Light Starter

[Amy86]

I bought a tank and it came with an interpet convertagear light starter unit. If anyone has one of these can they tell me what the white dial on top is for and the black switch on the side?? as it came with no instructions and ive never owned a tank before so i'm not sure. it powers a single 18w 24" tube.

thanks

 

[ennbee]

The white dial is actually the starter and the switch on the side is to switch it on & off.

 

[Amy86]

The white dial is actually the starter and the switch on the side is to switch it on & off.

Ok thanks, what do you do with the starter dial?? what does turning up and down achieve??

sorry i aint got a clue with electrical stuff

 

[BigIan]

its not a dial, the "starter is similar to a battery, it boots up the tube when you first turn it on....

 

[GrantyBoy]

The white dial is called the 'starter motor'. It is not a dial and is need to power the light. The turning of it will allow you to remove it or lock it into place in the black box.

You sometimes need to change this starter motor every few years when the light tube won't come on.

 

[DarkSoul]

The white dial is called the 'starter motor'. It is not a dial and is need to power the light. The turning of it will allow you to remove it or lock it into place in the black box.

You sometimes need to change this starter motor every few years when the light tube won't come on.

If your going to give electrical advice, make sure it is sound, and you know what your talking about.

The light, i have never seen, but the starter, is a CAPACITOR(NOT A MOTOR), which stores a high voltage charge briefly while the switch is turned on.
Once the capacitor reaches full charge, it discharges its voltage into the lamps stater filiments to ignite the gasses inside the tube.
The voltage is usually around 500V or more in this starter.

Turning it shouldnt be possible, at the very most, it would turn only slighty, enough to remove it for replacement if it should burn out.,


I just googled these units, and it would appear as if it is just a remote ballast and nothing more.

 

[Rooster]

Technically, thats not right either !

The "starter" does contain a capacitor... a device to store electricity, and also contains a gas discharge tube which flashes on/off during the main lamp startup, this "starters" job is to allow current to pass through the heaters in the main tubes ends... once the main tube is lit, the starter should be doing nothing whatsoever... the power is "robbed" by the main tube, and the heaters will now be off.
In fact, once the main tube is lit you can REMOVE the starter all together, its job is done - dont belive me ? go try it...

However, if the starter malfuntions, the heaters could remain on - this causes the blackening of the main tube ends, as well as a higher bill !
I recommend an electronic starter, as its less likely to fail "ON" and prevents the main tube from flashing during startup - which in turn shortens tube life.

 

[DarkSoul]

Technically, thats not right either !

The "starter" does contain a capacitor... a device to store electricity, and also contains a gas discharge tube which flashes on/off during the main lamp startup, this "starters" job is to allow current to pass through the heaters in the main tubes ends... once the main tube is lit, the starter should be doing nothing whatsoever... the power is "robbed" by the main tube, and the heaters will now be off.
In fact, once the main tube is lit you can REMOVE the starter all together, its job is done - dont belive me ? go try it...

However, if the starter malfuntions, the heaters could remain on - this causes the blackening of the main tube ends, as well as a higher bill !
I recommend an electronic starter, as its less likely to fail "ON" and prevents the main tube from flashing during startup - which in turn shortens tube life.

Ya, your right, But it was 8am when i posted that, fresh out of bed, and in a hurry to leave for work....
but thank you for stepping in as long as people arent calling them motors....

 

[Amy86]

i'm confused..... but it doesnt take a lot

i guess ill jus stop tryin to turn it then and jus use the switch on the side?

 

[DarkSoul]

i'm confused..... but it doesnt take a lot

i guess ill jus stop tryin to turn it then and jus use the switch on the side?

yes.... dont turn it.... turning it will allow you to remove it.

Just know that the "knob" is NOT a knob.

 

[Rooster]

i'm confused..... but it doesnt take a lot

i guess ill jus stop tryin to turn it then and jus use the switch on the side?

Its a bayonet fit, just like a "normal" light bulb, twist to remove...

 

[Amy86]

i'm confused..... but it doesnt take a lot

i guess ill jus stop tryin to turn it then and jus use the switch on the side?

Its a bayonet fit, just like a "normal" light bulb, twist to remove...

Ok Thanks Every1,

i asked interpet to send me some instructions which they have and its very helpful, but ive noted that it says when replacing the tube you must replace the starter!!! so where would i get one of these from and is it neccesary to replace it or just what they say to get more money out of you

 

[Rooster]

i'm confused..... but it doesnt take a lot

i guess ill jus stop tryin to turn it then and jus use the switch on the side?

Its a bayonet fit, just like a "normal" light bulb, twist to remove...

Ok Thanks Every1,

i asked interpet to send me some instructions which they have and its very helpful, but ive noted that it says when replacing the tube you must replace the starter!!! so where would i get one of these from and is it neccesary to replace it or just what they say to get more money out of you

Not neccessary at all ! But, if its just to settle your mind, they are less than 50p a go... from any electrical or hardware shop - although I heartily recommend you go out NOW any buy an electronic starter - they are about five quid, but your tube will last longer, and Ive never had one fail "ON" which will kill your tube, and maybe even the rest of your control gear (AKA ballast) so invest that fiver !