Best 1000w Digital Ballast ??

[Andyo]

lumatek/not ans email of phone

lumatek/not ans email of phone

I called and emailed lumtek and as of yet no answer!
Ive tried to get some proper info on 1000w digi output nothing solid yet so i will go with the already proven lumatek 600w mostly i will use broad spectrum mh .
sylvania grolux 600 lamp (hps) has any one used this lamp with the lumatek ballast, if so how bright and how long is the lamp hrs before down to original new lamp brigtness on magnetic ballast
I am assuming they run 50 or 60 hertz is this correct?
Does anyone now Mh lamps with a 3k colour temp in 600w format
same colour as the hydrofarm ms 1000 agrosun classic

Finaly has anyone seen increased brightness/yield with a lumatek digi 600w

 

[Guest]

I called and emailed lumtek and as of yet no answer!
Ive tried to get some proper info on 1000w digi output nothing solid yet so i will go with the already proven lumatek 600w mostly i will use broad spectrum mh .
sylvania grolux 600 lamp (hps) has any one used this lamp with the lumatek ballast, if so how bright and how long is the lamp hrs before down to original new lamp brigtness on magnetic ballast
I am assuming they run 50 or 60 hertz is this correct?
Does anyone now Mh lamps with a 3k colour temp in 600w format
same colour as the hydrofarm ms 1000 agrosun classic

Finaly has anyone seen increased brightness/yield with a lumatek digi 600w

The 1000 digi's are pretty new so don't expect too much info yet. I've been told Lumateks work best with European Arc 2(?) spec bulbs which are GE Lucolux and Sylvania Grolux. I run my 600 Lumies with the GE's and am very, very happy. Many run Hortilux with Lumies with great success but my GE's are about half the price from my source and they totally kick ass. I read someone on IC reporting they had problems with the Sylvanias and Lumateks so???

I've heard that running MH type bulbs in digital ballasts dramatically reduces bulb life. As for the lamp hour thing...unless you want to do that research I doubt you'll get the info you're looking for.

I used to use 1000's and now prefer 600's and have NO interest in 1000's anymore.

 

[Dlux]

I bought a 1000w lumatek about a month ago and love it. Paid $340 for it and use a venture advanced spec bulb. I have noticed a slight flicker http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=56806 check out my thread.

Besides that, it is a wonderful thing to look at...super sleek, very quiet and almost no heat. You have to put your ear up to it just to even hear a slight buzz, try that with a coil ballast and you will be deaf and burned. Being so light is also an advantage, you can put them anywhere and its like putting a sticky note on the wall. It seems to burn the bulb a bit brighter too.

I have gone thru dozens of coil ballasts and although they are much better than the ones 10 years ago, it still is not new technology and why not let science and engineering make things easier for us all.

I will put in a regular MH or HPS to see if the flicker is just from the Venture bulb, but besides that...I love it. I called lumatek when I bought it because the directions said there was supposed to be a 15' Rf shielded cord included and there was none. They answered right away and said that was a shipping paper from the older ones and the ones they sell now are shielded internally. I can only give you my short term experience with the lumateks and so far, so good.

 

[Neptune]

Dlux, thanks for the words. I am eager to try a lumatek 1KW digi now.
hmmm... when to tear down the room and rebuild?

 

[houdini]

Hey guys. I spoke with the Lumatek engineer as I was also interested in a 1000W digital ballast. The bottom lines are as follows :

