-
As of today ICMag has his own Discord server. In this Discord server you can chat, talk with eachother, listen to music, share stories and pictures...and much more. Join now and let's grow together! Join ICMag Discord here! More details in this thread here: here.
Best new Ballast?
- Thread starter P-NUT
- Start date
Lagertester
Member
forgive my ignorance what is c/c?
ooga booga
Member
I've been a big fan of Lumatek 600w's but lately I've been eyeing these Quantum Hydroponics' 1000w digitals. Not that interested in the dimming capability, but the advantage of digital over magnetic w/o RF issues is what's most interesting to me. I'd love know if anyone has experience with 'em?
ooga booga said:
I have had one for a few months, I love the dimming function. It does mess with the AM channels but not FM, its only 10 feet from my receiver... I plan on getting another one.....
ooga booga
Member
600 or 1000? What kinda bulb? 120 or 240v?
P
Pandemic
I have picked up a few grow pro elites. The have a dual chamber case that separates the capacitor form the transformer. Says up to 66 degrees cooler.
Why mag over digital for me?
Well, if my ballast takes a shit on my I have a spare cap and ignitior on hand so I can switch them out and be back up with out even leaving the house. I would not have that option with a digital, not to mention they are filled with resin.
#2 Last time I was in the shop a guy came in with a lumatek and an eye bulb, says it's the second one of each and the bulb is still flickering. He was mad. I have heard from more than one place that the digitals have trouble firing the better bulbs.
#3 Price. I can get two for the price of one...about
It's like this for me. I am the only one that will ever see these ballast. I don't care about the humming, with fans and a dehumidifier running they are as imperceptible as digitals. Heat, way bigger sources than a few ballast. I KNOW there is no RF to mess up my other electronics (I have heard of Digitals fragging PPM3s, confirm with CAP). Last, I am no where near big enough to take advantage of the small power savings afforded by the newer ballast.
P
Why mag over digital for me?
Well, if my ballast takes a shit on my I have a spare cap and ignitior on hand so I can switch them out and be back up with out even leaving the house. I would not have that option with a digital, not to mention they are filled with resin.
#2 Last time I was in the shop a guy came in with a lumatek and an eye bulb, says it's the second one of each and the bulb is still flickering. He was mad. I have heard from more than one place that the digitals have trouble firing the better bulbs.
#3 Price. I can get two for the price of one...about
It's like this for me. I am the only one that will ever see these ballast. I don't care about the humming, with fans and a dehumidifier running they are as imperceptible as digitals. Heat, way bigger sources than a few ballast. I KNOW there is no RF to mess up my other electronics (I have heard of Digitals fragging PPM3s, confirm with CAP). Last, I am no where near big enough to take advantage of the small power savings afforded by the newer ballast.
P
M
moses224
GALAXY ELECTRONIC - RUN MH AND HPS AND LOWER ELECTRIC BILL
Electronic H.I.D. ballasts are quickly growing in popularity. They operate using electronic circuitry instead of magnetic ballasts made from steel & copper. They offer a number of advantages:
• Power factor is 99% efficient.
• Silent operation with built-in axial fans for cooling.
• Can ignite both MH & HPS lamps.
• Built-in safety features.
• Built-in short circuit protection.
• Improves lamp life.
• Constant wattage output. No flickering (stroboscopic effects), resulting in perfect illumination.
• Soft starting - No start-up power spikes.
• Weighs significantly less than magnetic core ballasts.
• Built-in fuse protection.
• Two built-in fuses.
• Thermal overload protection.
• Sleep mode function for safety.
• These ballasts are voltage specific. They are either 120 or 240. They cannot be switched from one voltage to another.
These come wired with Sunlight Supply\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s standard female lamp cord receptacle that accept our proprietary, patented male lamp cord making these units compatible with all Sun System® reflectors. Purchase lamp cord with socket assembly separately.
Electronic H.I.D. ballasts are quickly growing in popularity. They operate using electronic circuitry instead of magnetic ballasts made from steel & copper. They offer a number of advantages:
• Power factor is 99% efficient.
• Silent operation with built-in axial fans for cooling.
• Can ignite both MH & HPS lamps.
• Built-in safety features.
• Built-in short circuit protection.
• Improves lamp life.
• Constant wattage output. No flickering (stroboscopic effects), resulting in perfect illumination.
• Soft starting - No start-up power spikes.
• Weighs significantly less than magnetic core ballasts.
• Built-in fuse protection.
• Two built-in fuses.
• Thermal overload protection.
• Sleep mode function for safety.
• These ballasts are voltage specific. They are either 120 or 240. They cannot be switched from one voltage to another.
These come wired with Sunlight Supply\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s standard female lamp cord receptacle that accept our proprietary, patented male lamp cord making these units compatible with all Sun System® reflectors. Purchase lamp cord with socket assembly separately.
P
Pandemic
That sounds more cut & paste than experience. Tell me if I'm wrong.
I like magnetic ballasts. I like the humming. I think the girls like it too.
A good one is UL rated and Made In U.S.A....rarely, a problem.
A good one is UL rated and Made In U.S.A....rarely, a problem.
Last edited:
Strawberrycough
Member
go with the dual voltage digital 600 watt ballast from lumatek. I have seen the quantum under a light meter and it was 10-20% less then the lumateks
ooga booga said:
I have a 1,000 watt ballast. It comes with an extra power cord so you can use 120 or 240 volts. Also it can strike Halide or HPS which is why I only like the 1000's. I don't think they make a 600 watt halide bulb, maybe a conversion bulb. I don't like HPS... hate the yellow light.
Here's the manufacturers web site:
http://quantumhort.com/
I am waiting for the place I bought mine to restock...... $299.00
Strawberrycough said:
Quantum claims their ballasts have a power factor of 99.9%. A lot of things can affect light output......
Is there a store to order the Quantum from?Or just through their site?$299
I keep reading that its better to buy a sealed unit ,than one with a fan,what are your thoughts on this?
I keep reading that its better to buy a sealed unit ,than one with a fan,what are your thoughts on this?
Last edited:
BigWillyDee
Member
moses224 said:
this isn't true..... they can run on 120 or 240..they are sold as one or the other depending on what power cord you use...i have 5 using 240 and 1 using 120 right now
Snagglepuss said:
After I get another one I'll tell you where - they don't make enough yet....
The one I have has a fan, not sure which is better.... I have thought about raising it up a little more off the floor.
