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Electronic ballasts and RF/cable interference, AGAIN
- Thread starter clowntown
- Start date
The Slickster
Member
The new Lumatek's now in the market no longer need a shielded cord as internal changes were made to address the interference. So you will have nothing to worry about. The assembly line would have different models from different sellers, so there are alot of other digital ballasts that do still have that problem. Also, the 250 HPS is still in the silver case for a bit, but has all the changes that the other higher wattage models do. When the higher model cases were changed to blue, that is when they first adressed the issue of the interference. They state as to have changed the circuitry or something like that or another.
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Slickster,
Thank you very much for the information. That restored my confidence a bit, at least until the ETA (Friday). I ordered it with an EYE Hortilux Super HPS bulb, but I've not heard any problems with these, I think it was just the Grolux and a few others (correct me if I'm wrong).
On the other hand I bought a Sylvania Grolux as well on eBay (under $30 shipped), before finding out about this problem. That bulb probably won't be here for another week or two, so we'll see.
Either way I'll definitely post the results and let you guys know. I will do some testing with my broadband Internet connection as well as an AM/FM radio, and post results on the bulbs as well.
Thank you very much for the information. That restored my confidence a bit, at least until the ETA (Friday). I ordered it with an EYE Hortilux Super HPS bulb, but I've not heard any problems with these, I think it was just the Grolux and a few others (correct me if I'm wrong).
On the other hand I bought a Sylvania Grolux as well on eBay (under $30 shipped), before finding out about this problem. That bulb probably won't be here for another week or two, so we'll see.
Either way I'll definitely post the results and let you guys know. I will do some testing with my broadband Internet connection as well as an AM/FM radio, and post results on the bulbs as well.
We are using the Lumatek 600 with a hotulux bulb, no problems !!!!
Which model did you get? The silver one with the built-in cord? Does it have any particular model number on it? Adding a ferrite core wouldn't hurt; let us know how it works. If you have access to some copper, try encasing the cord in some copper. There are some companies that sell RF shielding material online as well...
My "new model" Lumatek (detachable cordset; blue exterior; 600w/120v), which supposedly has this issue resolved has been delayed in shipping and isn't expected 'til next Thursday. When it arrives, I'll let you guys know how it handles my broadband cable Internet connection as well as a few other testing methods.
My "new model" Lumatek (detachable cordset; blue exterior; 600w/120v), which supposedly has this issue resolved has been delayed in shipping and isn't expected 'til next Thursday. When it arrives, I'll let you guys know how it handles my broadband cable Internet connection as well as a few other testing methods.
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This from Hu$tle Tree$ gave me a little bit more hope:
I'm a bit confused by the cord plug on the last 2 pictures, because I thought they had proprietary Hydrofarm plugs like the first picture. Maybe the second two are knock-offs, or something?
Edit: I guess that's the power input side, with the same connector as a PC power supply?
By the way, this is what the new Lumatek's look like. At least the 600's:Hu$tle Tree$ said:
I'm a bit confused by the cord plug on the last 2 pictures, because I thought they had proprietary Hydrofarm plugs like the first picture. Maybe the second two are knock-offs, or something?
Edit: I guess that's the power input side, with the same connector as a PC power supply?
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What does that warranty cover? Would causing RF interference be considered a defect, or does it perform as stated in being able to light a bulb?
Hope it's considered a defect or whatever that gets you a model that does not cause problems! I don't know anything about FCC regulations or any of that, and what standards manufacturers are required (if any) to meet, etc.
Hope it's considered a defect or whatever that gets you a model that does not cause problems! I don't know anything about FCC regulations or any of that, and what standards manufacturers are required (if any) to meet, etc.
G
Guest
rf problems..
rf problems..
have 1 of the silver lumatek, the last 1s to come out, are they trouble too, too be honest not noticed any side effects from using it,ec pens good, ph pens good, internet connection seems to be good, when i bought it, shop claimed this be the new and improved version. so whats the crack, have been following the digital ballast threads, i know there were problems with them, is the 1 with rf shielded cord.(2 earths) other than the paranoia, tis the shit,
rf problems..
have 1 of the silver lumatek, the last 1s to come out, are they trouble too, too be honest not noticed any side effects from using it,ec pens good, ph pens good, internet connection seems to be good, when i bought it, shop claimed this be the new and improved version. so whats the crack, have been following the digital ballast threads, i know there were problems with them, is the 1 with rf shielded cord.(2 earths) other than the paranoia, tis the shit,
G
Guest
Just curious do they make those in 120V or are they all 240V?
Stoney Bologna
Member
I just wanted to drop off my 2 cents cause this topic happens to be under my area of expertise.
When manufactures claim something is RF shielded, it means that most of the electrical components are cover with a high carbon content polymer (aka black plastic!). It's that simple. However, it's very difficult to shield all the RF emitting from the power cord connection, so usually no ballast is perfectly shielded.
There's an easy solution if you are having RF interference problems. Surround the area/room/cabinet that contains the ballast with a layer or two of black poly. Remember, black plastic absorbs RF like a sponge, where as metal reflects it like a mirror. Wet wood absorbs RF like a champ too but that's not as easy to work with as black poly.
~Cheers,
Stoney
When manufactures claim something is RF shielded, it means that most of the electrical components are cover with a high carbon content polymer (aka black plastic!). It's that simple. However, it's very difficult to shield all the RF emitting from the power cord connection, so usually no ballast is perfectly shielded.
There's an easy solution if you are having RF interference problems. Surround the area/room/cabinet that contains the ballast with a layer or two of black poly. Remember, black plastic absorbs RF like a sponge, where as metal reflects it like a mirror. Wet wood absorbs RF like a champ too but that's not as easy to work with as black poly.
~Cheers,
Stoney
stonewall
Active member
Plastics, by their very nature of being non-conductive, do not attenuate EMI/RFI.
Ideal RFI shield is a complete enclosure of all electronic components with a grounded, low resistance, conductive housing. Conductively coated plastics are available, but these tend to be of relatively high resistance and therefore not suitable for RFI shielding purposes. Regular black poly will not attenuate RFI to any degree.
http://www.kemcointernational.com/newcoatings.htm
Ideal RFI shield is a complete enclosure of all electronic components with a grounded, low resistance, conductive housing. Conductively coated plastics are available, but these tend to be of relatively high resistance and therefore not suitable for RFI shielding purposes. Regular black poly will not attenuate RFI to any degree.
http://www.kemcointernational.com/newcoatings.htm
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