electronic vs magnetic MH ballasts

[nunofs]

I have a general question: what are the pros and cons of electronic and magnetic MH ballasts? I'm aware that the magnetic ones generate more heat, but there must be more to it than just the heat factor...

Thanks,
Nuno

 

[nunofs]

Anyone?

 

[Banik]

Magnetic ones are less efficient, which is just another way to say they generate more heat. Also, I believe electronic ones do some sort of electronic hand waving to make it less likely that they'll kill bulbs, like a ramp up in power or something. Get electronic. That's all I know.

 

[wrassefan]

Orig the mag ballast were the only choice to drive halides. They gave alot of light, ate alot of electricity and generated alot of heat. Many bulbs are still best driven by mag ballasts. The newer eballasts use less electricity, can fire many types of bulbs(both de and se types) and run cooler than the mag counterparts. They also put out less par firing most bulbs than mags...this is the kindergarden version of my understanding. Other more experienced MH owners will have to jump in.