600 WATT HPS flickers, will not ignite

IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
Rocky Top High said:
Man, I hate to hear that. I have always had very good customer service from them other than one day it took me like 3 hours to get a live voice on the phone. They more than made up for the extra time I spent but I know, this doesn't help your cause at all. I appreciate you keeping us informed through this thread.

I guess the lesson to be learned is not to order important equipment from them or most any store over the internet. When it is as "time sensitive" as a light or ballast, you are better off going locally, just for the convience factor.

Well, at least you will have plenty of ammo to hit Tony or whoever you get to talk to and maybe be
'compensated" for your troubles.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I hate to leave negative feedback about HTG supply as well. I thought I was ordering from a top-notch company with an excellent customer service track record. I'm really not sure what to think about them at this point.

With that being said, we are told by HTGSupply's website that the telephone number is open mon-fri, and the store itself is open tue-fri. I don't know how the hell to get a hold of these people. Their website might as well say, "we are open whenever we feel like it, good luck getting a hold of us."

I can only hope that I can get a hold of them tomorrow. If I can't get a hold of them, I'll just assume that I wasted 300+ dollars and was ripped off quite badly. It's always like this when you deal with things that are of "questionable" nature. You know, sometimes you get ripped off by the weed dealer. Sometimes you get ripped off by the hydroponics dealer. With my recent experiences with both, I can say it makes me never want to depend on other people for anything in my life!!!!:wall:
 
Krayven Sumhead

Krayven Sumhead

Well-Known Member
End of life
At the end of life, many types of high-intensity discharge lamps exhibit a phenomenon known as cycling. These lamps can be started at a relatively low voltage. As they heat up during operation, however, the internal gas pressure within the arc tube rises and a higher voltage is required to maintain the arc discharge. As a lamp gets older, the voltage necessary to maintain the arc eventually rises to exceed the voltage provided by the electrical ballast. As the lamp heats to this point, the arc fails and the lamp goes out. Eventually, with the arc extinguished, the lamp cools down again, the gas pressure in the arc tube is reduced, and the ballast can once again cause the arc to strike. The effect of this is that the lamp glows for a while and then goes out, repeatedly.
More sophisticated ballast designs detect cycling and give up attempting to start the lamp after a few cycles. If power is removed and reapplied, the ballast will make a new series of startup attempts.
Sometimes the quartz tube containing mercury can explode in UHP lamps, especially when it is defective, weakened by many on/off cycles, or when pressure is excessive due to high temperature. [3] When that happens, up to 30 mg vaporized mercury is released into atmosphere. It can be potentially toxic when indoors. A typical scenario is a failure of UHP HID lamp in front of rear LCD projection TV sets or computer displays. [4] Some vendors recommend use of a mercury vacuum cleaner or respirator when dealing with bulb rupture due to risks of mercury vapors. [5] They also require a special waste disposal.

[edit] Wear

Factors of wear come mostly from on/off cycles versus the total on time. The highest wear occurs when the HID burner is ignited while still hot and before the metallic salts have recrystallized.

EDIT:

I've found, over time, anything mechanical that is ordered over the internet has a good chance of being faulty either by unscrupulous dealers or shipping damage. By the time you pay the return shipping on a faulty item, the money you saved from buying off the internet is negilible. I bought a pump which came fucked up and by the time I drove to the post office, paid the return shipping, waited on the replacement, and then it came, FUCKED UP AGAIN, I learned. Finally, I went to the Hydro shop, paid a little more, but got what I wanted and if it does fuck up, I'll personally return it.
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
Krayven Sumhead said:
End of life
At the end of life, many types of high-intensity discharge lamps exhibit a phenomenon known as cycling. These lamps can be started at a relatively low voltage. As they heat up during operation, however, the internal gas pressure within the arc tube rises and a higher voltage is required to maintain the arc discharge. As a lamp gets older, the voltage necessary to maintain the arc eventually rises to exceed the voltage provided by the electrical ballast. As the lamp heats to this point, the arc fails and the lamp goes out. Eventually, with the arc extinguished, the lamp cools down again, the gas pressure in the arc tube is reduced, and the ballast can once again cause the arc to strike. The effect of this is that the lamp glows for a while and then goes out, repeatedly.
More sophisticated ballast designs detect cycling and give up attempting to start the lamp after a few cycles. If power is removed and reapplied, the ballast will make a new series of startup attempts.
Sometimes the quartz tube containing mercury can explode in UHP lamps, especially when it is defective, weakened by many on/off cycles, or when pressure is excessive due to high temperature. [3] When that happens, up to 30 mg vaporized mercury is released into atmosphere. It can be potentially toxic when indoors. A typical scenario is a failure of UHP HID lamp in front of rear LCD projection TV sets or computer displays. [4] Some vendors recommend use of a mercury vacuum cleaner or respirator when dealing with bulb rupture due to risks of mercury vapors. [5] They also require a special waste disposal.

