Digital Ballasts - Your input wanted

[medrx]

http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HLBADILT06120&eq=&Tp=

Why choose an electronic ballast over a core-and-coil (magnetic) ballast?

Fast startup - reaches full brightness in under 1 minute; magnetic ballasts typically take about 20 minutes
Completely silent - you have to put your ear up to the ballast before you can detect the slightest sound
Small, compact design - 600W 240V ballast weighs less than 11 pounds compared to 40 pounds for magnetic ballasts
Produces less heat than magnetic ballasts
Cut-off-circuitry - automatically shuts off in case of a short
Efficient - uses less electricity than magnetic ballasts
Longer bulb life - lumen output loss over time is dramatically less than with magnetic ballasts
Lumatek ballasts can light both MH and HPS lamps; the 600W HPS ballast will also light 600W MH conversion bulbs
More lumen output - 20-30% more lumen output than regular ballasts[/COLOR]

[medrx]

I like that last claim "20-30% more lumen output than regular ballasts.

Here's another assertion they make:

Test data has shown that a Lumatek 600 watt ballast produces within 5% of the useable light of a 1000 core and coil ballast!

That sounds a little too good to be true....I also suppose it makes you breakfast in the morning.

[Roscoe]

If the failure rate can be minimized I would be interested.
5 year warranty is pretty good.

I don't believe the claim about more lumen output. Seems to me that once a lamp is up to temp its going to put out its maximum lumens no matter what the power source.

[Treetop Porcupine]

The Lumatek ballasts have come to be very highly regarded by several, various sources of "legitimate" grow info/advice. They are far less susceptible to failure than those of other manufacturers.

I do snicker at how they say they can run both MH and HPS and then toss in the mention of the conversion bulb - any ballast can run a conversion bulb of the correct type and wattage. Nice try, marketing guys.

The biggest attraction for me is the power consumption factor - typically, I believe they run on about 75-80% of the juice required to run a magnetic ballast of the same size, which is a big bump off of a 1000 watter. It also means that I can run two 600s from the same circuit I would run one 1000, thus allowing me to better tailor the available light to my growroom footprint, which is kinda long and narrow.

I'll be ordering one in the next couple of weeks and firing it up shortly after that. More info to come.

[mace]

More lumen output - 20-30% more lumen output than regular ballasts
Hard to believe, so hard to believe in fact that i call it marketing BS :)

[bopper]

Hard to believe, so hard to believe in fact that i call it marketing BS :)

Hey mace,

I suspect that they are referring to the total lumen output over the life of the bulb deriving from increased light output as a result of slower aging, and not to the output of the bulb at any given moment.

Best,

bopper

[mace]

Thanks bopper,

this makes complete sinse!

Your bulbs last longer, therefore they put out more lumen over their lifespan.
That could be very easily mistaken with the output at any given moment.

Thanks again,

mace

[medrx]

Nice replies. Thanks for the 1st-hand knowledge there, OS.

Looks like they're worth it in the end.
I know what my next toy is going to be :)

[bopper]

Thanks bopper,

this makes complete sinse!

Your bulbs last longer, therefore they put out more lumen over their lifespan.
That could be very easily mistaken with the output at any given moment.

Thanks again,

mace

You're welcome. :)

I think that it also meant that the light output falls less over the useful lifespan, so that the lumen output is higher at a given point as soon as age begins to effect a similar bulb with a traditional non-digital ballast.

Best,

bopper

[firstavailable]

I have heard that some digital ballasts have RF issues that can interfere with television reception.

Is this true?

[Dman]

Hi Folks,

I can't remember what make it was, but I priced a 1000w MH/HPS digi ballast the other day.....WOW, $600+ just for the ballast! :eek: I asked the Hydro guy how they worked....he didn't know, as they haven't sold one yet....lol. You'd think if they were going to sell them, they'd at least have a demo set-up. :rolleyes:
I must say, I was impressed by the overall weight compared to a normal 1k ballast. The digi ballast comes in at 10lbs...which is excellent if they work as well as they claim. I also like the fact that they can run both MH and HPS bulbs from the same ballast. :D Has anyone got one up and running yet?

[pugs]

Hi Folks,

I can't remember what make it was, but I priced a 1000w MH/HPS digi ballast the other day.....WOW, $600+ just for the ballast! :eek:

:wave: Dman,

good to see you bro!

$600+ is damn expensive!...and that was just the ballast?

if so, you need to do some searches on the net bro!lol...

