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8 light controller
- Thread starter Hydropimp
- Start date
Start with a SIEMENS EQL4100 load center, then get 120V or 240V breakers, depending if your ballasts are 120V or 240V. A 2-pole 60A contactor (120V coil) with a timer will supply power the loadcenter. All parts shouldn't be more than $300, but you will have a safe 8 light controller, better than anything OTS, cheerz. If you want to power on 2 lights at a time, then get 4 x 30A/2-Pole contactors and a PLC, PLC is about $200.
I'm sure it will be a bit more expensive than a 2pole... however can still be used... just hook up 2 poles and leave 3rd empty
Just pulled the trigger on a siemens logo 8 plc starter kit.
I have to buy a ranco hight temp shut off relay. Now.
Looks like the 3 pole 60amp contactor is cheaper then the 2 pole.
Do u need ssr to fire up the digi ballast or can it be wired from contactor to receptacles?
I have to buy a ranco hight temp shut off relay. Now.
Looks like the 3 pole 60amp contactor is cheaper then the 2 pole.
Do u need ssr to fire up the digi ballast or can it be wired from contactor to receptacles?
I built mine for 6-1000w/220v for well under $200
with sequential start for 2 at a time.
it meets all state and national electrical codes.
it's very portable if you build it by the plans
mine is more permanent version attached to the elec. panel
https://www.hydroponics.net/learn/grow-light-controller.php
here pics of mine. I wanted to add more lamps down the road and with this
i can upgrade easily to 12 lamps
going this route i saved a pretty penny to spend on other equipment when i built my room.
yup
there's a 220v power relay in each box.
each box is on a 110v timer allowing a sequential startup 2 lamps at a time.
of course each box is capable of running 4 lamps as per the write up in the link. the way i did the sequential start up is in kinda roundabout way requiring 3 timers
But the other side of the coin was buying a pre-made or made to order and the costs immediate skyrocket as i'm sure you know from pricing controllers.
so i have a 12,000watt controller for under $200 pesos, timers incl.
what i saved really helped buying higher quality gear.
of course this was 3yrs ago and prices may have come down some but again as you know some of these controller don't meet elec. code amazingly.
I switched to gavitas last year and now for their $200-$300 controller i can run up to 40,000watts with way more features like hi temp shut off seq. start-up and dimmable start and shutdown to mimic sunrise/sunset.
good luck with your quest hydropimp
Gnome
Thanks for the good vibes u need them.
Havc
What is a good brand of thermostat to wire the plc to the a/c.
I have to get a 24v power supply to make it work right? Coil on the a/c os 24v.
Wheres a good place to or din rails and the ammeter you use?
Thanks fellas
Thanks for the good vibes u need them.
Havc
What is a good brand of thermostat to wire the plc to the a/c.
I have to get a 24v power supply to make it work right? Coil on the a/c os 24v.
Wheres a good place to or din rails and the ammeter you use?
Thanks fellas