400W and 600W digi ballasts work fine and the RF interference problem has been solved. BUT this is NOT the case with 1000W digi ballasts. The RF problem has NOT been solved and depending on where you live, RF pollution could be a major problem. There are only 2 companies presently working on and selling 1000W digi ballasts; Futurebrite and Lumatek. Neither conpany has overcome the RF problem. This is the reason HIDHUT is selling the Lumatek 1000W ballasts so cheaply.....there is a major RF problem with these units. Like everything else, the RF problems will be solved with time, but my advice for those wanting 1000W digi ballasts is to stay magnetic for now.
BTW, since we're talking about ballasts, has anybody heard of Sulphur plasma lamps ? No ? Well, let me give you the lowdown : Sulphur lamps were dreamed of and worked on in the mid-90's but the technology did not exist then to produce these lamps commercially and reliably. Now LG, in association with some other companies, are working on the project again. Basically the technology uses microwaves to excite a Sulphur gas plasma. This plasma is then illuminated. The beauty for all us growers is the fact that 750W of power will give ONE MILLION lumens. Yes, I didn't make any mistakes, folks. For comparison purposes, a standard 1000W HPS gives around 140'000 lumens.
I've seen the system working. It really is incredible. The lamp spectrum is pretty similar to the sun, so my understanding is that is compares to a MH spectrum. The problem right now is that there are still reliability problems since the lifetime of the magnetron is limited. Furthermore the magnetron needs to be mechanically rotated, which is another reliability problem. BUT , you DO get 1'000'000 lumens for 750W !! Revolutionary if you ask me. Price ?
presently about USD 2'500.- per lamp. Check out www.growbox.ch

 

[Rellikbuzz]

Hey guys! I thought I would pipe in on this since I am in contact with the owners of Lumatek on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. The 1000 watt Lumateks have been available since mid December but only in a 240v configuration. The 120v models are coming off of the line as we speak and should be available here in the states in the next couple of months. Due to the heat problems associated with the 120v models, Lumatek has begrudginly had to add a fan to the ballast for cooling. However, they have found the highest quality fan they could get and mounted it "outboard" on the ballast. So, if you ever need to change it, the fans will be cheap and easy to replace yourself. I have several friends who already have the 1000 and they are raving about it's performance. One of my friends did take an AM radio into his growroom and did not hear any interference coming from the system at all. So, I am not sure about the previous comments regarding RF Interference with the 1000's still be a problem.

Lumatek also has some MAJOR things in the works! They are developing a whole new line of dual ballasts/single casing lighting systems which will be available in 250, 400, 600 and 750 watt models. Jason Bedell, the owner of Lumatek, has told me that they might even ATTEMPT to do a dual 1000 at some point! Lastly, Lumatek is going into commercial greenhouse digital lighting systems with full-on three phase power and this will be the only digital three phase system available to date. Lumatek is really on the move and going full force on these new concepts and we should see some of this new product by year's end.

As some of you may know, I am a Mod at another cannasite. The reason that I have developed this relationship with Lumatek is that several of our Meduser members had bought older 600's from Lumatek and were having problems blowing Hortilux bulbs and other "so-called" multi-spectrum bulbs and it was costing them an arm and a leg. So, on their behalf, I contact Lumatek directly and this is how I was introduced to Jason. Long story short, Lumatek replaced the ballasts with brand new models (with the upgrades and changes that eliminated the bulb blowing problem) and sent them new bulbs for their units as well. In fact, Lumatek joined our board and posted up to answer many of these concerns. Big balls for a major lighting manufacturer, if you ask me. The bottom line is that these guys take care of their business and their customers!

Out of all that came a discount program that Jason put together for our members that allowed them to get a 600 watt Lumatek ballast, detachable lamp cord AND a 600 watt HPS bulb all for only $299.00! The retail would be well over 400.00. Now that the 1000's are out, you can get the ballast, cord and a 1000 watt bulb for $399.00! Hell, the ballast alone sells for that and if you paid normal prices for the ballast, bulb and cord, it would be well over $500.00 to start with. Just a side note here, the Future Brite (which is a piece of crap, IMHO) retail for $519.00 for just the ballast. So, the Lumatek pricing already smokes the Future Brite.

We have handled this discount program at our site STRICTLY through PM with me at our site. I have helped our members get the "hook up" on the Lumatek as a liason if you will just to try and help our folks out. However, since I am originally an ICMag member to start with, I suppose I could try to help out a few folks here as well if someone wants one. THIS IS ONLY FOR US AND CANADIAN MEMBERS! My apologies to our European brothers but the Lumateks are available over there already. You just have to go through normal sources. Sorry. So, feel free to PM me here if you want to know how the Lumatek "hook up" works and I'll be happy to lend a hand. Just remember, I only come here (ICMag) once or twice a week to visit some old friends. So, if I don't respond for a few days, please be patient. I'll try to get to you as soon as possible.


