This is a Multi-Tap 150w HPS ballast, which is nice. Bigger ballast, the fixture is a little bit heavy, but at least I can light it. Very clean, since this light was new in box. Made in 2007.
Why is that? Sure they've changed the design of the fixture over the years but the nose of the fixture hasn't changed any. I know my 1985 M-250R2 has a TON of tension on the latch. That thing makes a loud SNAP against the housing every time it's shut. Mine sure ain't loosing its door!
I actually think my 1985 M-250R2 is better built than my 1974 and 1981 M-250R1s! Those early M-250R2s are rock-solid! The only complaint I have of the 1985 M-250R2 and 1987 M-250A2 I have are that the reflectors only use one screw, so they spin around and wobble. My Cooper OVC uses one screw too but the socket is attached to the housing instead of the reflector so the socket acts as a stabilizer, something the R2/A2s don't have.
I like how GE painted the inside of their 80s fixtures. Keeps any corrosion from taking place inside the fixture. The inside of my M-250R2 is painted like new but the outside of the top housing is completely bare. It has the nice metallic NEMA tag too. I plan to keep the fixture original though, other than occasionally swapping the FCO reflector for a drop lens one.
I like how GE painted the inside of their 80s fixtures. Keeps any corrosion from taking place inside the fixture. The inside of my M-250R2 is painted like new but the outside of the top housing is completely bare. It has the nice metallic NEMA tag too. I plan to keep the fixture original though, other than occasionally swapping the FCO reflector for a drop lens one.