CAP NextGen, Quantum or Lumatek: Which one works best with a Flip Box?

[ThisBuds4You]

Pretty simple question:

Which of these three ballasts (CAP NextGen, Quantum or Lumatek, 1000 watts) will work best with a flip flop? Setting up my new space and I will be using a flip/flop...from what I've read I BELIEVE the Quantum works best on a flip/flop but I am not sure, I can't find what I read before...

As always, any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks IC.

-
TB4U

UPDATE 8/4/10

Only Quantums, Galaxy and magnetic ballasts work with the Flip Box!!!

 

[greenlabel]

good question!

 

[ThisBuds4You]

Anyone...anyone?

 

[muttley]

I recomend shutting off the digital ballasts before the flip cycle. If you tell a digital ballasts manufacturer you're using a flip, and the ballast fails, they won't replace it.

 

[ThisBuds4You]

I recomend shutting off the digital ballasts before the flip cycle. If you tell a digital ballasts manufacturer you're using a flip, and the ballast fails, they won't replace it.

Sorry, but that's NOT the answer I'm looking for.

Simple question: Which ballast works best on a flip/flop? CAP NextGen, Quantum or Lumatek? 1000 watts...

 

[SkunkyDemon]

I was talking to a salesman from Discounthydro and he said that the C.A.P. NextGen was a good eballast. It is the only one that has a 600wt/400wt ballast and it has 2 very small fans instead of relaying on air cooled only. He said that because of the fans they fail least offen. You can get the 600/400 with air cooled hood and bulb for 300.00 at discounthydro. Ill let you know more when it comes in.
Peace

 

[globel]

if your using a digital ballast with a flip you need to have it turn off before flipping the lights. They make flip/boxs for this but its something to consider.

Oh and all magnetic ballast are made with just about the same insides...

 

[BonsaiBud]

How about mag ballasts of the HPS and puse-start MH variety? Will the starter/capacitor get all messed up by a hot flip? I'm planning on a full-time ballast with 12/12 lamps. I remember a thread about a 400 x 6 stadium flip-flop but that was using a traditional MH ballast where the bulb has a bimetallic contact in it.

If not then I'll just start flipping and flopping to my hearts content. If so then I will put a 7 minute time-out relay on the power feed to the ballast when the flip is initiated.

 

[ThisBuds4You]

Decided on a 1000 watt Quantum w/a FlipBox from PowerBox.

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

-
TB4U

 

[globel]

you need a special flip for digital that turns the power off and back on... FYI

 

[krunchbubble]

i have lumateks and quantums on my flip flop. love my quantums....

 

[krunchbubble]

The only one who makes a flipbox like that is nowirenuts.

nope, hydro solutionz makes a flip flop for digitals that turn them off then on.

 

[ThisBuds4You]

From the PowerBox Website

From the PowerBox Website

Thank you Globel, Krunchbubble and Muttley for your input. Glad to see you back around Krunchbubble...

From the PowerBox website:
The ALL NEW Powerbox™ FLIPBOX™ allows any ballast to run 2 lights (non-simultaneously). The Powerbox™ FLIPBOX™ works with magnetic and new digital ballasts and allows you to expand, without the need for bringing in additional power circuits. Simply plug the Powerbox™ FLIPBOX™ into your ballast and you can plug 2 lamps into the FLIPBOX ™. A trigger cord controls the 'Flip.' Each FLIPBOX™ has a 120V slave outlet, so you can daisy-chain multiple FLIPBOX ™ trigger cords to each other and use as many FLIPBOXES ™ as you have ballasts, all triggered by one timer. Compatible with 120V and 240V ballasts. Includes 6' patch cord (Flipbox to Ballast) and 6' 120V trigger cord.

The Powerbox™ FLIPBOX™ is the BEST FLIPBOX™ on the market and has many advantages over other flip boxes. First, it REALLY WORKS and has a 5-year warranty. Second, we make our FLIPBOXES™ in individual modules so you get extended distance for placing your lights; all of your cords are not tied to a single panel. Third, in the event of a component failure, you can quickly swap-out one module and you are back at full capacity. With large, multi-ballast panels, if there is a component failure, you have to take the entire panel system down while you arrange a replacement.
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I know I can do a DIY and build one myself but this one comes with a warranty. I am not an electrician and will spend $150 for myself and my family's safety. This particular model does need a timer, I'll pick up a digital timer and use it along with the box. I'm guessing the timer hooks up to the "trigger cord". Is anyone using this particular model?
-
TB4U

 

[muttley]

nope, hydro solutionz makes a flip flop for digitals that turn them off then on.

Hydrosolutionz is out of business. Not sure where you got your information from. I have several of the Hydrosolutionz flips in a pile in my shop, they all burnt. Their flip has no way of turning off 120V/240V power to the ballast(s), you would need a timer or loadcenter for that. Also there is NO difference if someone says they make a seperate flipbox for c&c or electronic ballasts. It's the same relay inside.

 

[krunchbubble]

Hydrosolutionz is out of business. Not sure where you got your information from. I have several of the Hydrosolutionz flips in a pile in my shop, they all burnt. Their flip has no way of turning off 120V/240V power to the ballast(s), you would need a timer or loadcenter for that. Also there is NO difference if someone says they make a seperate flipbox for c&c or electronic ballasts. It's the same relay inside.

you are sadly mistaken. the several hydrosolutions flips that i do have, all have timers, they turn the ballasts on then off. you must have some of there old shit or another company.
there is a difference with flips for digital and magntic ballasts. bought one for magnetic ballasts and it didnt work. bought the digital ballast flip flp and it works perfectly.

 

[muttley]

You are the one who is mistaken. Why don't you post a pic of your Hydrosolutionz HIDDumb flip or post a link to their website. I've built more flips than any manufacturer out there.

 

[ThisBuds4You]

How about this flamewar goes somewhere else instead of my goddamn thread!

I want this thread to be INFORMATIVE!!! If someone else decides they want a FlipBox and a Digital Ballast how about they have something USEFUL to read!!!

Shit...

--
TB4U

 

[krunchbubble]

You are the one who is mistaken. Why don't you post a pic of your Hydrosolutionz HIDDumb flip or post a link to their website. I've built more flips than any manufacturer out there.

so, what? you want a cookie or something? i wont waste my time posting a pic for you, look through my albums if you want proof.....

 

[muttley]

Listin TB4Y, I always post the truth when it comes to flips and other lighting controllers. Others here seem to post bullshit. There are a lot of people here who post misinformation, especially about electrical that will certainly cause a fire. Hydrosolutionz is out of business, period.

 

[Powerbox]

Wihtout trying to promote our products, here is what I can tell you for sure - powerbox flips definitely work with galaxy, new lumateks, and quantums. When the flip occurs, if the second lamp doesn't ignite right away, just wait - theballast will send another ignition pulse within 60 to 300 seconds and the lamp will ignite. Most of the time however the lamp should ignite right away on flip. I would buy either quantum or galaxy - we use those for testing in our shop.