I am looking to convert an AEL series 315 to run 150w G12 base CMH lamps with an electronic ballast. It should be pretty easy to mount the ballast on the power pad and rewire everything, but how should I go about making a CDM-T lamp compatible with the existing (FCO) optical assembly? Should I make a bracket that extends the lampholder out or maybe at an angle?

Any help will be appreciated.

I did a conversion on a Holophane Bantam 2000 to 39w CMH at one point. I made a small bracket to adapt the existing medium base lampholder mounting holes to a G12 lampholder. As for the height, I made it so it roughly matched the arc tube on the 175w MH it was originally designed for.

Note that there also exist E26 to G21 screw in adapters. However the plastic on mine wasn't suitable for the heat of a 150w CMH lamp

I'd never trust one of those el-cheapo adaptors, no matter what the rating of the lamp.!

I am looking to convert an AEL series 315 to run 150w G12 base CMH lamps with an electronic ballast. It should be pretty easy to mount the ballast on the power pad and rewire everything, but how should I go about making a CDM-T lamp compatible with the existing (FCO) optical assembly? Should I make a bracket that extends the lampholder out or maybe at an angle?

Any help will be appreciated.

Swapping the ballast would be rather easy...the lamp, not so much. How about making it easier on yourself and get a Philips MasterColor CDM150/U/PS/4K CMH lamp? These have an E39 mogul base. I've used these with standard magnetic ballasts that run M102 lamps...no issues. Also compatible eHID ballasts.

I would really like one of those if it was available in 3000K. Did they ever make mogul base ceramic metal halide lamps in 3000K?

Unfortunately, no...these are 4000K, 90% + CRI...they're actually really nice lamps. The high CRI doesn't have that annoying blue content when compared to cheap QMH lamps.

I suppose you could find a pulse rated mogul to medium reducer (they exist, just a bit harder to find) and then pair it with a ED17 3000K CMH lamp. The would be the simplest way.

But I kind of want a somewhat official one with a real G12 base and custom bracket, kind of like the Chicago spec M250s in CMH (but those have a different base). Besides, I could use the mogul socket and the old ballast to convert another light to HPS.

Fair enough. I used some 1/2" 1/16" thick aluminum bar stock to make the bracket for my Bantam. Drilled and tapped holes for mounting and then used a vise and a small bending die set to make the bends.

Could you upload a picture?