canada!) ATB 840, ATI 6-bulb dimmable. Fauna Marin balling lite method.

04/17/2006, 08:26 PM	#6
Myka Reefing since '93 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 2,436	Excellent! Thanks for the link! __________________ ~ Mindy, SPS addict. Current Tank Info: 69 SPS (73 gal net) established July 1/15. (HBD Canada!) ATB 840, ATI 6-bulb dimmable. Fauna Marin balling lite method.

01/23/2006, 05:44 PM	#2
grim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Clifton, NJ Posts: 2,286	Probe Start - Used with bulbs that have an internal ignitor. Some have difficultly lighting euro bulbs. Pulse Start - Used with bulbs that have no internal ignitor or euro bulbs. Pulse start ballasts can light both probe and pulse bulbs. There are some differences in driving voltage/power. A pulse start ballast will typically result in a higher PAR, however it's not always the case. For example, the XM20k 400w bulb puts out higher PAR with a probe ballast. Electronic ballasts are much more expensive. While they may be more efficient than mag ballasts, the price is much higher. It may take years and years to realize any savings due to efficiency. Mag ballasts typically put out higher PAR than electronic ballasts of the same type. Mag ballasts are larger, run hotter, and may hum. Electronic ballasts are cooler and quiet, but some emit a large amount of RF/EMI. grim

04/17/2006, 08:17 PM	#5
wife no likey Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 647	Pulse start ballasts are generally meant to fire European bulbs. The difference between the types regards the starting voltages and the use of an ignitor in the ballast vs. inside the bulb itself. Here is an explaination from PaulErik, who has posted lots of useful info: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ht=probe+pulse