ballast troubles

[jc]

I'm trying to wire an old ballast for a new tank and ran into a problem. It is an accustart triad ballast 2x54w. What happened is that the end of the ballast where the power cord wire are pushed in is not holding the wire. So I took off the small plastic housing and can see that 2 of the connectors are missing the metal spring that holds the wire. It doesn't look like I can replace the connectors. Is this ballast no longer useable? Is it safe to solder the wires directly to the ends and cover them in black tape?
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s_m-tlLoaPI/S_3Y9Uk02QI/AAAAAAAABYo/zupp4Ky-nc4/s800/2010-05-26%2021.28.29.jpg
I spread the connectors apart so they are more visible. Next to the orange housing is a small metal spring.

[jrsatx20]

I don't c any problems with soldering n putting shrink wrap then tape

[txg8gxp]

You will not have any issues soldering the wires straight to the ballast, just use a good iron...if you get the tabs to hot they will unsolder off the main board.

[txg8gxp]

If possible use 3%+silver solder, the higher the percentage the lower the melting temp. That will help keep the temp on the board down.

[jc]

I think no matter how well I insulate the wire I'm going to be paranoid about starting a fire. So I will use this as an opportunity to upgrade to an icecap.

[txg8gxp]

I think no matter how well I insulate the wire I'm going to be paranoid about starting a fire. So I will use this as an opportunity to upgrade to an icecap.
Nothing wrong with a IceCap, but if you use good heatshrink and insulation it would be just as safe as the wire quick connect. If interested you could stop by the hobby shop (RCHQ) and I could fix it up for you. I have all the good heatshrink/etc. up there. Is that the low voltage or high voltage side?

[jc]

Thanks for the offer. I went ahead and ordered an icecap 660. That way I can get more light and only use one outlet.