Light controllers........

[motownfunk]

I am currently building my first setup. Its small, two 5x5 rooms. I will be running 2 1000w lights one for flower and one for veg. Eventually there will be 2 flower rooms and 1 veg room.

As for my question....
Is there a light controller that will run my flower and veg? most of the ones i find only have 1 timer. Like i said im a newb, any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[the gnome]

I'm not sure if there's one like that, if there is
you can bet on it being pricey.

I made my own,
pretty easy for most peeps

you can build a 4 lite controller 120v or 220v for $80
since your using a power relay you can use digi timers with elec. ballasts
and not blow the lamps

 

[DemonTrich]

C.A.P makes a dual timer to run to seperate light schedules. It's $$ though.

 

[motownfunk]

I keep hearing bad things about C.A.P. If i made my own could i use two separate timers? Has anyone had any experience with the Autopilot X1? from what im reading it will do what i need it to do.

 

[the gnome]

If i made my own could i use two separate timers?

yup
everything sourced from lowes/HD except the 220V power relays, and timers
each box can run 4 outlets.
startup Is sequenced

.

 

[Speed of green]

my 8 lighter from titan has two triggers, might be more than you are looking for though.

http://www.zenhydro.com/titan-contr...gle_shopping&gclid=CN3K1IjymcwCFQkwaQodfAEOMA

 

[hvac guy]

Most OTS lighting controllers are not NEC or CEC certified and will not pass an ESA inspection.

 

[motownfunk]

my 8 lighter from titan has two triggers, might be more than you are looking for though.

http://www.zenhydro.com/titan-contr...gle_shopping&gclid=CN3K1IjymcwCFQkwaQodfAEOMA

Thats what im looking for..... except in a 30a model.

 

[motownfunk]

Most OTS lighting controllers are not NEC or CEC certified and will not pass an ESA inspection.

Is there any brand that performs better? Autopilot, Sentinel, blueprint... these are the companies that seem to have something similar to what im looking for (i think).

I am not opposed to DIY projects. Its just late in the game (im getting anxious to turn the lights on ). That being said.... is a home made product upgradable? High temp shut offs, fan contollers, Co2 controllers? I would like to automate processes in the future. Like i said im a newb

 

[motownfunk]

yup
everything sourced from lowes/HD except the 220V power relays, and timers
each box can run 4 outlets.
startup Is sequenced

View Image
.

what does something like this cost to build?.... on a smaller scale that is

 

[Lyfespan]

nanolux lighting systems has a very nifty wireless timer system the NCCS, im loving it i can control as many different groupings and lights as i want, and different types

 

[Lyfespan]

what does something like this cost to build?.... on a smaller scale that is

6x6 ele boxes are 15 bux
120v contactors to turn on 220v power 12 bux
timers 15 bux
outlets and handy boxes are 6 bux
cord ends are 10 bux

i spend way too much time at HD and Lowes, being a general contractor

 

[motownfunk]

nanolux lighting systems has a very nifty wireless timer system the NCCS, im loving it i can control as many different groupings and lights as i want, and different types

The base unit dont look too bad on price, but how much is the supporting equipment? Do you have to use their ballasts?

 

[the gnome]

what does something like this cost to build?.... on a smaller scale that is

each 1 of the boxes runs up to 4 1K lamps on a 30A dbl pole circuit
i built all 3 for about $180
it took me an afternoon to build a 3 4Kwboxes
the 220V power relay was online ordered for about $22 if I remember correctly.....
everything else at HDepot

I research all kinds of lite controllers for 6 lamps but they didn't pass codes as HVAC said above.
and they were priced 3-4Xs higher than I could build em for,
and mine passes all the codes, which as HVAC pointed out most don't

for under $200 I have 12 lamp capability with 3 independent
timer functions for every 4KW lamps

is a home made product upgradable? High temp shut offs, fan contollers, Co2 controllers? I would like to automate processes in the future. Like i said im a newb

I'd prefer to keep multi-control systems separated,
the main prob with control systems bundled together is,
if one of them goes down the rest usually go with it.
if it needs to be sent off where does that leave you standing....?

 

[motownfunk]

each 1 of the boxes runs up to 4 1K lamps on a 30A dbl pole circuit
i built all 3 for about $180
it took me an afternoon to build a 3 4Kwboxes
the 220V power relay was online ordered for about $22 if I remember correctly.....
everything else at HDepot

I research all kinds of lite controllers for 6 lamps but they didn't pass codes as HVAC said above.
and they were priced 3-4Xs higher than I could build em for,
and mine passes all the codes, which as HVAC pointed out most don't

for under $200 I have 12 lamp capability with 3 independent
timer functions for every 4KW lamps



I'd prefer to keep multi-control systems separated,
the main prob with control systems bundled together is,
if one of them goes down the rest usually go with it.
if it needs to be sent off where does that leave you standing....?

I see your point. Could you recommend a good thread for instructions.

 

[the gnome]

it's in the 2nd post in this thread boss

 

[motownfunk]

Well would you look at that

 

[the gnome]

Well would you look at that

well, your the newb that's asking for it?

 

[oneofus]

yup
everything sourced from lowes/HD except the 220V power relays, and timers
each box can run 4 outlets.
startup Is sequenced

View Image
.

Gnome,

that is one sweet and sanitary set-up you have there.

Would you please take some pics of the inside of the boxes so we can see you how you did the wiring inside? I especially like how you did everything with metal including the conduits connecting the boxes together. It screams safety. Me likee.

 

[the gnome]

thank you sir for the compliment

I am pleased with how everything worked out.
btw
the conduit isn't metal,
its grey pvc but with every thing screwed down into the 3/4 panel
nothings coming loose and rain on the parade.

another thing is the entire panel becomes mobile in 15 minutes
disconnect the mai, unplugged the lites,
unscrew the 4 mounting lags and it's ready to go
also instead of using the pigtail type receptacles shown on the link i went with reg. steel boxes.

It'll go toe to toe against anything you get at the gro sites as far as quality and safety.
you'd be amazed at how many of them don't meet basic national and local code.

I had pics of the open boxes but didn't use them.
here's the link I used to make em.
it shows what your looking for
https://www.hydroponics.net/learn/grow-light-controller.php

I should've left it up as it's helped many
Ive had a lot of compliments and Qs on these
and it's saved peeps a boatload of $$

i took it down from my original post since newbguy was all disappointed for what ever reason?
maybe it didn't have electricians all wearing spiffy suits
with name tags