[edit] Wear

Factors of wear come mostly from on/off cycles versus the total on time. The highest wear occurs when the HID burner is ignited while still hot and before the metallic salts have recrystallized.

EDIT:

I've found, over time, anything mechanical that is ordered over the internet has a good chance of being faulty either by unscrupulous dealers or shipping damage. By the time you pay the return shipping on a faulty item, the money you saved from buying off the internet is negilible. I bought a pump which came fucked up and by the time I drove to the post office, paid the return shipping, waited on the replacement, and then it came, FUCKED UP AGAIN, I learned. Finally, I went to the Hydro shop, paid a little more, but got what I wanted and if it does fuck up, I'll personally return it.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I agree with you on all that. Here is the response to the 3 e-mails I have sent to HTGsupply.com:

> Hello
>
> Thank you for your interest in our products.
>
> What is your concern? I amy have already replied, I have no
> idea. I get
> over 100 emails a day which makes it impossible for me to
> remember.
>
> Thanks again and have a nice day
> Perry
> Shipping Managers
> www.htgsupply.com

:wall:

I'm going to the hydro shop in a week to replace this thing myself. Fuck it all man, fuck it all!!!
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
Update: They are sending a replacement bulb.

ello

Thank you for your purchase.

I apologize for this inconvenience and the delay in getting back to you!
You mentioned that the lamp does flash, this is the ignition charge
hitting the lamp, but since the lamp is defective, it won't completely
fire!

I will be sending you a replacement ASAP along with a RS label to ship
back the defective item at no cost to you. Once you repack it, drop it off
at any UPS store or drop off center and they can take care of it for you.
You can even schedule a pick up by calling 1 800 PICK UPS.

Thanks again and have a nice day
Perry
Shipping Manager
www.htgsupply.com


Yay!
 
Rocky Top High

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member
IanCurtisWishlist said:
Update: They are sending a replacement bulb.

ello

Thank you for your purchase.

I apologize for this inconvenience and the delay in getting back to you!
You mentioned that the lamp does flash, this is the ignition charge
hitting the lamp, but since the lamp is defective, it won't completely
fire!

I will be sending you a replacement ASAP along with a RS label to ship
back the defective item at no cost to you. Once you repack it, drop it off
at any UPS store or drop off center and they can take care of it for you.
You can even schedule a pick up by calling 1 800 PICK UPS.

Thanks again and have a nice day
Perry
Shipping Manager
www.htgsupply.com


Yay!
Click to expand...
Well, after a week of dicking you around, you appear to be getting it resolved. I will most definiately buy my next system from my local guy. Thanks for sharing this with us. This is one of those invaluable resources that you get through this community. Good luck with your grow.
 
tkufoS

tkufoS

Well-Known Member
i won a 400 w hps/mh switchable 120 / 240v ballast off ebay $80.00 $9.99 s/h got to me in a beat up box (f'n thing is runnin like a champ )w/in 5 days total payment and shipping.i am a satisfied customer , so to those of us who roll the dice ..check it out you may like it . peace....p.s they also have other wattages
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
I'll let everybody know when I get the bulb in the mail. It should arrive tomorrow (monday), but with the way things have been ending up lately, I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't even get this bulb this week.
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
UPDATE;

12 March 2009

I received a brand-new 600 Watt HPS AgroMax from HTG supply. This bulb is amazing....

I just wanted everybody to know the situation. I received the bulb 2 days ago, on 10 March.