1000w digital ballast $434.95 shipped;)
http://www.superiorhydro.com/servlet/the-54/1000W-HPS-fdsh-MH-Evolution-Digital/Detail

[Alaska]

OK, I have much experience with Future-Brite brand of Eballasts

Let me tell you, I have had lotsa problemos, but the company makes it right each time

Last Jan, I purchased 3 600 watt Digi Futurebrite ballasts. WIthin one week, two were being sent in for repair. THey told me it was the fuses, but I know better, as I check them before I sent them in. They "repaired the fuses" and send the ballats back.

About a month or two later, they go out again :(. THis time, they send me new ones.

About 2 months ago, the third one goes out, and the power plug where the fuse went was slightly MELTED!!!!! Well, after a month in the shop, they send me the same melted on back, when I specificially ask them to change that piece for sure, and they didn't. Within one week, it had broken again. After another 3 weeks, they send me a new one, with a fresh warranty, and this one has had no problems in the last month.

THe biggest issue I have is I have to wait while thay are repaired. THe hydro store has loaner ballasts, but only 1k, which is too much for a 3x3 imho. So, i been making due with the C&C 600 and 400's.

Also, the "5% of usable light of a 1k" is TOTAL BS!!!!!!!

What I have noticed when next to a core and coil is that the digi's seem LESS bright than a traditional. BUT, they give the same output on a light meter, so, no real difference. THe biggest benefit to this for me is that my bulbs are still puching 70,000 lumens, just like new, after about 16 months in use, so there are benefits

hth

Alaska

[c-ray]

What I have noticed when next to a core and coil is that the digi's seem LESS bright than a traditional. BUT, they give the same output on a light meter, so, no real difference. THe biggest benefit to this for me is that my bulbs are still puching 70,000 lumens, just like new, after about 16 months in use, so there are benefits


well that is a significant benefit
I am curious though, if you turn on an am radio near the ballasts and scan the frequencies do find any static at a certain frequency, I was told that the digi ballasts emit radio frequencies that can be picked

[Carpet Muncher]

Discount Hydro seems to have pretty good prices on them.
http://www.discount-hydro.com/ballasts.asp ...3rd & 4th items down.

[GrowGreen]

I have heard that some digital ballasts have RF issues that can interfere with television reception.

Is this true?


Yes this is true if you change the socket cord that comes with the unit. The cord coming from the ballast to the socket end (where you screw the bulb in) is shielded. Don

[joe6pack]

cool thread i've had my eye on a digi for a while

[pugs]

GG - what brand, and how long have you had them?

[Strawberrycough]

i was told that the current 1000 watt digital ballast are really 750 watts that power up 1000 watt bulbs..

the lumatek ballast are really nice ballast too bad they dont come switchable for 120/240...and detachable lamp cord.

[GrowGreen]

Hey pugs, good to see you..

Only had them a few months..

Lumatek 600w 120v @ $249 each with Horti bulbs for $70 each...did I do good?

:peace:
GG

[Strawberrycough]

growgreen you did really good :) Digital ballast 600 wholesale cost are 199.97 and light bulbs 50 bucks.

[Carpet Muncher]

GG.. your source? :)

[kisanth]

I've been using my 4 Future-Brite 600w for over a year now with only one flickering problem at the very beggining that hasn't happened since.

As for power savings, my 400w coil ballast draws 460+watts to run were as the digi 600w draws 603w. I'd be willing to bet a coil 600w draws around 670w to run..... just a guess though.

$250 for a 600w Lumatek..... Do tell?

[Alaska]

[QUOTE=GrowGreen]Yes this is true if you change the socket cord that comes with the unit. The cord coming from the ballast to the socket end (where you screw the bulb in) is shielded. Don

[kisanth]

My Future-Brites only have 2 wires (white and black) going to the bulb but the cord for the ballast itself has 3 (hot, nuetral and ground).

OS, I see the Mendocino Death Cabbage kills brain cells, heh? lol

[Strawberrycough]

ooh ooh...i know where you can get a 600 lumatek in the bay area..msg me if you need details.

[Strawberrycough]

i believe that my lumatek ballast has two greens not three....

[GrowGreen]

Haha.. I think OS needs to step away from the cabbage.

