Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? - tanTALK

mrsats · 04-05-2011, 10:24 AM

we have had pretty good luck running the s12 starter on both 100w and 160w choke balasts, never really got any black ends or
burnt out lamps, but I do hate changing them out every lamp change.

Thus, considering changing to the cosmo electronic starters and would love some advice as to the pro's and cons's besides the increased initial expense.

Your wisdom is appreciated

jkonturas · 04-05-2011, 10:45 AM

I left the original starters in my units from when I opened brand new in 2003 until like 2008.... A few went here and there, and I would replace with the electronic Starters. I used to use the Cosmedico ones, but they werent always that great... I had some problems with them.... So I go exclusively with Smart Start from John At URI... They are the best **** starters Ive ever used. Once again, you call John, and your in good hands... As far as Im concerned...... hes the Lamp KING....

Robert K · 04-05-2011, 11:09 AM

Who told you to change your starters every lamps change?

Brian Oshman · 04-05-2011, 12:00 PM

Electronic starters suck.

mrsats · 04-05-2011, 01:21 PM

they usually come with the lamps, so I replace them, but Osh, why you hate them, inquiring minds want to know

jkonturas · 04-05-2011, 05:15 PM

Ive yet to have a problem with those new black Phillips Electronic Starters I got from John at URI... Thay are SUPER easy to pop in (not that its that hard anyway), and they never fail.

engfant · 04-06-2011, 08:01 AM

if the lamps are coming with the starters then change em. Just keep a half dozen on hand at all times in case of failures.

mrsats · 04-06-2011, 12:58 PM

I do, but I have noticed that this last batch of s12's were rated to 140, so they are not good for my standup at 160,.

My understanding, and please correct me if I am wrong, that the new electronic starters are easier on the lamp, extend lamp life and avoid black ends, more effecient, etc, and that the only problem with using them with the old style balasts is :
1) that if they dont start right at the beginning, then you have to power cycle the bed as they are not a continous striker like the old s12's
2) more expensive obviously
3) that unlike the S12, which ignites somewhat random, the new electronic all ignight at the same time, high initial energy draw as the bed turns on.

what am I missing, or am I just off base?

engfant · 04-06-2011, 01:57 PM

the 140s are fine for 160watt setups.

The thing with eStarters is they can be lousy for getting a new lamp started. So if you put them in when you do your lamps you will have some that won't light up (not in all cases but it does happen). What you have to do is get them started with regular starters and then switch to eStarters.

I've only seen this in 100watt applications. Most of my eStarter experience has been positive in all other cases.

04-05-2011, 10:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
mrsats Join Date: May 23 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 150 Rep Power: 0	Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? we have had pretty good luck running the s12 starter on both 100w and 160w choke balasts, never really got any black ends or burnt out lamps, but I do hate changing them out every lamp change. Thus, considering changing to the cosmo electronic starters and would love some advice as to the pro's and cons's besides the increased initial expense. Your wisdom is appreciated

04-05-2011, 10:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
jkonturas Join Date: Aug 27 2003 Location: Rhode Island Age: 47 Posts: 854 Rep Power: 21	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? I left the original starters in my units from when I opened brand new in 2003 until like 2008.... A few went here and there, and I would replace with the electronic Starters. I used to use the Cosmedico ones, but they werent always that great... I had some problems with them.... So I go exclusively with Smart Start from John At URI... They are the best **** starters Ive ever used. Once again, you call John, and your in good hands... As far as Im concerned...... hes the Lamp KING.... __________________ http://www.extremetanri.com

04-05-2011, 11:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Robert K Team TanTalk Join Date: Aug 27 2002 Location: East Coast Age: 56 Posts: 2,888 Rep Power: 22	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? Who told you to change your starters every lamps change? __________________ Robert Klem Superior UV Technologies (888) 526-7712 x77 robertk@superioruv.com

04-05-2011, 12:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
Brian Oshman Guest Join Date: Apr 29 2001 Location: Stewartsville, NJ Age: 55 Posts: 3,121 Rep Power: 0	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? Electronic starters suck.

04-05-2011, 01:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
mrsats Join Date: May 23 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 150 Rep Power: 0	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? they usually come with the lamps, so I replace them, but Osh, why you hate them, inquiring minds want to know

04-05-2011, 05:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
jkonturas Join Date: Aug 27 2003 Location: Rhode Island Age: 47 Posts: 854 Rep Power: 21	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? Ive yet to have a problem with those new black Phillips Electronic Starters I got from John at URI... Thay are SUPER easy to pop in (not that its that hard anyway), and they never fail. __________________ http://www.extremetanri.com

04-06-2011, 08:01 AM	#7 (permalink)
engfant Join Date: May 20 2003 Posts: 9,301 Rep Power: 29	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? if the lamps are coming with the starters then change em. Just keep a half dozen on hand at all times in case of failures.

04-06-2011, 12:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
mrsats Join Date: May 23 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 150 Rep Power: 0	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? I do, but I have noticed that this last batch of s12's were rated to 140, so they are not good for my standup at 160,. My understanding, and please correct me if I am wrong, that the new electronic starters are easier on the lamp, extend lamp life and avoid black ends, more effecient, etc, and that the only problem with using them with the old style balasts is : 1) that if they dont start right at the beginning, then you have to power cycle the bed as they are not a continous striker like the old s12's 2) more expensive obviously 3) that unlike the S12, which ignites somewhat random, the new electronic all ignight at the same time, high initial energy draw as the bed turns on. what am I missing, or am I just off base?

04-06-2011, 01:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
engfant Join Date: May 20 2003 Posts: 9,301 Rep Power: 29	Re: Electronic Starters vs the old S12 ? the 140s are fine for 160watt setups. The thing with eStarters is they can be lousy for getting a new lamp started. So if you put them in when you do your lamps you will have some that won't light up (not in all cases but it does happen). What you have to do is get them started with regular starters and then switch to eStarters. I've only seen this in 100watt applications. Most of my eStarter experience has been positive in all other cases.

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