You guys can check out my grow journal if you want to find out the latest information about how this setup is working... pictures to come!
 
justatoker

justatoker

New Member
Not to bring any bad mojo, but I bet it blows in a week too.. I hope not though..I had 3 seperate 600w agromax bulbs from them blow within 3 days each time.. The last time i got the bulb and turned it on, there 600w digi ballast even caused the internet to go out because of RF interference.. It caused the internet to go out for a 5 mile radius.. The cable company came out and everything.. I have since moved to a HOT5 light as I cannot risk using another HID and having it happen again..
All im saying is, HTG SUCKS ASS and there equipment is JUNK.. Whats worse is that they lie like its nothing.. SO what if they replace there crappy shit.. Try telling your plants "dont worry, there gonna replace the light".. Or try explaining to your cable company what in your home is causing enough RF interference to make the internet go out for miles around..Like I said, they sell shitty products and lie to there customers . I will never spend another dime with HTG.. EVER. I could write an entire page on all the trouble ive had with them and there products.
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
justatoker said:
Not to bring any bad mojo, but I bet it blows in a week too.. I hope not though..I had 3 seperate 600w agromax bulbs from them blow within 3 days each time.. The last time i got the bulb and turned it on, there 600w digi ballast even caused the internet to go out because of RF interference.. It caused the internet to go out for a 5 mile radius.. The cable company came out and everything.. I have since moved to a HOT5 light as I cannot risk using another HID and having it happen again..
All im saying is, HTG SUCKS ASS and there equipment is JUNK.. Whats worse is that they lie like its nothing.. SO what if they replace there crappy shit.. Try telling your plants "dont worry, there gonna replace the light".. Or try explaining to your cable company what in your home is causing enough RF interference to make the internet go out for miles around..Like I said, they sell shitty products and lie to there customers . I will never spend another dime with HTG.. EVER. I could write an entire page on all the trouble ive had with them and there products.
Click to expand...
Well the AgroMax bulb is independent of HTG supply. I have had the bulb for more than 3 days now and it is not screwing up...

I've read your post before and I thought it was crazy that all that shit happened to you. I have no idea what caused the cable company to come to your house, but are you absolutely certain it was the ballast?

I understand why you'd be pissed of all that crazy shit happened to you... it's never happened to me, and if any cable guy comes to my house asking too many questions , I'll tell him to go play in the freeway.
 
hehehemann

hehehemann

Well-Known Member
It looks like the same has happened to me. I bought the 600w HPS digital ballast set and was given the AgroMax HPS bulb as they were out of the 'cheaper' one. I have had the bulb on it's 12/12 cycle for 4 weeks and I woke up this morning to find it would not come on at all.
I called HTG Supply and they said a new bulb is being sent out today as I had given them a tracking number for the faulty bulb I am returning.
Hopefully this nightmare won't be as bad as your experiences.
Totally blows too as I'm on week 4 of my flower cycle.
I will let you know what happens from this.
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
hehehemann said:
It looks like the same has happened to me. I bought the 600w HPS digital ballast set and was given the AgroMax HPS bulb as they were out of the 'cheaper' one. I have had the bulb on it's 12/12 cycle for 4 weeks and I woke up this morning to find it would not come on at all.
I called HTG Supply and they said a new bulb is being sent out today as I had given them a tracking number for the faulty bulb I am returning.
Hopefully this nightmare won't be as bad as your experiences.
Totally blows too as I'm on week 4 of my flower cycle.
I will let you know what happens from this.
Click to expand...
that sucks. you should let us know how everything works out......

as for my grow, i'm about 3 weeks from finishing the plants...
 
hehehemann

hehehemann

Well-Known Member
IanCurtisWishlist said:
that sucks. you should let us know how everything works out......

as for my grow, i'm about 3 weeks from finishing the plants...
Click to expand...

HTG have replaced the bulb. They gave me the option of the agromax or the 'cheaper' one. I chose the agromax bulb and received it last Friday. All is well now. I just hope this bulb lasts like it should do.

I'm doing my last res change tomorrow before my final flush. Good luck with your harvest.
 
hehehemann

hehehemann

Well-Known Member
UPDATE....


I now won't be doing any future business with HTG Supply.

After receiving my replacement bulb I had to ask for yet another bulb as that one blew after only 3 days of use!!!
I spoke with Tony at HTG Supply and he then said they have had problems with some AgroMax 600w HPS bulbs. He said another bulb will be sent out overnight.

I explained I would need it superfast and was assured it was to be sent next day UPS.

Did this happen - NO !!

I spoke with UPS after I got my tracking number from Tony. UPS told me its been sent out as a ground shipment and that HTG didn't choose to send it to me overnight.

Its now my third bulb within 6 weeks. I can't help but think HTG have screwed me.
On top of that, each shipment they send, I have to call them and tell them to put in my apartment number (I even spoke with Tony the day before they shipping to make sure they have my apartment number on the UPS address - Of course they didn't include it again!!)

Well now its Saturday and I can't get through to HTG - business hours are mon to fri - I just can't recommend this company anymore.
 
