[Closed] HID question

Lamp will always show open circuit & ballast voltage needs testing with load.
Only real way of proving either is via substitution - what make is it?

It's a trail tech bought on battery space.
I'll rewire the switch (just because I am paranoid), WD40 the ballast for better connection and sand paper the bulb connectors too

I BRB

be aware the ballast output should spike several THOUSAND volts to strike the arc (that click-click-click sound), and once struck the output should be about 17V ALTERNATING to maintain the arc (if I recall correctly)

infinite is right, it's gas

edit: "Eventually, the lamp voltage reaches its nominal value, typically 100 V, and the ballast regulates the power to the correct level."

the 17V is the initial post strike value, which is ramped up as the gas heats up. Note restrike voltage can be 20kV, which is why HIDs may not restart if the current is interrupted.

All reasons why HIDs are shite and you should get some LEDs 😆

All reasons why HIDs are shite and you should get some LEDs

it was the leading edge lighting technology for a while, but I think LEDs are reaching the same efficiencies with potentially lower costs and weight and more flexible operation etc

I can still recall cackling with delight the first time I turned on my HID anmd watched it getting brighter and brighter AND BRIGHTER - a bit like the unweildy appeal of valve amplifiers 🙂

Yep loved my HID, but there was no way I could justify replacing the lamp when the like of the magicshine exist.

It's ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well a spare bulb is 50$ probably 70$ posted. So 90-95 € around the same as a hope one led. But I have hte mount the batteries and all...

"LEDs are reaching the same efficiencies"??

HID (at around 10W) = ~50lm/W

Cree XPG = 132lm/W

Soon to arrive Cree XM ~160lm/W

It was the leading edge lighting technology for a while, but I think LEDs are reaching the same efficiencies