Speck is probably a small piece of burnt filament, or a lil burn caused by a lil heat, but if it is still together and completes the circuit, then who cares... But, sending the thing in for warranty is a great idea, as well as getting a new one... I might suggest a magnetic kit, too... If u DO end up with 2 HPS kits, u can burn a MH in one, and get even better results than u ever dreamed of... The HPS will burn a MH lamp safely... I just dont subscribe to the newer digi ballasts yet, because their harder to work on and troubleshoot, and Ive heard more problems like this... It could be sum internal overcurrent protection that just needs to be reset, or an internal fuse, that just needs to be replaced, or something as easy as that, and likely is... If I had it, Id take a peek around inside for these obvious things for an electrician, such as myself, to save the time of sending it in and all, but it sounds like yer on the right path now... Nomore stickin the finger in to fuse panel though, aight?
still not sure about the speck. but the fuse completes a circuit still. I'm picking up a new 600w hps in the a.m. , Hopefully I can send this ballast in under warranty? then i'll just put both in the new room......