Thebiglungblowski

Thebiglungblowski

Well-Known Member
IanCurtisWishlist said:
I also have a feeling that it is not even the bulb that has the issue, but the bulb/ballast compatability. When I plug the ballast in, there is a faint blue flicker and then nothing, it's as cold and dead as blagojevich's political career.

I have heard that Sunmaster is fucking amazing. I wonder if, instead of sending me a new bulb for free, if HTG would let me pay a few extra dollars to upgrade to the Sunmaster and cover the difference.

I hope that Tony is as reasonable as you say he is :) If they help me now, I'll never ever shop at some expensive hydroponics store again.

And the cheap HPS bulb is a good idea. I definately should have a backup. I'll get on this as soon as I can. I get paid in 2 weeks....
Click to expand...
What your seeing is the arc flash within the bulb, the reason it may not light and in concideration of being relatively new. It most likely is a manufacturers defect.. Either it does not have maintained pressure within the expansion enclosure, or it may not have gas at all
 
IanCurtisWishlist

IanCurtisWishlist

Well-Known Member
hehehemann said:
UPDATE....


I now won't be doing any future business with HTG Supply.

After receiving my replacement bulb I had to ask for yet another bulb as that one blew after only 3 days of use!!!
I spoke with Tony at HTG Supply and he then said they have had problems with some AgroMax 600w HPS bulbs. He said another bulb will be sent out overnight.

I explained I would need it superfast and was assured it was to be sent next day UPS.

Did this happen - NO !!

I spoke with UPS after I got my tracking number from Tony. UPS told me its been sent out as a ground shipment and that HTG didn't choose to send it to me overnight.

Its now my third bulb within 6 weeks. I can't help but think HTG have screwed me.
On top of that, each shipment they send, I have to call them and tell them to put in my apartment number (I even spoke with Tony the day before they shipping to make sure they have my apartment number on the UPS address - Of course they didn't include it again!!)

Well now its Saturday and I can't get through to HTG - business hours are mon to fri - I just can't recommend this company anymore.
Click to expand...
Yes, they do seem to be rather flakey. Perhaps this is because of the large amount of orders they process each day.

I will choose to go local from now on. My local hydroponics shop has pretty good equipment at a fairly reasonable price.

I'm so sorry about your trouble! You're probably wanting to bang your head against a wall or something at this point..... I can empathize totally with your frustration.

HTG's customer service is somewhat poor... I can recall when I called them, it took the guy who answered the phone a few minutes to answer my question. He told me to hold on for a moment. I heard some shuffling around, then a few beeps that sounded exactly like a microwave beeping. I remember thinking to myself, "I'm holding on the line so this guy can microwave himself some food." That was one of the more unprofessional aspects of dealing with this company.

Overall, they worked out for me, but I can see why they wouldn't work out for some other people.

It's a hard lesson to learn........
 
photorikki

photorikki

Active Member
guys-

I got 2 400 watt HPS systems with 6" cool tubes from HTG.
My bulbs were also upgraded to Agromax and within 2 weeks or so-one was cycling.
I returned it-got a new one-and 2 weeks later (now) my OTHER 400 watt is cycling!

The first time I thought the bulb was loose.
Then I changed my power strip and where I plugged it in.
But its just the bulbs! :-(

My plants under this light have just 2-3 weeks to go and tend to hermi when stressed.
This happened to my last ones also!

I wondered if this happened to other customers and I'm glad to have found this thread!
Have your new lights all been working ok?
 
hehehemann

hehehemann

Well-Known Member
They sent me the SunMaster to replace the AgroMax. So far after 5 days the bulb is still working.
I'm at the harvest point of this grow. After losing light a few times I have been lucky that my plants didn't hermie. Hope all is well with yours.
 
B

Blacktophat

Well-Known Member
widow87 said:
yea my 400 hps started doing the same thing and i just taped the bulb when it didnt fire up and it would fire right up with a lil tap it worked for me untill i got a new bulb it only did it every once in a while like the bulb was cold or something its almost like i gave it a jump start try taping it a lil when its flickering it might light hope that helps peace out .....widow
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wow. my light didnt fire after 10 minutes and i got on here mad as fuck (just got it 3 days ago) after i read this i went right back in there n flicked that bitch real gentle like and it LIT RIGHT UP! thank you so much dude no tellin how long i woulda been stressin.. i and the girls thank you much! :peace:

i know its a dead ass thread but whatever had to say my thanks.
 
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