The lumatek ballast come with two green (ground) wires. A white (neutral) and Black (the business end)

:peace:
GG

[grasshopper]

well that is a significant benefit
I am curious though, if you turn on an am radio near the ballasts and scan the frequencies do find any static at a certain frequency, I was told that the digi ballasts emit radio frequencies that can be picked

i never played with a digi ballast so i'm not sure how they're switching the
power but i'd guess it's with mosfets at 60 hertz as what the incoming lines are

anyhow
each time it switches it releases a static burst thats covers quite a large frequency range so it would be the equivelent to the magnetic ballast hum but on the airwaves
if ya get my drift

fwiw

[Alaska]

My future Brights started with 3 wires, white, black, ground.

Now, the new replacement they send me is jsut two, white and black

A

[Joe King Park]

the dual Cannatronics digi ballast only uses one very thick cable, and do have a reputation as being one of the worlds finest horticultural lighting manufacturers
you can read up on these new Aurora Electronic Ballasts @ www.growell.co.uk

since i am doing a search North American Wise , i have heard bad things about Home Harvest hydro
but i do have this link which sells Digi Ballasts www.truevisionhydroponics.com
Joe

[Fireman Sam]

the dual Cannatronics digi ballast only uses one very thick cable, and do have a reputation as being one of the worlds finest horticultural lighting manufacturers
you can read up on these new Aurora Electronic Ballasts @ www.growell.co.uk

since i am doing a search North American Wise , i have heard bad things about Home Harvest hydro
but i do have this link which sells Digi Ballasts www.truevisionhydroponics.com
Joe


Joe

I have used the supposedly shielded 600W lumateks digi ballasts ( 2 Earth wires) and they bleed all over MW and LW radio stations also affect my sky tv reception ( slightly), also baby monitors and electrical equipment in a nearby garage. Don't use them.

There is a massive problem with these electronic ballasts and RFI in built up areas. They act like a neon sign to anyone with a simple radio receiver to locate the the RFI source, ie your grow.

They are supposed to be addressing the issue so that RFI goes away - I would wait until then if I was you (or anyone).

Meanwhile its core and coil for me.

[Deltanugz]

...

[Carpet Muncher]

af has 2 Lumateks, a 400 & 600. he checked and the one that is wired to a standard socket makes AM reception impossible, the 400 using a Lumatek socket causes no interference.

now he's freaking out.. anyone know how far away this interference is likely to be spread? (1 house, 1 block, 1 mile?)

[Fireman Sam]

af has 2 Lumateks, a 400 & 600. he checked and the one that is wired to a standard socket makes AM reception impossible, the 400 using a Lumatek socket causes no interference.

now he's freaking out.. anyone know how far away this interference is likely to be spread? (1 house, 1 block, 1 mile?)

If your grow is above ground level ( and depending on how high up) you are liklely to interfere fo some distance. I hung my lamps vertically in a cooltube at floor level and I totally blocked out reception on both bands for well over 100metres.

fs

[Fireman Sam]

I've heard that the digital ballasts that run on 240 volts cause less interference than the ones that run on 120 volts. Can anyone verify this? Anyone using the 240 volt Lumateks having RF issues? (Lumatek is one of the only manufacturers that runs a full 240 volt unit. The switchables all convert down to 120 volts.)


My lumateks were 240V. RFI all over the place.

fs

[Joe King Park]

10% more lumens only
but
20-25% savings on electric bill
joe

[Carpet Muncher]

I totally blocked out reception on both bands for well over 100metres.

thanks FS.. i'll tell him.

wonder what it would do to a passing cruiser?

[Joe King Park]

Cannatronics recalled all their digi ballasts and rectified the problem ( probably with a rectifier)
the site went down til the ballasts were perfected, which they now are
unconvinced?
well, Cannatronics lengthy Warrantee / Guarentee , should take the worry out of purchasing one
as with all Cannatronics equiptment, quality is tops
take this reflector for example; pure quality ! and complete with 5 year warrantee
Joe
Sam ; os tisho phone number i wholesaler, gofyn yn y PM
Hwyl
Joe

[Joe King Park]

future brite , er are they not the same fan cooled jobbies sold by www.homeharvest.com ?

money no object? www.vb1000.com

( Cannatronics do not make a 1000 watt system yet , as they claim the 600 digi to produce 7 more lumens than the old coil ballast !!)
also Cannatronics Ballasts only run HPS and Grolux bulbs
no halide yet
Joe


www.hydrogarden.com www.hydroleaf.com www.cannatronics.co.ukurl] [url]www.elementshydroponics.com

[Joe King Park]

use elements link to get to cannatronics

[Deltanugz]

..

