DIY PC lights - what's next?

Piro · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 02:43 PM

So I have an old Odyssea fixture that the ballast doesn't work for and I decided to retro the PC lights.

I've disassembled the PC lights and individual ballasts for them, but I'm lost as to what the next step is.

I've looked online for a tutorial and couldn't find any.

Anyone that has experience with retro light kits please PM me - I have some questions.

thanks
Piro

Foxface210 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 03:53 PM

I'm confused by what you mean when you say what the next steps are. You have the pc lights and the ballasts, right? They are working, correct? (As in- were they part of a MH set up and you removed the actinic lights?)

What do you want to do with them? Integrate them into a canopy or?

Piro · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 03:59 PM

Yes, they are working - or were before I dis-assembled them.

I guess what I'm asking is do I just get a power cord and switch and wire them all together?

Foxface210 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piro

Yes, they are working - or were before I dis-assembled them.

I guess what I'm asking is do I just get a power cord and switch and wire them all together?

Yes, that is what I would do. (post a pic if possible so I'm not giving you really bad advice.) I assume it had it's own power cord to begin with. Can you salvage the cord and the reflectors from the PCs? Are the end caps exposed (because it was in a complete fixture before?)

LKGRenegade22 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 04:15 PM

I took apart a Current light awhile back. I just used the power cords that came on it. I had to cut the housing apart in a few places to get the cords and switches out but it was pretty simple.

gatorchem · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LKGRenegade22

I took apart a Current light awhile back. I just used the power cords that came on it. I had to cut the housing apart in a few places to get the cords and switches out but it was pretty simple.

This is what I did a while back as well. Use all the wiring from the fixture but not the shell of the fixture.

Piro · #7 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 05:58 PM

The wiring all went to a honeycomb of wires and screws. I'll take a pic of what I have tonight and post something tomorrow.

Piro · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 09:23 AM

this is what I have so far. I also have the remaining guts of the fixture and ballast.

7designs · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piro

this is what I have so far. I also have the remaining guts of the fixture and ballast.

OK, the white and black wire on the ballast will hook up to your power cord, the ballast should also have a spot to connect the red and black wire from the bulbs. One bulb connected to one ballast.

If your not sure where to connect bulb wires please take pics of ballast from all sides so I can continue to help.

Legal- this post is for reference only, I am not responsible for any damages, injury or loss of life.

Piro · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7designs

OK, the white and black wire on the ballast will hook up to your power cord, the ballast should also have a spot to connect the red and black wire from the bulbs. One bulb connected to one ballast.

If your not sure where to connect bulb wires please take pics of ballast from all sides so I can continue to help.

Legal- this post is for reference only, I am not responsible for any damages, injury or loss of life.

Thanks! I'll take pics of the ballast and post again tonight. One set of the ballast wires went directly to the switch and the other set went to the wiring board.

Since there's only two wires for the power supply, I'm assuming there's no ground wire?