Wiring a 660 IceCap

[ReeferRob]

Just bought a retro for the grow out. IceCap 660 2x24 T5HO. So I'm looking at this thing and I can't figure out where the power connects?
Im a pretty handy wrench but electrical, not so much.

Also what do I do with the wires that are not being used?
Its set to take 4 bulbs if I ever decide to add, which is cool!

Someone throw me a bone. Please:exploding_mad:

[speedstar]

Just bought a retro for the grow out. IceCap 660 2x24 T5HO. So I'm looking at this thing and I can't figure out where the power connects?
Im a pretty handy wrench but electrical, not so much.

Also what do I do with the wires that are not being used?
Its set to take 4 bulbs if I ever decide to add, which is cool!

Someone throw me a bone. Please:exploding_mad:

cap or tape off extra wires, the power should be the black, white, and green wires of the same connector as the lights. Think it states that on the top of the ballast as well.

[Rabidgoose]

Diagram here


http://www.icecapinc.com/01/document2.pdf

[ReeferRob]

cap or tape off extra wires, the power should be the black, white, and green wires of the same connector as the lights. Think it states that on the top of the ballast as well.

Thanks speed, it does clearly label what each wire is and does, but how do I connect them.

Diagram here


http://www.icecapinc.com/01/document2.pdf

Thanks for the color diagram. It did come with a black and white one.
What I don't understand is how to connect the wires. Just jam them in the holes. There are no wire nuts or anyway to wrap them around anything.
Same thing with the power supply.

Thanks for the help guys, but Im going to need a bit more specific help so I don't blow stuff up or burn stuff out.

[Mike]

I hate wiring ice caps. Especially when running 4 bulbs on one. I always seem to have one wire that is no connected right in an end cap and it takes me forever to find it.

[ReeferRob]

Got it figured out guys!!!! Thanks!

[ReeferRob]

Sometimes I error on the side of caution too much. Geesh this was easy. I was looking at it thinking I just had to shove the power supply into the ballast on the side with the small white plug interface. Whats that for anyway? Before I actually looked and counted all the wires to see that is how the power supply was connected.


Super easy, and actually a lot of fun to wire and make. Maybe Ill post some pics later.

[ReeferRob]

Still need to finish the acrylic splash guard for the ballast and all wires! Ran out of acrylic.
http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad286/bluedragon1_2/IMG_0002.jpg

[tazzy695]

are you using water proof end caps or just the tombstone style if the water proof ones then I would forgo the acrylic shield as you will loose light into the tank

I know it always seems daunting to wire things when you are not used to it but it all ends up so much simpler then you make it out to be

also what are you using for the reflectors are they the ice cap ones ???

[ReeferRob]

are you using water proof end caps or just the tombstone style if the water proof ones then I would forgo the acrylic shield as you will loose light into the tank

I know it always seems daunting to wire things when you are not used to it but it all ends up so much simpler then you make it out to be

also what are you using for the reflectors are they the ice cap ones ???


Water proof end caps.

Clear mesh top for wrasse.

Acrylic is to make a working surface on top protecting the wires.

Yes, Ice cap reflectors.

And yes it was way easier and more fun than I expected.

[tazzy695]

ahh ok that explains a lot so it is more of a table then

[ReeferRob]

Okay, as most of you know I am upgrading..........already.......and adding bulbs 3 and 4 hopefully by Sunday.

My question is, is there an easy trick or tip you can share on how to remove a wire from an endcap? I have an idea of how I might try, but thought I'd ask others who have experienced this already.

If not is there an issue I might run into if I were to just cut the wire as low as possible, leaving a stub behind. And then insert another wire?

Thanks.


Oh, one more thing. With these retro kits is there a way to stagger the lights coming on and off to simulate dawn and dusk?

[ReeferRob]

Bumpity bump for you electrical gurus!

[tazzy695]

Ok not sure what end caps you are using but if the wire just pushes in then you could use a paperclip that
is bigger then the wire to open the spring that holds the wire and remove the wire

If this dosnt work for you then cut the wire about 6" from the endcap and use wire caps or other method of slicing the wire just shrink tube or some other method of waterproofing it and it will be fine

Mainly just don't leave a piece of wire exposed where it could short or electrocute you

As for staggering the lights you would need to use separate ballast

[ReeferRob]

Ok not sure what end caps you are using but if the wire just pushes in then you could use a paperclip that
is bigger then the wire to open the spring that holds the wire and remove the wire

If this dosnt work for you then cut the wire about 6" from the endcap and use wire caps or other method of slicing the wire just shrink tube or some other method of waterproofing it and it will be fine

Mainly just don't leave a piece of wire exposed where it could short or electrocute you

As for staggering the lights you would need to use separate ballast

What the H Tazzy, took you long enough to respond.:D I knew I could count on you to respond!

Ya I do have the H2O proof caps with the jam springs.
As for staggering, if I need another ballast, what the heck is the other plastic wire harness interface for then? I assumed it was for a controller of some sort? Guess not?.................My feeling on retros after learning this.....poo.

[tazzy695]

the little 4 plug conector is for a dimmer controller to dimm the bulbs

sorry it took so long been very bussy with work and all and having issues with getting on with the phone darn smart phones I tell ya

personaly I would go retro almost every time especialy with the icecap line as it is top notch

[ReeferRob]

That was easy as pie. Just up the light fixture from 2-4 bulbs. FYI removing the wire from the socket is as easy as putting a small nail in the appropriate hole while looking at the face of the socket. There are three holes, you'll know which one unhooks the wire.

[tazzy695]

Glad you got it figured out I tried to find info on the dimmer controllers for you but couldn't even find info at Icecap's website

[ReeferRob]

Thanks Tazzy, I looked on there web site too nothing.


Maybe someone else knows and can chum in!?

[Steven Pro]

The little plug on the other side of the ballast is for the Solar Dimmer controller. Unfortunately, that controller only works with T12VHO lamps, not T5HO ones.