Hi,

I finally have my box assembled...hurray.

The first time i actually apply power to my system (after thoroughly checking and rechecking connections with ohmmeter) with my bulb in the socket a very sad thing happened...my fuse blew and my bulb went *pop*

After this all happened my fan circuit worked after i replaced my main fuse (10A 250V) with a new one.

When i tested my bulb, it tested as "open circuit". I closely examined the bulb and feared that it was DOA from day one. The little 'tit' that is used during manufacturing to seal the inner arc chamber was pierced allowing oxygen to get into it...when i applied power: SNAP CRACKLE POP.

But, now i have myself second guessing everything because frankly i'm getting next to no action from the Lumenlab staff on the warranty status of my bulb and the fact i don't want to stick the second bulb i have available (it's a buddies bulb) and have the same thing happen as it appears somewhat similar to the other bulb did even BEFORE i had put it into system i put together.

I approached the projector i made again just earlier this evening, summoning everything i had to will myself to continue with this project. (I AM SO CLOSE TO BEING FINISHED IT IS NOT FUNNY)

I hooked up a power cable and turned on the first switch...good everything is good so far...fan running nicely...voltages seem normal

I turn on the second switch (for my ballast) no explosions, no smoke, no fire. But there's no bulb in the socket.
I grab my voltmeter and read the AC voltage from the center post of the socket to ground: 55.1V
I read the voltage from the side of the socket's threads for the bulb...it reads 55.2 volts.
WHY IS THIS?
Should this be what i see for voltage at these two points with no bulb in the circuit? This doesn't seem right to me. Could it be my Ballast is F**Ked?

SOS HELP
Seeking advice from strangers ASAP!!!
PM me if you want to see pictures of my progress thus far.
-Beetlejuice

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