[GrowGreen]

If you use the shielded cable your EMI/RFI output is 5 ft any direction.. If your socket cord is not shielded ( two green wires = shielded) your output is 50 yards any direction..

You will have a better chance of a monkey flying out of your ass, than the FCC showing up at your door for RFI..

hth
GG

[Joe King Park]

GG
would a simple GFI - Ground fault interupter work?
or more logical , a suppressor, similar to a automobile - radio interference- spark plug / coil which requires a suppressor to, well suppress interference

i agree with GG with the Paranoid Store Owner ; He was probably a fisherman before he opened shop, lol
not a very good businessman who conjurs up stories like that
bet his shops closed down by this time next year , lol
Joe

[GrowGreen]

Hey Joe..always a pleasure to read your posts.

GFI is something totally different.
They make RFI suppressors and yes, they work very similar those on automobiles. That

[Deltanugz]

..

[Fireman Sam]

Use a shielded cable...
I don’t think we really need to be concerned with what interference our digital ballast are producing. Especially at the 60htz range.

:allgood2:
GG


The lumateks supposedly already use a shielded cable. Fine... but the RFI starts at the bulb connection IME and is mostly transferred through the bulb arc. You ignore RFI on other peoples household equipment at your peril....

best

FS

Edit : Play this link, its a recording of FM then AM then LW then back to FM RFI causes by a single lumatek 600w ballast 50 feet away, this continues upto and over 100 metres, gradually tailing off at over 150m.

http://www.uk420.com/boards/lum/rfi.mov

[przcvctm]

OS
My Lumatek runs just a little cooler than my old traditional one, but not so hot you can't hold your hand on it. Also, mine only came with a hot and a neutral and was told that if there is any flickering, it is usually due to too short of a wire exposure at the lamp connection. I know that is an answer to a question that no one asked but throw it into the discussion anyway. I love mine!

[Fireman Sam]

OS
My Lumatek runs just a little cooler than my old traditional one, but not so hot you can't hold your hand on it. Also, mine only came with a hot and a neutral and was told that if there is any flickering, it is usually due to too short of a wire exposure at the lamp connection. I know that is an answer to a question that no one asked but throw it into the discussion anyway. I love mine!

and they're lighter and cooler and smaller etc..

They are undoubtedly better than core and coil. They don't flicker as the power source is a constant rather than sinusoidal, thats the saving - its always on and 600w will be as good as a 1kW c&c ballast. Pay less for more.

Thats my laymans understanding anyway.

I just want one that doesn't kick every bit of kit in the neighbourhood making the owners look a little harder at whats causing it.

Tear away :whistling:

best

FS

[przcvctm]

FS
I forgot to mention the main reason I bought and love the thing. My grow was extremely stealthy with one exception. Hmmmmmmmmmm every morning on the timer's cue. Now, if I'm throwing off interference I'm not secure as you point out. Suggestions on how to test for it or is just a given that they emit?

[Fireman Sam]

FS
I forgot to mention the main reason I bought and love the thing. My grow was extremely stealthy with one exception. Hmmmmmmmmmm every morning on the timer's cue. Now, if I'm throwing off interference I'm not secure as you point out. Suggestions on how to test for it or is just a given that they emit?

Just try and listen to an AM(MW) or LW radio station. You'll soon find out.

best

FS

[Strawberrycough]

the digital 1000 lumateks are coming out next week :) WahooOOO!!!

[Joe King Park]

i have just found out that all cannatronics digital ballasts have been recalled due to a transistor problem
this is the second time now that cannatronics have had probs with their digis
if you have purchased one its encouraged you get in touch with your dealer and arrange pick up and refund
No future date has been given in regards to its re release
Joe

[stanky yank]

is it all digi from them? i have one from late 04 twin 600 digi never had a problem with it

[firstavailable]

if a digi is shielded, would it still give off RFI? putting hte ballast into a metal enclosure or wrapping it COMPLETELY in the propper size metal mesh should, <b>in theory</b> block all RFI. You would in essence be making a mini fardy cage arround the ballast itself.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[Fireman Sam]

if a digi is shielded, would it still give off RFI? putting hte ballast into a metal enclosure or wrapping it COMPLETELY in the propper size metal mesh should, <b>in theory</b> block all RFI. You would in essence be making a mini fardy cage arround the ballast itself.

Anyone have any experience with this?


