Replacing HPS ballast on a budget

[scratchzilla]

My HTGSupply 250w ballast is now a 250w paperweight. I need to replace it, but I'm poor. What is the best bang for your buck? I'd like to spend as little money as possible, preferably less than $100. What are you thoughts?

 

[Roguejim]

I'm seeing new ballasts on eBay for $72, and up.

 

[alkhall]

Metal Halide, I presume?
 
I find several sites with ballast kits starting in the mid-$40s.
 
EDIT:
 
Re-read the title, HPS ballast starting in upper-$50s, sorry.
 
But, I have to ask; why HPS and not a full-spectrum HID, i.e. Metal Halide?

 

[Weed]

^ ballast repair kit, it's just replacing 2 parts

 

[hogleg]

If its not digital rebuild it like mx5 says. its usually the condenser

 

[sreinhard88]

But, I have to ask; why HPS and not a full-spectrum HID, i.e. Metal Halide?

Nothing against MH bulbs (I have two setups with a 250w and a 600w), but one thing I figured out early on was MH bulbs actually increase the nutrient uptake of the plants under it.  Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, just have to pay attention to them to look for signs of deficiency and fertilize a slightly more frequently than normal.  Just a fun fact for ya
 
EDIT: whoops, completely forgot to answer the question lol!  Try amazon I usually get good prices there.

 

[scratchzilla]

I found one on amazon for 56$. After shipping it was close to $100, so I made my budget. Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[Weed]

No local electric shops?

 

[scratchzilla]

Not in rural Vermont.
Not close enough to drive to at least.

 

[Ignite]

I'm assuming you already have a good bulb and hood?  Growershouse has Quantum 600W digital ballasts for $103 with free shipping.  That's a killer deal on a dimmable digital ballast from a great company.  You'll need a new bulb and possibly a new reflector though, which adds to the costs.