Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH)

[rives]

damn everytime I think I get it, I am completely wrong! LOL

so these 315w CDM Elite are only run off the ballast in those links?

also correct me if I am wrong but those are only 220v ballast as well?

So I couldn't run the bulbs you are running with this ballast?

http://www.advancedtechlighting.com/71A8453.htm

Yes, those are the only ballasts for that lamp that I know of at this time.

Yes, they are 240v ballasts.

No, you cannot use the ballast in the link.

Now you've got it!

 

[soursmoker]

Yes, those are the only ballasts for that lamp that I know of at this time.

Yes, they are 240v ballasts.

No, you cannot use the ballast in the link.

Now you've got it!

I'm getting it, don't quite have it yet! lol

is this the bulb you are using?

why is 100 v if the ballast is 240v?

http://www.ecat.lighting.philips.co.../mastercolour-cdm-t-elite-mw/928601164630_eu/

so with the ballast I linked, could I light any bulb other than the old Retro White 400w bulbs?

thanks so much man.

 

[rives]

Yes, that's the lamp that I'm using and I have no idea why the ballasts are all 240v at this point.

Yes, I think that is the only MH lamp for the ballast (HPS) that you linked. I think that another option is a 400w MH ballast and the 330w CDM AllStart lamp, though.

 

[soursmoker]

hmm what would you do?

Retro White bulb with the ballast linked?

or what you said 400w MH ballast with the 330w CDM allstart?

which would be cheaper you think? And I kinda need 120v or else I would go with the reccomended 315 CDM elite

 

[rives]

I have no experience with the other lamps. If you could get some 240v run, I don't think that there is anything that can touch the 315w CDM lamps.

 

[soursmoker]

hmmm, I have no option to do any electrical work where I am right now.

I am considering getting the old Retro White bulbs since they are only 36 bucks, and these will fire off any S51 ballast right? Then all i need is a socket and I'm good to go correct?

this seems to be the cheapest and most efficient way for me to upgrade... considering the 315w CDM elite ballast are $350 then $100 bulb... thats a big investment...

I'd rather spend like $200 and getting slightly worse results.

If the 315w CDMs ever come in a 120v version or I have the option to get some 240v going I will be sure to check em out, because if two of these can compete with a 1000w then I'm interested lol. but for now I gotta be cheap...

 

[GreenThumb14]

hmmm, I have no option to do any electrical work where I am right now.

I am considering getting the old Retro White bulbs since they are only 36 bucks, and these will fire off any S51 ballast right? Then all i need is a socket and I'm good to go correct?

this seems to be the cheapest and most efficient way for me to upgrade... considering the 315w CDM elite ballast are $350 then $100 bulb... thats a big investment...

I'd rather spend like $200 and getting slightly worse results.

If the 315w CDMs ever come in a 120v version or I have the option to get some 240v going I will be sure to check em out, because if two of these can compete with a 1000w then I'm interested lol. but for now I gotta be cheap...

Dude, go with the 330w Allstart and a 400w MH Mag ballast. The 330w is more efficient than the retro white so you burn less watts and get the same light output.

I paid $50 for the bulb and then a used ballast from a local hydro shop for $50... Can't beat that.

 

[Fonzarelli]

Thanks for clearing up the socket differences. If I like the 860w spectrum I will probably try the OG hood or Luxor since the 860w is vertical only. Then I will boost the red part of the spectrum with h150's like always. This will also bring the K temp color of the light lower. All good info guys, real nice.

Fonz

 

[LeeROI]

Soursmoker, you might consider how long you intend to run your system. I plan to make multiple runs of the same strains. I want a light system that has some promise of having lamps available in the future.

 

[Induction87]

So an EX39 base will work in a E39 socket? On bulbs.com it said you need an EX39 socket for it and I believed it. If the EX39 lamp base fits in a standard E39 socket then a guy could use the Luxor or OG reflector hoods for the 860w Allstart right? The 860w Allstart is a vertical only lamp.

Also, are the CDM elite Agro 315w Mogul based lamps vertical only or are they universal or horizontal? Wasn't sure if this was covered yet here.

One of the OG youtube videos shows the guy installing an open rated bulb.

BAM! here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aza5lHPV0mQ

And the OG and Luxor have a glass cover so you can use either type bulb.

The bulbs are universal - http://www.ecat.lighting.philips.com/l/mastercolor-cdm-elite-mw-mogul-base/67292/cat/

 

[Induction87]

Dude, go with the 330w Allstart and a 400w MH Mag ballast. The 330w is more efficient than the retro white so you burn less watts and get the same light output.

I paid $50 for the bulb and then a used ballast from a local hydro shop for $50... Can't beat that.