Its not the cable, or the ballast - I've used the shielded lumateks, its the connection to the actual bulb and through the bulb itself. Thats where RFI happens

They are fucking dangerous, and it needs the manufacturer to sort it.

Thats my last post on the topic I don't know what more to say to you people.

best

fs

[przcvctm]

^^^^ Es la verdad. He knows what he's talking about.

[firstavailable]

Thanks FS. I thought the RFI was comming from the ballast itself.

[Shmokin]

I saw some 750w lumaket digi light systems , yes 750, at bghydro, I think thats the site. They claim 105,000 lumens. Why would anybody bother with them since they are still less efficient than 600 watters? Then they claim they put out as much as a 1k. Whats the deal w/ these 750's. Is there any advantage?

[Joe King Park]

Shmokin , not familiar with the 750 , but have a look at this Variable digital Ballast www.vb1000.com
its a novel idea increasing the wattage as your plants grow
efficiently speaking, as well as conveniance
don't expect these units to be cheap
Joe

p.s site down at the moment , but back up soon

[kazzy1]

Hmmm a varialbe digital ballast. Seems like an interesting idea but as you say JKP its got to be expensive!

[stanky yank]

on the cannatronics digi it is NOT being recalled i talked to the director of the co. she said she had no idea anything to do with recall. stanky

[Mais]

I've considered adding digitals... BUT... I do not think they are ready for primetime. My next purchase will be a couple more P&L's.

Sorry Lumatek and Future Bright, et al... just not ready for primetime... and certainly not worth mucking up my garden waiting for them to perfect their technology.

[Joe King Park]

www.growell.co.uk has sent all of them back, and after talking to sales manager they do not know when new stock will be re introduced
elements hydroponics were also experiencing the same problem
since i am now on a waiting list for a repaired digi ballast from Cannatronics , my favourite ( i have a jetstream )
top class reputation
that is why they have not delayed in issuing a recall to fix the radio interference suppressor
Stanky , are you quoting from HQ , in Lancs ??
very strange mixed messages , no ??
Joe

[stanky yank]

i couldent find the # so i called weed word mag and got this # 01772629429 talked to some woman who said she was the director she said there has been no recall. dono what to belive but if she lied to me i will post in every sight on earth stanky

[Joe King Park]

Ok, if you read a book, and do not listen to the radio or TV, then a digi ballast is for you
talking with Alex this morning they have announced they are not restocking Cannatronics Digi's; Period !!!!!!!!!
the venture is the only UK digi that does not cause electrical interference
just got their new catalogue today
SQUIRREL FANS - dirt cheap;

[Joe King Park]

Ventronics is the ballast from www.greenshorticulture.co.uk

[Joe King Park]

reccomended bulb 105,000 Sunmaster red

[HellBoy]

.. I had a bad experience w/ the only electronic I've tried. Of course, you know the output amps are powered by microchips rather than wound transformer coils.

I did not trust this feature alone due to the heavy loads the output is under amperage/wise... no prob for wound transformers... but a BIG problem for a chip!!

As I expected, my Xformer burned out after a single grow.... board was fried black around the smoked output amp... :(

..now MAYBE I got a bad one or poor quality... I can accept that since it was a trade for a bong...

That 5 yr. warranty would make me feel a LOT better about trying one again.

AND I can say, while it was working it worked well and I was happy w/ it! :D

HB

[Joe King Park]

latest offering; looks like a converted POOT light , but its not
less than 0.7 THD ( Total Harmonic Distortion)
small image , so just a peek
i'll find the link for you
Joe

[Fireman Sam]

Ok, if you read a book, and do not listen to the radio or TV, then a digi ballast is for you....
Joe

The problem is not whether you listen to radio or not joe.

It is whether any of your neighbours listen to radio or not. If they suddenly report swamping RFI on LW/MW to the authorities, how long will it be before they track down the source and find your grow, and then they've got a great tool for finding everyone elses.

Its just plain stupid, and I can't understand why people can't see this most basic of facts.

Oh well , I posted again on this topic :(

best

fs

[Joe King Park]

Bore Da Sam

i was in Holland Hydroponics last week and had a chat with one of the salesmen who agreed that they are ok ( both cannatronics and venture), but if you want to listen to radio four , then thats when the trouble starts
as i understand it DAB radio , or SKY digital is NOT affected
however ; Cordless phones are out of the question
but with the price of DAB radios still sky high, chances are your neighbours will have old analogue antennae
latest this week from growell is they are not going to be stocking them any time soon !!

what i don't get is members in North America who claim theirs work fine ??

