I'm sure you're going to love it !

By the way, in a matter of accuracy, it is the starter that makes the pinging noise, not the ballast. However, if the ballast is not properly mounted or if it has slightly loose windings or plates, it can make sort of a thumping sound when the starter makes its pinging sound.

You'll also notice that different brands of starters have different pinging sounds. Some ping in a higher pitch while others ping in a lower pitch. I prefer the lower pitch.

I'm sure you're going to love it !

By the way, in a matter of accuracy, it is the starter that makes the pinging noise, not the ballast. However, if the ballast is not properly mounted or if it has slightly loose windings or plates, it can make sort of a thumping sound when the starter makes its pinging sound.

You'll also notice that different brands of starters have different pinging sounds. Some ping in a higher pitch while others ping in a lower pitch. I prefer the lower pitch.

Hi Sol, thank you for the info. My grandparents have one of these preheat F15T8/T12 fixtures that is not working. After building my own here, I might be able to diagnose the problem with theirs. I'm guessing a bad starter or ballast. I might install mine here for them if I can't find any replacement parts.

Excellent, and congratulations on your first fluorescent.

First, try a new lamp and a new starter. These ballasts rarely go bad. Before replacing the ballast, check every connection point (where the mains come in, where the starter socket is wired, all connections on lamp holders, etc). You might also have a defective switch or a blown fuse/tripped breaker.

Any hardware store should have the parts you need. The starter should be FS-2.

First, try a new lamp and a new starter. These ballasts rarely go bad. Before replacing the ballast, check every connection point (where the mains come in, where the starter socket is wired, all connections on lamp holders, etc). You might also have a defective switch or a blown fuse/tripped breaker.

Any hardware store should have the parts you need. The starter should be FS-2.

Thanks sol! I'll put an FS-2 starter on my shopping list!

Welcome to the fluorescent world! I think my first fixture (long gone) was an American Fluorescent 2x40 shop light with the Advance BenchLite NPF rapid start ballast and '94 Sylvania Workshop F40 lamps. (also long gone now).