fluoresent ballast

Q&A about all types of jukeboxes: Wurlitzer, Seeburg, Rock-Ola, AMI, and more.



Topic author
edisonsclone
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Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:06 am

fluoresent ballast

by edisonsclone » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:14 pm

In 2 of my rockola jukeboxes (starlet 429 and supersound 490) their are magnetic ballasts for the
Fluoresent lighting.
My question is that they seem to get very hot and buzz alot, which I was told was normal. However, how hot should they get and much should they buzz until I should consider replacing them. And if I replace them can I do it with a real ballast and not the magnetic type?


Ron Rich
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Location: Millbrae (San Francisco area)CA, USA

Re: fluoresent ballast

by Ron Rich » Fri Sep 12, 2008 5:08 am

I have heard the term "magnetic ballast" before, but I have always assumed that all "ballasts" use for lighting were "magnetic". What is the difference between that and a "standard" one?
As for heat/buzz, part of the problem, is that if it "buzzes", it generates heat--and vise/versa. So, if they are overheating because of loose laminates, they SOMETIMES can be "fixed" with a slight tap with a hammer. If it's a "potted" style, the hammer won't work, but if it's "caged", with a frame, it can be done. They do run hot, normally, warm enough to be uncomfortable to the touch with the palm of your hand--but they should not burn your skin, even after hours of being on--


Radiokub
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Joined: Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:09 am
Location: Waynesboro, VA

Re: fluoresent ballast

by Radiokub » Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:45 pm

As Ron said they should be warm but uncomfortable to the touch but they shouldnt buzz. The few ballasts i've encountered that did buzz, failed a short time later. I would suggest looking for replacements as several of the popular jukebox sites has some available and are fairly reasonable.
-Tony

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