A starter unit (for example, an RF-enabled and replaceable starter unit) has an ability both to turn on and to turn off a fluorescent lamp. The starter unit detects whether a ballast in the circuit with the fluorescent lamp is of a first type (for example, an L-type ballast) or is of a second type (for example, a C-type ballast). If the determination is that the ballast is of the first type, then the starter unit turns off the lamp in a first way (for example, using C-type timing and then using L-type timing alternatingly). If the determination is that the ballast is of the second type, then the starter unit turns off the lamp in a second way (for example, using only C-type timing). The same starter unit design is usable both in single-lamp fixtures and in multi-lamp fixtures where a mix of ballast types may be used.