Digital ballast flicker

D

Dlux

New member

• Apr 24, 2007

• #1

I recently added a 1000w digital to my set-up and notice a constant slight flicker in the light, the shadows on the wall move just a bit like you barely touched the hood....but obviously it is still. IMO it is the processor trying to keep the light at optimal levels, it is for sure brighter than my standard magnetic coil ballasts but none the less it seems wierd.
Anyone seen this or have info...
You can see in my current set-up that the light in the backgound is brighter...its the digi.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=56668

 

The Slickster

Member

• Apr 24, 2007

• #2

Digital ballast are not meant for enhanced spectrum HPS or MH, only standard type HPS and or MH. Bulb is being damaged with life reduction till out. Is an enhanced spectrum bulb, yes?

 

HappyHemphog

Active member

• Apr 24, 2007

• #3

As Slickster said, make sure your running a bulb that's compatible with your digital ballast. Some digital ballasts don't like the fancy grow bulbs.

Aside from that, flickering is often the sign of a defective ballast. There should be no flicker at all.

Cheers!
Hempy

 

G

Guest

• Apr 24, 2007

• #4

From what I understand they are still working the bugs out of the 1000 digi's. I know Lumateks work best with European Arc 2(?) spec bulbs like GE's Lucolux and Sylvanias but have heard newer Lumateks have been 'tuned' to work with a broader range of bulbs. I have seen many run Hortilux in Lumatek 600's without any problems, seemingly, but I really love my GE's. My plain Jane GE's whip my friends butts who use coil ballasts and enhanced bulbs.

 

G

Guest

• Apr 24, 2007

• #5

I use a hortilux in a 400 lumatek, works fine. I bought mine a few months ago though so I could have gotten the newer model.

 

D

Dlux

New member

• Apr 24, 2007

• #6

I did alot of research before I bought it(Lumatek), heard that there were lots of problems with bulbs not working in the begining, but since then seems like they have worked all of the bugs out. The bulb is a Venture MH, I do have a standard off the shelf MH that I will switch it out with to see if it does the same thing or not. If it does, then I can assume the ballast is bad.
Thanks

 

D

Darkstarlive

• Apr 24, 2007

• #7

I have a 400 & 600 lumateks and the only bulb that doesn't give me a problem are the Hortilux, I've tried Grolux and Son-T and niether would fire.

Peace...

 

chosen

Active member

Veteran

• May 2, 2007

• #8

The 4oo's and the 6oo's have been tested. You're right. The 1000's are kind of new. Some companies are still having problems with the design. Once China's manufacturing gets a clean running unit, they'll come out by the tons. Some of the stores don't even have them yet. They've only seen a prototype that they have to return after getting a look.

 

B

badboyg

Member

• May 3, 2007

• #9

shit... after seeing that light ... I know what new toy I need to save for....

i hope the standard HPS will work OK I can not afford the bloody Hortilux HPS ....