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Hey, I created an Excel file which counts both the output wattage and the efficiency of a ballast. As the lumen/Watt rating for HID lamps seems to be very linear (for ex. a ballast which outputs 70W is pretty much exactly two times brighter than a ballast which outputs 35W), in my opinion this seems to be a consistent method of finding out both the efficiency and the output wattage.
This file and its accuracy is heavily dependant on measurements made by the end user. The quality of the measurements should be consistent with NO variations in quality (light source changing place, light meter moving, ambient lighting conditions changing).
Required instruments/tools/equipment/stuff:
— An HID ballast which outputs true 35W
— HID bulb
— Lux meter
— Tape measure
— A headlight (for the bulb to be seated in)
— For additional user comfort/indoor usage: a 12V DC power supply capable of igniting every ballast one wishes to test.
So the file works pretty much this way, basically every cell which is filled with yellow color should be input with user-acquired information, the green cells are Excel-calculated output.
1) Measure the light intensity, input amperage and the input wire voltage of your (OEM-grade) 35W ballast. These values form the baseline of this file. Also remember to measure the exact distance from the light source to the wall.
2) Using your baseline 35W ballast measurements, input the light intensity (lux) (cell D6), input amperage (cell D7), and the input wire voltage (cell F27). Remember to check the nominal output cell at F26 has 35 on it. ALSO! Remember to change the distance variables at C6 and D16 according to yours.
3) Measure the light intensity, input amperage and the input wire voltage of the ballast you wish to know more about. Input the light intensity (lux) (cell E6), and input amperage (cell E7).
When adding in distance units, remember to convert ft to m in case you use those weird units, any distance-related information won't work out with feet units.
To add more ballasts, select all the cells and multiply them to the right.
This file and its accuracy is heavily dependant on measurements made by the end user. The quality of the measurements should be consistent with NO variations in quality (light source changing place, light meter moving, ambient lighting conditions changing).
Required instruments/tools/equipment/stuff:
— An HID ballast which outputs true 35W
— HID bulb
— Lux meter
— Tape measure
— A headlight (for the bulb to be seated in)
— For additional user comfort/indoor usage: a 12V DC power supply capable of igniting every ballast one wishes to test.
So the file works pretty much this way, basically every cell which is filled with yellow color should be input with user-acquired information, the green cells are Excel-calculated output.
1) Measure the light intensity, input amperage and the input wire voltage of your (OEM-grade) 35W ballast. These values form the baseline of this file. Also remember to measure the exact distance from the light source to the wall.
2) Using your baseline 35W ballast measurements, input the light intensity (lux) (cell D6), input amperage (cell D7), and the input wire voltage (cell F27). Remember to check the nominal output cell at F26 has 35 on it. ALSO! Remember to change the distance variables at C6 and D16 according to yours.
3) Measure the light intensity, input amperage and the input wire voltage of the ballast you wish to know more about. Input the light intensity (lux) (cell E6), and input amperage (cell E7).
When adding in distance units, remember to convert ft to m in case you use those weird units, any distance-related information won't work out with feet units.
To add more ballasts, select all the cells and multiply them to the right.
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