variac transformer controling lumatek ballast?

[guest101]

Hello,

Im buying a variac transformer to control my RVK 150A1 properly.

My question is, can i use this variac witch suports +500w with my Lumatek 250W digitall ballast?
Can i dimm power usage and light safely in this way??

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Haps]

Come clean franky, you really want that transformer to lower the lightning voltage so it doesn't blow your head off when you attach the jumper cables to the bolts in your neck, don'tch'a?
H

 

[guest101]

LOL Haps! Not really! I enjoy life!

Anyway, anyone with some knowledge on the matter?

If its possible i would buy an MH light to use with that ballast.
The way it is, straight 270W consumption, its too much for my veging needs.

 

[Kerosene]

I personally wouldn't try it. Running a fan undervoltaged is one thing, but the variac drops the amount of voltage traveling to whatever's plugged into it. Do a search and see how the core and coil handle when they're given half the voltage they need to operate. The thing that concerns me is the transformer steps the voltage up to fire the lamps. If you drop that down then the transformer isn't receiving the rated current and in turn isn't able to deliver current.

Out of curiosity. Why do you want to dim HID lighting? If you're going to vege, why not look into the T5 banks. They seem pretty impressive and I've been told you can get half inch node spacing with them. The variac is going to cost you a minimum of $40. Maybe that money is better spent on second vegging bank of lights.

I didn't see the digital ballast part. I'd be very worried about shorting out the circuitry. Best case regardless is you'll damage the longevity of your system, worst case is you'll get yourself a fresh spendy paperweight.

I could be way off base though so don't neglect research. (also don't die)

 

[BeeBee]

Don't do it!
However, there are some new dimmable electronic ballasts available now that are suitable for HPS and Metal Halide lamps. The 600 watt model has three settings: 200, 400, and 600. Here's a link:
http://www.nehydro.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=783

A friend of mine has had one for about three months, and has no complaints. He likes it so much, he has two 400s on order.

 

[Stay Puft]

Can i dimm power usage and light safely in this way??

NO!
A switching power supply (like a electronic ballast) has a specified input voltage/current rating. You should never run outside of those parameters.

edit- Let me expand a little on this:
When you lower the input voltage, you will typically find that the reduced input voltage results in a increase in input current.
The net result is very little difference in the actual power consumption. Operating a device in this manner can place the device OUTSIDE its designed operating parameters, which could lead to unsafe conditions. (Over-heat, too much current, etc)

 

[guest101]

Thank you for the answers!!
I will store the lumatek and use the 150w fluo i allready have.
See u guys soon!

 

[petemoss]

Hi frankenstein! Loved your Wonderbox! So your new box will be using a centrifugal fan?
Whenever a new grower asks if he can use axial fans in a cab, I always refer him to your Wonderbox design with the double axial fans. Looking forward to seeing your new Wonderbox!

 

[guest101]

Hey pitmoss! Digging your super plants in small pots mate!!
Yeah, now im using a more industrial simple aproach to the exausting hehe
Those axial fans paired worked really well and in some not so hot days it was a really silent grow!

Thank u all again for the extensive and explicit answering! These forums rock!