I agree that since we pay a TV licence over here to watch telly, and how quickly a dodgey ballast could be traced

i have a fluorescant work light with extension sockets in the back, which i use for cloning. its called a goliath and is made by Thorn
its a great light , but it messes up the radio, mobile phone , etc in the same way

i'm going to conduct an experiment today if my neighbours are home

DDiolch am y Info Sam Tan
Croeso
Joe

[Fireman Sam]

Bore Da Sam

i was in Holland Hydroponics last week and had a chat with one of the salesmen who agreed that they are ok ( both cannatronics and venture), but if you want to listen to radio four , then thats when the trouble starts
as i understand it DAB radio , or SKY digital is NOT affected
however ; Cordless phones are out of the question
but with the price of DAB radios still sky high, chances are your neighbours will have old analogue antennae
latest this week from growell is they are not going to be stocking them any time soon !!

what i don't get is members in North America who claim theirs work fine ??

I agree that since we pay a TV licence over here to watch telly, and how quickly a dodgey ballast could be traced

i have a fluorescant work light with extension sockets in the back, which i use for cloning. its called a goliath and is made by Thorn
its a great light , but it messes up the radio, mobile phone , etc in the same way

i'm going to conduct an experiment today if my neighbours are home

DDiolch am y Info Sam Tan
Croeso
Joe

siwdmae Joe

Again I say - its not whether you want to listen to anything its whether the nosey neighbour next door is affected.

the problem was detected ( i say detected it was totally swamped) right across the spectrum on LW/MW waves. 5 live etc etc.

DAB was/is unaffected. Mobile phones unaffected

baby monitors are affected - garage tuning equipment also affected, also my sky+ digital box was partially affected -pictures jumping etc

I'm not suprised growell aren't stocking them - someone should tell IKON Interantional also.

The Poot style digi ballast is apparently ok on RFI issues as its enclosed.

Vertical growers hanging lamps with no reflector are asking for trouble though. At least the reflector blocks the RFI in one direction.

hwyl fawr Joe

fs

[Joe King Park]

Ddiolch Sam , os gin ti link i y Poot Digi ?
oschwelwch yn dda
a i chi Boyo,
ddiolch am y info
hwyl , eto
Joe

[Fireman Sam]

Ddiolch Sam , os gin ti link i y Poot Digi ?
oschwelwch yn dda
a i chi Boyo,
ddiolch am y info
hwyl , eto
Joe


na Joe does dim link genaf am Y Poot. Rwyn siomedig am ni.

A nagwyf wedi chwarae gydar Poot , so dim clem os beth da nhyw'n dweud yn iawn hefyd :(

Maer ffordd yna yn un peryglys iawn. Paidiwch a chymerud 'e.

Cofion gynnes a chwyl i ti JKP

Sam Tan

EDIT **************

Sorry I should translate that for those that do not know the language of heaven.

"No Joe I haven't got a link for the Poot. I'm disappointed for that.

And, no I haven't played with the Poot, so no clue if what they say is true.

That way is a very dangerous one. Don't take it.

Warmest Regards to you JKP

FS"

There is more warmth in the first language though ;)

Best

FS

[Reverend Budbreath]

The latest as of now (late July 2006) that I just heard is that the Lumatek 1000 watt digitals, after all that waiting, are now being recalled and that they simply have not worked out the persistent technical problems. I hear Hydrofarm is wearing huge amounts of egg on their face(s) over this, having bought into the whole thing heavily.

I'm also glad I didn't invest in four or six of these dogs as I was close to doing a while back, and even recently as well. There appears to be no near-term hope at all for these now, at least as far as the Lumatek brand is concerned.

[przcvctm]

I'm disappointed to hear that, Rev. My small Lumatek is still working fine, but I still have THE BIG HUMMMM standing by if/when it goes. I've kept using mine even though Fireman Sam is 100% correct. The RFI of my small wattage doesn't reach my nieghbors. It sounds like you might take out the AM radio of a small city if you were to go ahead with your plans of multiple 1000 watters.

[Strawberrycough]

do digi ballasts really give you 20% lumens or is that the life time of the ballast?

[Shmokin]

I think the extra lumen i either from it not flickering and having a steady stream of light or the fact that you get get more lumens per watt. Maybe somebody can clear that up. I am pretty sure that the bulb does not shine brighter but it will last longer,

[Joe King Park]

10% brighter
reaches full brightness in under one minute
20-25% savings on your electric bill
lightweight and silent..................