If you're using a 400w ballast wouldn't you still be pulling 400w plus the ballast consumption (35-50w)? I think bulbs are rated at a wattage (what they are designed to work at) but will operate at higher wattage. This will depreciate the life of the bulb, though. Stop me if I'm wrong about that.

 

[tenthirty]

If the 315w CDMs ever come in a 120v version or I have the option to get some 240v going I will be sure to check em out, because if two of these can compete with a 1000w then I'm interested lol. but for now I gotta be cheap...

If you call Cycloptics, they will make a ballast that runs at 120v for you.
Also if you call them, you might get a pretty good discount. ;-)

In my room, I replaced a 1k HPS with 2 of the cycloptics systems and getting 1k results, maybe a little better and it is so much easier to see the plants.

 

[rives]

If you're using a 400w ballast wouldn't you still be pulling 400w plus the ballast consumption (35-50w)? I think bulbs are rated at a wattage (what they are designed to work at) but will operate at higher wattage. This will depreciate the life of the bulb, though. Stop me if I'm wrong about that.

No, the lamp will determine the wattage that the system pulls. This combination should pull a gross wattage a bit under 400w.

 

[soursmoker]

Dude, go with the 330w Allstart and a 400w MH Mag ballast. The 330w is more efficient than the retro white so you burn less watts and get the same light output.

I paid $50 for the bulb and then a used ballast from a local hydro shop for $50... Can't beat that.

I think this is what I might end up doing seems like the cheapest option, still with good option for upgrades.

I would just need bulb $50, ballast-$50, and a socket-$6 and I would be set right?

Soursmoker, you might consider how long you intend to run your system. I plan to make multiple runs of the same strains. I want a light system that has some promise of having lamps available in the future.

what option do you believe is the one that will be around?

lol I know it's not Retro White like I said. I was just thinking of that option cuz the bulbs were so cheap and ballast was cheap compared to 315w CDM elite 240v ballasts...

but I think the 330 allstarts are looking like the better option to me right now.

If you call Cycloptics, they will make a ballast that runs at 120v for you.
Also if you call them, you might get a pretty good discount. ;-)

In my room, I replaced a 1k HPS with 2 of the cycloptics systems and getting 1k results, maybe a little better and it is so much easier to see the plants.

I don't think I need 2 right now. and unless it can compete with the price of the 330w allstart setup I listed above, I am waiting for the 315w CDM elite technology

It does look VERY nice though!

 

[GreenThumb14]

No, the lamp will determine the wattage that the system pulls. This combination should pull a gross wattage a bit under 400w.

Yes, pulls around 395w total as measured with a Kill-A-Watt

However, the Retro Whites get around 85lm/w but the 330w Allstart gets a 100lm/w. You're saving basically 70-80w and getting the same lumens. It's a veg monster, too... I have a Northern Lights Blue that is sprouting crazy internode branches. I'll probably pick up th 3000K version to flower with.

 

[GreenThumb14]

If you call Cycloptics, they will make a ballast that runs at 120v for you.
Also if you call them, you might get a pretty good discount. ;-)

In my room, I replaced a 1k HPS with 2 of the cycloptics systems and getting 1k results, maybe a little better and it is so much easier to see the plants.

Or you can go to GEL and get the 315w Elite setup in 120v for $500. Not sure what Cycloptics is charging for the exact same thing... Not sure why Cycloptics isn't offering a 120V option by default if they get their hardware from GEL.

 

[Induction87]

Another 220V option for the 315

http://www.optexlighting.com/d‐papillon-315w-full-spectrum/

 

[pHive.8]

Another 220V option for the 315

View Image

http://www.optexlighting.com/d‐papillon-315w-full-spectrum/

this one has the EU 220-240V 50/60hz ballast.

http://www.lights-interaction.com/

 

[soursmoker]

thanks for everyone's input/opinions so far!

My two option are looking like this right now.

A) Retro White 400 bulb, with S51 Ballast and a socket $110-115

B) 330w CDM Allstart, MH ballast and a socket, about same price...

So would you rather have a spare S51 ballast or a spare MH ballast is the question?

I don't really see the point in going to S51 route unless I plan on going HPS someday. MH would be the better option because it is more universal right? I SHOULD be able to run future CMH/CDMs off this ballast right?

Thanks everyone.

If I have $500 to spend on lighting I would be getting the 315, no doubt. Need a few good runs first before I make an investment like that.

 

[Illumination]

Dude, go with the 330w Allstart and a 400w MH Mag ballast. The 330w is more efficient than the retro white so you burn less watts and get the same light output.

I paid $50 for the bulb and then a used ballast from a local hydro shop for $50... Can't beat that.

the 330 spectrum by comparison is not as good