CO2 Generators in Sealed Grow Op

[rrog]

Thanks. This sort of screws Growtronix for me...

 

[overbudjet]

digital ballasts tend to inject enough interference into power lines that they cause problems with timers/controllers that are plugged into the same panel

On Growtronix the RF get in by the cat5 cable linking each component together,i have try faraday cage around ballast or sensor and ferite coil on lamp cord also using shielded cable cat6, nothing seam working except the removing of antenna wich is also lamp cord.

 

[rrog]

I can't believe Growtronix has no solution for this. All their customers have to go with mag ballasts? Makes zero sense to me.

 

[overbudjet]

I can't believe Growtronix has no solution for this. All their customers have to go with mag ballasts? Makes zero sense to me.

From Growtronix site:
Important information you must know before buying a Growtronix System

PC Requirements:
CPU: Intel Pentium III or compatible at 800 MHz or higher
RAM: 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommended
Disk Space: 420 MB minimum
Display: Display resolution optimized for 1024x768. If such resolution is not available, the product may still be used but will require scrolling to view all parts of the user interface.
OS: Microsoft Windows 7, Server 2008, Vista, XP, Server 2003, or 2000

A Serial Port is required. A USB to Serial Adapter can be used to add a serial port to a computer/laptop that does not have one built in. We highly recommend this unit : http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-SSRS1.html

Many Digital Ballasts / e-ballasts on the market emit extremely high levels of electrical interference. This interference can cause a problem with Growtronix data communications. Many digital ballasts work fine while others cause a problem(So far Quantum/Lumatek/nextgen have this problem, i have try them). If the digital ballasts cause a problem shielded cable can be used to block the interference(not working for me). Please note standard ballasts do not cause any problems.
No ballast cord was the solution for me using QUANTUM/600

 

[rrog]

Interesting. A fellow on another forum commented that when he went to shielded Cat5 his problems went away

 

[overbudjet]

Interesting. A fellow on another forum commented that when he went to shielded Cat5 his problems went away

How many watt's?Meaning by that, more lighting power more RF,having 5(600)burning here,also how long are lamp cord(that where the RF are from)?Maybe a power related issue?Also does this fellow have Co2 sensor?Problem got worse when i hooking up Co2 sensor!AAAAA++++ so far.

 

[rrog]

His name is Randomseed and I don't recall any details about the grow size.

And so your Growtronix system doesn't accommodate a CO2 sensor either? This is unrelated to the Ballast issue?

And lastly, you still have problems even after changing out the shielded Cat 5 and following all their directions? This is all very disappointing.

 

[overbudjet]

His name is Randomseed and I don't recall any details about the grow size.

And so your Growtronix system doesn't accommodate a CO2 sensor either? This is unrelated to the Ballast issue?

And lastly, you still have problems even after changing out the shielded Cat 5 and following all their directions? This is all very disappointing.

Problem got worse when i add Co2 sensor to network(system crash every now and then)Yes it was related to ballast issues.The only solution to my problem(even after changing cable/build faraday cage around ballast sensors) was no ballast cord at all like the pic i've post above.

 

[rrog]

Wow. Thanks for sharing. Seems crazy that in this world of communications, RF interference couldn't have been more easily dealt with. Ballasts are noisy. I guess not easily remedied. Too bad no lamp chord is available that can be shielded also.

 

[shuswap]

i tried using the shielded lines from the balast to the bulb and had no difference in rf,i had the internet company out ,they ran new lines from the pole to te house and a new modem etc and still couldnt get 5 feet away from the modem with laptop,returned 12 e ballasts and went to good old mag core,no problems running them and being on a flip they never turn off.

 

[rrog]

I still find this amazing that we have to suffer through RF interference.

 

[DeceiverZ]

Guys,

I was able to solve my EMI problems without removing lamp cords, using ferrite clamps, or building Faraday cages.

The solution is simple.. Digital ballasts create noise on whatever circuit they run on. This means the noise can and probably will disrupt communications within the growtronix network of sensors and devices.

IMO, the EASIEST way to overcome this problem is by using line filtering devices. After getting a few of these (http://www.smarthome.com/1626-10/FilterLinc-10-Amp-Plug-In-Noise-Filter/p.aspx) my problems with the Growtronix system disappeared!

If you want to run Digital Ballasts, I would suggest shielded cat5 along with a few of these filters. They really do work!

-DZ