Testing a mh Ballast

[Ltspd]

How can I test a 175w mh ballast (mag) without a bulb? Can I use the ballast to fire a MV bulb instead? They are 1/2 the price of a mh bulb at HD. Can I use a multimeter to read a output on the lamp end, if so what?

I have 2 175w mh ballast I bought used. I never wired these up and have them for sale. I have been asked if they work and I cant honestly say yes or no, so I want to test them to verify they are working as I was told when I bought them.

[scubadude]

Paul at most Electrical supply places they sell a 4500k MH bulb (very yellow) for dirt cheap...I bought mine for $11 and I have used it before only as a backup....Im sure if you took your ballast to an electrical shop they may have an easier way of testing it....maybe like u said with a multimeter....Im not sure though

[Ltspd]

Thats the one that HD sells for 20 bucks. Maybe I can find a used one from someone and test it that way. If I have to buy a bulb I will have to pass the cost along to the ballast I am selling and I dont want to do that.