Florescent desk lamps

[Ray Mack]

Hey Y'all:
        I hope this isn't off topic for y'all (this is really a test
equipment topic), but one problem I have had repeatedly both at work
and in the shack is that the florescent desk lamp with a magnifier for
my failing eye sight goes through a ballast about every 2 years.  I
had been buying them directly from Luxo for a lot of money and lots of
shipping time.

        I was browsing through Builders Square (soon to also be
Hechingers for those on the East Coast) and found they carry a little
ballast for 24 inch straght tubes that also is the right one for the 8
inch cicular ones used in the desk lamps.  I needed to do some surgery
to remove the mounting tabs, but it fit the housing just fine after
the surgery.  Now both desk lamps in the shack are back running.

Ray Mack
WD5IFS
mack at mails.imed.com
Friendswood (Houston), TX