A modular electronic ballast is provided for powering a fluorescent lamp. The bitstream is parsed and the symbols that are decoded are extracted from the bitstream. End faces of the first pin each have a projecting curved portion where a contact area is formed when the end faces are brought into contact with sheave surfaces of the pulleys. The second current source receives this current and diverts it to a voltage supply. The retainer also has a plurality of spring fingers, which engage a groove formed in the hub to restrict inadvertent removal of the retainer from the assembly.