Joe

[ditto hobbs]

my winkon brand 400 digital hps ballast gives me interference with my ph/ec meter, but not my am radio.

makes my ph meter read crazy high~~!!!

[kisanth]

I brought my baby monitors over to the grow house and they worked fine, no interference from 4 - 600w future brites.

My cell phone, that's a different story. It interferes with the baby monitors all the time. ;)

[Joe King Park]

well my cousin has bought a digi ballast off EBAY; its made by Venture (lumatek? ) and he says all is fine and dandy
i pointed out that maybe his place is ok , interference wise, but alerted him to the problems of his neighbours!

Is there any way we can conduct an Acid Test; does any of you have a cool neighbour, or even a garden shed 500 yards down the garden would suffice and rig up the digi , then go do some observations ?

i can just picture it now , all the radio controlled toy monster trucks from all over the neighbourhood in your back garden, lol

I'm itching to buy one , but am still not sold on the grounds of inneficiency
i think i'll wait until Cannatronics have perfected theirs
they offer three more years warranty More than other companies normal two years
IMO, they are the best Euro Lighting Company, without a doubt, they simply ooze quality
anyways , anyone up to doing a test ?
it goes without saying to be careful and not make any compromises
stay safe
Joe

[Joe King Park]

image of Dutch POOT light, for those unfamiliar with it
this lamp, along with the Phillips SGR200 (Son T Agro ) have been the workhorses of commercial growing in Europe for at least the last twenty years
There is now a new version of the POOT, same wide beam reflector , but with a seperate remote ballast
i'll include a new reflector to show how far technology has evolved, yet the POOT is still VERY popular !
Joe

Blow around bulb then exit glass covered Jetstream Box Reflector, by cannatronics.com

[ceteris paribus]

ceteris parabus did some testing on a 600 digi and an oldschool 600. the 2 yr old bulb burned brighter in the digi. your bulbs will last longer and burn brighter. but if i remeber correctly there wasn't a difference in power consumption or cost.

yes, that's correct.

the test i did was core & coil P&L ballast vs. lumatek electronic vs. future bright electronic.

the first result is that the electronic ballast claims of lower power draw are false. a snap around ammeter indicated that the power draw was virtually identical for all 3 ballasts. the core & coil actually pulled a little bit less power than the electronics. the difference was less than 0.5%.

second result is that the electronic ballasts sent only half the power to the lamp as compared to the core & coil. i assume the electronic ballast "cleans up" the power drawn from the grid & sends the lamp only what it needs. here's where the longer lamp life comes into play. the power fed to the lamp is consistent start to finish, with no big surge when the ballast is fired up.

the third result is that the lumatek produced 11% more light intensity than conventional, and the future bright exceeded the conventional by 8%. the tests, of course, were done with the ballast being the only variable: same lamp, same hood, same place, etc. all other things being equal...

conclusion is that both e-ballasts outperformed conventional. pick the lumatek. it has a better warranty than the future bright and is the only e-ballast that's UL listed, afaik.

[Agent-Smith]

Sounds like the Lumatek is the way to go! 11% more output by switching ballasts only is definitely a good trade-off. :teeth:

[mre420]

Have a 250w lumatek that will get juice to it in the next few weeks if all goes well. A 400 lumatek is also on hand but no plans to connect for now, perhaps a future project...

Will the 270w Super Agro bulb be ok w/ the 250w Lumatek?

[Krink]

well, my 400W digi ballast just died after 4 months use on 12/12 only. I went away for a couple of days only to find the bulb was blown apart inside the glass, and the ballast won't fireup anymore. There was a white looking substance splattered around and dried around the outlet cord to the light on the ballast.

Not happy...not happy at all.

Cheers,
Krink

[przcvctm]

Mre420
Yes. I've used a 270w HPS.

Krink
Damn, what brand?

[mre420]

przcvctm (e.g. - the member w/ no vowels) - many thanks, the 270 should be perfect for the space! go kindly. mre

[Krink]

Mre420
Yes. I've used a 270w HPS.

Krink
Damn, what brand?

HID Hut...I didn't buy directly from them, but from another seller....and the bastards still haven't replied.