RB

 

[icdog]

Finaly has anyone seen increased brightness/yield with a lumatek digi 600w

Yes, I have measured a magnetic 600w and a lumatek 600w with a digital light meter.
At the same distance from the same bulb:
- magnetic 88ish
- lumatek 120ish

I can't remember exactly what it was, I posted it in another thread on here somewhere.
The # is not the lumens, just what the meter said.

 

[Rellikbuzz]

Most light meters read in candlepower, not lumens. However, there is 12.57 lumens per one candlepower or Candela. However, those numbers of 88 or 120ish don't add up to the lumen ratings of the bulbs or ballasts. So, I don't know?

For those gear heads interested in all this, click the link below to learn about Candela vs Lumens.


http://www.theledlight.com/lumens.html


RB

 

[Rellikbuzz]

I called and emailed lumtek and as of yet no answer!
Ive tried to get some proper info on 1000w digi output nothing solid yet so i will go with the already proven lumatek 600w mostly i will use broad spectrum mh .
sylvania grolux 600 lamp (hps) has any one used this lamp with the lumatek ballast, if so how bright and how long is the lamp hrs before down to original new lamp brigtness on magnetic ballast
I am assuming they run 50 or 60 hertz is this correct?
Does anyone now Mh lamps with a 3k colour temp in 600w format
same colour as the hydrofarm ms 1000 agrosun classic

Finaly has anyone seen increased brightness/yield with a lumatek digi 600w

Hello Andyo! The ballasts do run at 60k hertz. In answering your other question, there is no such thing as a 600 watt Metal Halide bulb. No one manufactures them because 600 watts in the lighting industry is a low production wattage to begin with. However, there are 600 watt conversion bulbs but, first of all, they do not reproduce a true Metal Halide spectrum as the arc gases in the tub are still High Pressure Sodium gases which are incapable of producing UVA and UVB light spectrums like a true MH. Secondly, the conversion bulbs are out of sight with regards to price. They run between 150.00-175.00 each!

As for your last question, YES, I have a 600 watt Lumatek and I have seen noting only a brighter output of light when compared to a magnetic but we have experienced out best yields ever since implementing the light. Hard to say how much exactly but I would say our harvests have been maybe 25-30% heavier since using the Lumatek. Also worth noting, because of the "soft start" technology (no flickering during start up) of the digi's the same Hortilux EYE lamp we put in over a year ago doesn't show notable decrease in Candela (candlepower output) when I put the light meter at the tops of the plants. So, bulb/lamp life is SIGNIFICANTLY lengthened when used in digital ballasts vs magnetic ballasts and this is a real savings. The digi's pay for themselves over a period of time due to this.

Lastly, when comparing digi's to magnetic ballasts, digitals will ALWAYS fire at 100% of their claimed wattages whereas the magnetics use so much energy that they can only sustain a burn at 75-80% of their claimed wattage. This is why digitals appear so much brighter when compared to magnetics of like wattage. Due to the electronic circiutry on board the digi's, they are much more efficient at managing power than the old magnetic standbys.


RB

 

[shottatoke]

the guys at bg told me they stopped selling the lumatek 1000w 240v blue because the ballast was not fully powering the 1000w bulb, instead it only goes up to really a 750w. so basically its a 750 ballast that runs a 1000w bulb.

 

[Rellikbuzz]

Hey Shot! I think you may be getting a line of . . . well, you know. If you like, you can call Chris (the tech support guy) at Lumatek at 1-866-369-8943 and he will set you straight on that one. That way you can get you info straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Tell him Rellikbuzz told you to call.


RB

 

[shottatoke]

yea cool im not stressin it i was gonna get the 1000w but they took it down from the site quick. bg is pretty cool so i do wonder why they did that. they recomended galaxy over lumatek, saying that they did new tests after the ballast article and that new and improved galaxy was the best in rf and lumens. i would rather just test both myself.

 

[Guest]

BTW, since we're talking about ballasts, has anybody heard of Sulphur plasma lamps ? No ? Well, let me give you the lowdown

I've heard of them, looked into them a bit and they have a shitload of issues to address before the technology becomes commercially viable. Right now digital ballast technology is THE thing to use IMO and IME.

