DIY HID Ballast
06-10-2008, 06:54 PM
#5
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I expected something slightly more complex than a toaster... Maybe on the level of a toaster OVEN perhaps. 
Do believe I'll be building a few of these.
Unfortunately however, I kinda doubt you could build one of these with radioshack parts anymore. They've removed almost half of what they used to offer in 1999. ******* junkass store. :(
Do believe I'll be building a few of these.
Unfortunately however, I kinda doubt you could build one of these with radioshack parts anymore. They've removed almost half of what they used to offer in 1999. ******* junkass store. :(
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06-10-2008, 07:29 PM
#7
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Hmm.. Now that you mention it..
I haven't actually added up the cost of the DIY Ballast, but I'm gonna stretch out a guess and say *maybe* 30$ total after enclosure, pc board, build the transformer yourself, transistors, caps, diodes, and resistors. Typical HID bulbs are only 35 watt, but the higher end (like on my motorcycle) are 50 watt, and believe me the output is MUCH MUCH higher on the 50 watt.
Typical bulb cost though.. I believe I've seen some 35 watt replacement bulbs on ebay for around 40$ a pair. So honestly, this might save some money, but prolly not a lot. Don't forget about shipping on those bulbs, though. Can't find a real bulb listing on ebay right now, and don't wanna put that much effort into it.
You can't overlook the fact that you can now get a complete retro kit off ebay for the tune of $70 shipped anymore.
Btw, Abe, What the ****... Avatar??
I haven't actually added up the cost of the DIY Ballast, but I'm gonna stretch out a guess and say *maybe* 30$ total after enclosure, pc board, build the transformer yourself, transistors, caps, diodes, and resistors. Typical HID bulbs are only 35 watt, but the higher end (like on my motorcycle) are 50 watt, and believe me the output is MUCH MUCH higher on the 50 watt.
Typical bulb cost though.. I believe I've seen some 35 watt replacement bulbs on ebay for around 40$ a pair. So honestly, this might save some money, but prolly not a lot. Don't forget about shipping on those bulbs, though. Can't find a real bulb listing on ebay right now, and don't wanna put that much effort into it.
You can't overlook the fact that you can now get a complete retro kit off ebay for the tune of $70 shipped anymore.
Btw, Abe, What the ****... Avatar??
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06-11-2008, 12:41 PM
#10
Yeah! I did it myself. Aren't you proud?
50watt? Sounds pricey, awesome. Linkage? I don't want to put in HID to get 10% better than what I have now....
Agreed, but there's also such a thing as what is your time worth - because if you're not saving money, and the performance is worse... you're doing yourself a disservice.
If you can make one better, it might be worth it. I know a lot of folks who've gotten kits for $40-70, so it's pretty hard to come up with a good reason to DIY unless someone finds something better about it (lighter weight, smaller, longer lasting, more robust.)
50watt? Sounds pricey, awesome. Linkage? I don't want to put in HID to get 10% better than what I have now....
If you can make one better, it might be worth it. I know a lot of folks who've gotten kits for $40-70, so it's pretty hard to come up with a good reason to DIY unless someone finds something better about it (lighter weight, smaller, longer lasting, more robust.)
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