[Wayne's World]

If anyone is using this bulb could you tell me what you are using for a ballast. Tar coil & cap, electronic, pulse start????
I am trying to run with with a standard coil and cap Advance ballast. Sometimes it lights, sometimes it doesn't. The bulb is brand new so of course I suspect that my ballast may be the wrong one.

[Reefland]

If you have a brand new bulb, don't suspect the ballast right yet. New bulbs require a "burn in" period where they act the way you describe. Typically, this period last around 1-2 weeks. If you are still having this problem after a few weeks, then look at the ballast.

The Advanced ballast you mention should work just fine with this bulb after it is burnt in.

Hope that helps,
Scott Z.

[Wayne's World]

Thanks for the advice Scott. It sure would save me money if I didn't have to replace the ballast (going electronic). I assume it's normal that the transformer (coil) is very hot as well, almost too hot to touch. As you can tell I haven't taken a close look at the operating characteristics on the ballast (temp).