 

[Guest]

As for your last question, YES, I have a 600 watt Lumatek and I have seen noting only a brighter output of light when compared to a magnetic but we have experienced out best yields ever since implementing the light. Hard to say how much exactly but I would say our harvests have been maybe 25-30% heavier since using the Lumatek. Also worth noting, because of the "soft start" technology (no flickering during start up) of the digi's the same Hortilux EYE lamp we put in over a year ago doesn't show notable decrease in Candela (candlepower output) when I put the light meter at the tops of the plants. So, bulb/lamp life is SIGNIFICANTLY lengthened when used in digital ballasts vs magnetic ballasts and this is a real savings. The digi's pay for themselves over a period of time due to this.

I switched from magnetic to Lumateks a year ago and IMO and IME basically confirm everything you've said. They plain and simply rock. I've had zero problems, 240 VAC version, and can't say enough good things about them.

 

[Neptune]

pure awesomeness, this thread is rockin' now.
Thanks Rellikbuzz for your thourough comments, and everyone else!

I can't wait to toss my old magnetic hunks of iron... man they rattle so bad!

 

[Guest]

Sounds like some good stuff. Now if they could get the ballast all setup for those running Generator's. Then they might be the perfect setup. I know i'm also tired of the old magnetic buzzing box and the heat output from them.
Take care,
BG

 

[THCV]

i have a PL ballast that keeps acting iffy, so again i checked out 1000w digis. FWIW, Lumatek DOES NOT LIST THE 1000W on their own UK website.
http://www.lumatek.co.uk/

Considering that other vendors had it and ditched it, it makes me wonder wtf is going on. One person raving about the luma 1000s isn't enough for me, sorry Rellik. Also, their website annoyingly still claims that the the 600w digi is as within 5% bright as a 1000w mag. Jigga please! So tired of that lie. But one day I will make the switch.

 

[Guest]

THCV - So far I've heard almost nothing but people having problems with the Luma 1000's. As for the comparo of a 600 digi to a 1000 coil...yeah it's BS but I've run 1000 coils and now use 600 Lumateks and am very happy with the switch.

 

[Rellikbuzz]

THCV - So far I've heard almost nothing but people having problems with the Luma 1000's. As for the comparo of a 600 digi to a 1000 coil...yeah it's BS but I've run 1000 coils and now use 600 Lumateks and am very happy with the switch.

Not sure who you've talked to about the Lumi 1000's but you could ask ResinRyder right here at IC. He's had his almost a year now and has had nothing but stellar results with it.

I can't imagine that there's too many people out there with the 1000's yet as they have only been available in 240volt configurations until now. I know most of us don't have 240 run to our growrooms. So, actual testimony on the 1000's is few and far between at this point. The new 120 volt versions are being shipped to Lumatek as we speak and should be available for sale within 3-4 weeks. Due to the fact that the 120's have a voltage transformer onboard, Lumatek has begrudingly added a fan to the ballast to cool it properly. According to Chris (Lumatek's tech support guy), the bench tests had temperatures in the upper end of the acceptable range but they decided to add the fan for precautionary measures. They assured me that they found the highest quality fan available and have mounted "outboard" of the ballast. That way, if it ever fails, it's a quick and cheap fix to get it running again. They also said that a simple oscillating fan would cool them just fine as well but thought that adding the fan to the ballast was the most logical solution.


RB

 

[Guest]

I've been hearing RF issues with the 1000's. My buddy is almost ready to trash his 1000 coils and maybe we'll take a look at the Lumi's. I rearranged his room and next step in a cycle or two is change the ballasts.

I reread what you posted before regarding the Hortilux Eye's maintaining their output power and very awesome. I just picked up a light meter to do some testing and unfortunately didn't get the right one due to over range readings and stuff with lux settings. I've had line running almost a year and was thinking they're starting to get tired but each harvest has been better as I tweak my setup and it appears this will be my best yet. It appears those almost year old GE Lucolux bulbs are still cranking along. I was planning on changing my bulbs after this go round but I have not seen any indication that's necessary.

Based on your observations what do you expect bulb life to be in a Lumi?