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Flip/Flop noise? WTF?!

bobblehead

bobblehead

Active member
Veteran
So I was constructing my grow, and directly wired my 1k ballast to a DPDT relay of the proper requirements.
It seems to work great, except for part of the flip where there is a horribly loud humming noise! Is that normal? I didn't ground anything, could that have something to do with it?
For now the ballast is only running 12hs. When I get back home I'm going to ground everything to the timer I think. That should work out, right? Additionally I'm moving the ballasts to my attic, where hopefully the insulation is going to hide some of the noise. Thanks!
 
D

DB2004

If the relay is humming, there may be particles of metal from cutting, drilling, or filing the enclosure. They are attracted to the emf of the coil, just like an electromagnet. You can clean them out, but you need to take the top off of the relay. The spring and metal strip retainer come off, then the top piece can be removed to show the core. Even if you can't see any particles, they can be very tiny. You should ground all metal enclosures.

Best Regards

DB

PS, my flips never hum. I have timers and loadcenters that are silent. They are built with SSRs (solid state relays) instead of contactors. Cost more, but silent and easier on the ballasts. You can have from 10 to 100 ballasts powering on and not one sound of a contactor hammering on, or even humming......LOL
 
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bobblehead

bobblehead

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Thanks for the help DB. When I'm off the ground running, and have some more money, we might be in contact. For now it's all DIY. Thanks again!
 
D

DB2004

cocktail frank said:
sometimes the coil will hum in these relays.
its really hit or miss.
Click to expand...

I've installed over 200 of these relays in flips and NEVER had a problem, no humming whatsoever, so I don't know where you get your "hit or miss from".

DB
 
D

DB2004

Those relays are a 12VDC coil. I have used them with a 12vdc coil, I used a Siemens LOGO 8 channel plc for a 16 ballast flip. With the plc, I was able to delay the on and off switching of the relays. This was done for someone who wanted to delay the relays flipping, instead of flipping all 16 lights at once. Two lights per room would delay flip on/off.

Best Regards

DB
 
bobblehead

bobblehead

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cocktail frank said:
sometimes the coil will hum in these relays.
its really hit or miss.
Click to expand...

DB2004 said:
If the relay is humming, there may be particles of metal from cutting, drilling, or filing the enclosure. They are attracted to the emf of the coil, just like an electromagnet.
Click to expand...

hmmm.... Thanks for the input frank, have you ever tried to clean the coils though? It makes perfect sense since the coil basically is an electromagnet. I'm just happy there's a potential solution!
 
cocktail frank

cocktail frank

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DB2004 said:
I've installed over 200 of these relays in flips and NEVER had a problem, no humming whatsoever, so I don't know where you get your "hit or miss from".

DB
Click to expand...
well i guess i'm sorry your shit doesnt stink.
there is a big diff between an EE and a guy that works it in the field.
stick to your paperwork, i'll be out in the field doing my thing.
for the second time, it is hit or miss.
change the relay, unless you dont mind the humming.
oh and db2004, im here to help people, free of charge.
unlike you, making $$$ off other growers to fill the greed in your soul.
 
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bobblehead

bobblehead

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That's a little harsh. I mean why not plug yourself to gain potential customers, and make a few legit dollars. DB2004 offered me advice before plugging his products. The seedbanks promote their products. Ballast companies, Fertilizers, etc...

Anyway, I'll be sure to post up the results of cleaning the coil.
 
D

DB2004

cocktail frank said:
well i guess i'm sorry your shit doesnt stink.
there is a big diff between an EE and a guy that works it in the field.
stick to your paperwork, i'll be out in the field doing my thing.
for the second time, it is hit or miss.
change the relay, unless you dont mind the humming.
oh and db2004, im here to help people, free of charge.
unlike you, making $$$ off other growers to fill the greed in your soul.
Click to expand...

You're real loud behind a keyboard. You're not an EE. I have far more credentials than you. Maybe one day you can call me greedy to my face. I live in Vancouver, BC. Come on by anytime. So you build equipment for growers free of charge. I don't think so. What field do you work in, as an electrican.
 
cocktail frank

cocktail frank

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maybe you should reread my post before you reply.
you obviously cant comprehend what i wrote.
you don't know what kind of credentials i have, so dont insinuate.
do you know what happens when you assume?
i dont build equipment for growers, never have never will.
but i would be more than glad to walk em thru it just to cut your throat!
and unlike you, i will say what i have to say for everybody to see it, not talk tough thru a pm.
if i were ever to step foot in vancouver, which i doubt i would ever let myself stoop that low, i would tell you the same to your face, then proceed to mop the floor w/ it.
don't play tough guy, you wont win.
im done here, i said my piece to help to OP out.
keep telling the OP what you want him to hear, this way you can line your pockets.
which is pretty much the only thing you do here.
you are pretty much making money off this site w/out kicking back to GN.
which you should be doing like anybody else that sells things via this site, buy a banner clownshoes!
by the way, if you are the hot shot you claim to be, why do you spend time making these flip flops?
i know im no EE, but i am paid like a mofo from my job as "just a sparky"
i guess all those credentials don't pay you so well, huh?
go push your smut someplace else,
cuz unlike you, i actually get respect around here.
what is that all aboot?
 
D

DB2004

I ain't playing tough guy, you ****ing goof. ANYTIME mouthpiece. Stooping too low to come to Vancouver, Vancouver is an awesome place, unlike the pile of shit you came from.
 
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G

Guest

Hey Coctail Weenie........

Hey Coctail Weenie........

DB has helped buncha more folks here than you could ever hope to so STFU eat shit and die.........Your`e saying that it`s kinda sorta a tossup as to what could possibly be wrong?.....Loud noise and humming is OK?........I see plainly how qualified you are ......I for one would listen to DB if for no other reason than his history and integrity...........Who are you ?..........I`m so sure that DB`s helpin folks here ,there or ANYWHERE on equipment that`s way above most of us stoner asses heads is a service to be commended ......But instead you slur innuendos about him profiteering when your mouth outruns yer brain.......I trust DB`S input waaaaaaay more than your evident speculation..........Folk`s homes burning down is definitely something to be more than a toss up on what`s wrong with equipment........It`s most likely something not understood about "DIY" ing flip-flops cuz theres a ton of bogus info out there that`ll cause problems but I digress.........Thanks DB for your knowledge..........Frank....You say you actually get respect here?..Who were you again?.....I`ve never heard of you even though you`ve got buncha posts and I`ve been here back and forth since the first day this place came online.....A lotta folks change nicks after a while so post numbers don`t mean shit dewd......DHF........ :joint:
 
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D

DB2004

Thanx DEDHEDFRED

I try to offer my electrical services for as little as possible. There have been times where I've built a 4 or 8 light timer or flip and not even made $50. After all the costs of the parts are totalled, I end up losing money, but that's okay. Next year I will have an ad in Maximum Yield showcasing the 100's of items I've built.....

Best Regards

DB
 
bobblehead

bobblehead

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Veteran
I removed the spring and the top part of the relay, and attempted to clean things up to the best of my ability. The noise is the same. Way too loud to use the relays. I have 2, and both make the noise.

Please link me to a better relay, I would really appreciate it.
 
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