Is the igniter needed? I remember someone saying that it wasn't, but I'm seeing it connected in most people's projector pictures. I hooked up my lamp and ballast without it and it seemed to work okay. Does it work with or without it? If so, what's the point of it?

Hmm... no one knows?

Good question.

I don't have an igniter and mine seems to work.

I'm interested in hearing the answer also.

I believe the ignitor just turns on the bulb faster. Since we are using MH lamps, this isn't a problem and I doubt it is any faster.

I believe Some lamps require ignitors, and some don't. But IIRC Neither of the lamps recomended in the guide require an ignitor...

My Sola comes with the cap pre-wired. The M59 spec calls for the cap. This doesn't mean some lamps can't run without it but by leaving it connected you'll get better start times and faster restrikes.

There was only about a half a second delay when turning it on without the igniter.

As the lamp ages it gets harder to start. With the EYE and a cap there is no delay.

Alright, I'll have to wire it in then.