Cheers,
Krink

[c-ray]

I saw a new digital 1000w from Grotek the other day, noticed that this particular unit does not have a shielded cable and I wonder if they have done their homework, they are claiming less than 1% return rate on these things

also I see some places are selling Lumatek ballasts up here in Canada, now from what I heard there is no Canadian distributor yet so if there is a problem they need to be sent down south which costs $ for shipping and not to mention time consuming

[Green Supreme]

I have seen claims the new digis are chipped to stop interference. Peace GS

[c-ray]

who'd like to test those claims?

[Green Supreme]

I could link you to a guy on Breedbay who has just tested one. 750 watts. Or you could go check yourself. Peace GS

[c-ray]

okay so it turns out that future brite digital ballasts will not work with relays and flip flop boards, it is possible the other brands will not work either so keep that in mind

also the newest future brite will work with all HPS bulbs but not all MH bulbs, most of the usa made bulbs like sylvania, ge and sunmaster will not work while most of the european bulbs will work...not sure about the eye hortilux which comes from Japan...the future brite rep says it will not harm a bulb to see if it will work or not, but if the bulb does not come on within 5 minutes or less then it is not going to work

[chosen]

I have some digi 600's. 1 of them has been going strong for a about a year and the other just died. I have mixed feelings about them. I like that they run hps and halide, but I trust my 1K magnetic. I worry about the digi right now. And if they go out, you have to buy a new one, you can't just fix a part of it.

[c-ray]

ok so a friend recently had a 1000w future brite die after a few months use...

[Green Supreme]

Shocker. Peace GS

[ghostryder]

very simple - look for the best warrenty. 5 year coming out now on 1000w's

[Springs]

Some more digital ballast options:

www.solis-tek.com (5 year warranty)

micromole

Gavita Pro-Line (http://www.gavita-holland.com/index.php/products/proline/prolinefixtures.html)

Hortiliux E-Ballast (http://www.eyehortilux.com/hortilux-eballast.html)

[vapor]

these always interested me http://www.quantumhort.com/

[Green Supreme]

Nutrilife has just been accepted for Power Smart grants through hydro. I hear rebates are almost 90%. Peace GS

[otto]

So far as I have read it's the bulbs that use the juice not the ballast.........

[Springs]

Anyone know the cost of the nutrilife eballast?

Do you mean a rebate of 90% of the ballast price?! That alone would be worth moving to BC for...

[Springs]

They make six pack ballast kit too, kinda looks like if there is a problem with one you might be able to remove it without loosing all 6.
http://iseglobe.com/electronicballast-1000pack.php

The BChydro rebate incentive only applies if you are replacing a 1000w magnetic with a 600w ISE e ballast, along with a bunch of other eligibility requirements.
http://www.bchydro.com/ecatalog/eCatServlet?cmd=product_details&prdId=17695&catId=&pid=330&rid=289&eid=67

Still havnt seen a price online for them, I like that they come with 15ft of lamp cable...

[Green Supreme]

Buddy has a 6 pack. Things I would point out, the ballasts are not removable, making repair difficult. They also have only one power cord. So all 6 have to go on one timer or manual. They do sell separate timers as well as dimmers for the timers. Peace

ps after seeing those I think his ia a prototype. Those ones do look removable

[vapor]

how long has his 6 pack been in operation>?
does it interfere with any radios or tv ??

[Green Supreme]

No, Nutrilife has been leading the charge with ballast{Everyone else reverse engineers their shit}. They have concentrated on city lighting, so no interference is important. Think he has been running the unit 3 years now. Peace GS

[vapor]

another question does your friend have to run high frequency bulbs? what does he use for a bulb?

[Green Supreme]

He uses hortilux eye bulbs. Peace GS

[vapor]

ty mucho

[Springs]

mrsp on the ISE is $320CAD

and they no longer offer the 6 pack.

[vapor]

if they do not cause interfere, then i would say go with them, the quantum seem real nice too, but i have read a few reports of the cable company knocking on doors for interference

[Springs]

Yeah I guess I big thing is usin SOOW cable not STW, i guess its shielded, but the ballast itself is also a big source of RF if not properly designed.

They sound like they are top tier and leaders in the field but I cannot afford the ISE.

Eyeing up the solis tek reg 1000w, some places have em for $247, supposedly no rf issues, not too shabby

[vapor]

the bulb gives off the rf from some of the stuff i have read, maybe the connection to the bulb....more reading needed seems strange though that some got it right and other not so, but what do i know.....

[Springs]

yeah its an odd issue I think ive read there can be rf leaks at all points.

seems like this should have been dealt with after several years of e-ballast in the market... I guess some have figured it out.

5 year warranty sounds about right...