help with digi ballast please..

[akabud]

Hi all, im thinking of purchasing a digi ballast to run 400watt light, i would appreciate it if a few of you guys with knowledge of these would have a look at this ballast and let me know if its worth the dollar/£. also can i run lights for veg and flowering with this ballast? also would it run a 250watt?

Cheers

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300334215347

 

[macro]

Hi all, im thinking of purchasing a digi ballast to run 400watt light, i would appreciate it if a few of you guys with knowledge of these would have a look at this ballast and let me know if its worth the dollar/£. also can i run lights for veg and flowering with this ballast? also would it run a 250watt?

Cheers

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300334215347

it seems a little pricey to be only 400w. and it will only run 400w, not 250

 

[Jnugg]

Damn,that's pretty cheap!!

50 euros = $83.45 U.S.

I know the 400w Lumatek (purple) digital ballasts at my local hydro shop are $189.00 U.S.

I have yet to run a digital ballast yet due to the fact that my 400w magnetic ballast is still running strong after 5+ years.I have heard digital ballasts have some problems that need to be worked out too,like radio frequency interferences (especially AM frequencies) and well,being an apartment grower I wouldn't want my equipment having neighbors complain about interference with there internet,radio,or whatever.Also they have been known to be picky about bulbs.Sometimes they'll fire right up,other times they won't and sometimes they'll blow the damn bulbs!

My main concern with them other then radio frequency interference with neighbors is - what about police/ambulance/emergency radios and maintenance/staff?

I can't really make out the humm of my mag. ballast and if I could it wouldn't be annoying as I think there is no more annoying sound in the world other then complete silence.I can't fall asleep unless there is a box fan or fish tank with filters and pumps or a t.v. going.

As far as your question "Would it run a 250w HPS?" I am sorry but the answer is NO!There is no ballast that I know of on this planet or in this galaxy for that matter that will run a bulb rated for a lower wattage....this is not a safe thing to try and do....heed my and others warning!

Now,can you run a Metal Halide (for vegging) and then a High Pressure Sodium (for flowering)?YES,you can.While many will tell you you should veg with only a MH and flower only with an HPS,some will tell you that MH is best for both stages and some will say that HPS is best for both stages.The truth of the matter is no one really knows.You CAN sucessfully grow through both stages with an MH or HPS.It is also believed to be best when flowering (if you have the room) to use a combination of MH/HPS usually seen in a ratio of 2:1 on a circular light mover.

I don't know anything about the digital ballast you found on ebay.uk,I've never heard of SG before.My advice if going digital would be to save up the extra cash flow for a Lumatek (purple) digital ballast as they have the best reviews and the least of problems as I have read and been told.

GL and happy growing!

 

[Asil]

I have two Lumatec digi and I love them. I have the 400 and the 600 240 volt. I don't know about the interference but haven't noticed it my self. As far as the ballast, the are quiet and nice and cool running.

I believe that Quntum make a ballast with a dimmer on it so you can run lower watt bulbs. here is the link to the 1000 watt. http://www.nehydro.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=782

 

[K Double O]

I run a 600 Dig and a 400 coil & Mag... I got my digi from htgsupply for $175 shipped.... With a 2 yr warranty... No bulb though....

Anyway, thats the key.... A warranty... If you get a Ballast off ebay, make sure it has a warranty from the seller.... Or you will be screwed....

 

[akabud]

Excellent info guys, much appreciated, with the info i have now i know which path to take..
I was looking at the lumatec
Thanks again guys

 

[Asil]

Yes the warranty on my digi's is I believe three years. No questions ask. I know some guys that one of theres broke and my hydro guy gave them one to use in the interm while theirs was being repaired. But my hydro guy is the greatest. He is not the cheapest but he is there for you and I think he used to grow. Here is the link to his store. He is getting rid of all the lumatec and going to just galaxys because of the supplier he uses.

 

[akabud]

Yes the warranty on my digi's is I believe three years. No questions ask. I know some guys that one of theres broke and my hydro guy gave them one to use in the interm while theirs was being repaired. But my hydro guy is the greatest. He is not the cheapest but he is there for you and I think he used to grow. Here is the link to his store. He is getting rid of all the lumatec and going to just galaxys because of the supplier he uses.

Thanks buddy, where is that link? lol

cheers

 

[Asil]

oops sorry Herr it is. http://heartlandhydrogardens.com/

If he doesn't have it he will get it for you. Everything is discreet and he does keep name and addresses like other big store hydro places do.

 

[akabud]

excellent, thanks buddy.

 

[Asil]

No prob. Enjoy your grow. And good luck. This hobby has consumed my entire being!!!

 

[akabud]

No prob. Enjoy your grow. And good luck. This hobby has consumed my entire being!!!

Thanks mate, im getin that way, ive done nothin but for the last couple of months, used to grow hydro, long time ago, so much has changed.

 

[K Double O]

Asil Those prices on the digi ballasts are a little absurd.... I'd try HTG supply on ebay.... They got 600 watt Digi's w/ warranty for 175 shipped....