unsure of the date of manufactuer but estamate less than 4 years old. I went in to the control box last night and found the switch burned up to the MH'S. I removed and threw it away. I found several wires leading to the switch that had exposed wiring showing and prolly touching and I repaired all of them. I tied the two wires going to the switch together to make it always in the on position, then I used a timer to comtrol it and it came on this morning with no buring smell.

now i have to address the ballast issue for the actinics.