Sun System Galaxy Electronic Ballasts

[FunkBomb]

Hey everyone Ive got a question about ballasts. Ive been using a Sun System 1 for a few years and love them. I'm stuck between buying the magnetic Sun System 10 switchable ballast and the new Sun System Galaxy Electronic ballast.

Does anyone have any experience using these new Galaxy ballasts? Do they tend to blow fuses early in their lives? They only have a 3 year warranty compared to the Sun System 10 which has a 5 year warranty. The price difference is only $10-20 which I can afford.

Thanks for the input


-Funk

 

[Texas Kid]

The Galaxy has up to a 12% power savings over the Sun System as well as lower radiant heat from the remote ballast housing that makes the Digi's a better choice in my opinion.

I have both styles but I am in the process of upgrading all of my lighting to digi's because of the power usage savings($) and heat buildup factors. Digi's are also capable of running either the HPS or MH bulbs with out a switchable ballast or change at all which is a nice option to have.

1000 watt digi's are just around the corner for Lumatek also.

Tex

 

[PonicalChillin]

Give the electronic ballast a shot. They are damn slick in terms of weight, ballast temperature, and noise, but as far as juice goes..your stilling paying for the wattage.

I have never used that brand, but I'd imagine if a ballast makes it 3 years..it'll make it 5+.

It looks as though the electronic are going to become the standard among lighting system extremely quick.

My local shop said they had to raise all of their prices on the magnetic ballasts due to the price of copper going up. Said everyone's prices are going up. It is actually already cheaper here to go with the electronic 600w ballasts over the old 600w coil ones.

Unfortunately the 1000w future bright ballasts are still upwards of $500 for the ballast alone. I've seen one and was not impressed with the quality. The cordset doesn't even lock in to the ballast..just kinda hangs there.

 

[FunkBomb]

Thanks for the information yall its appreciated. I think I may go electronic just as a test run with them. The magnetics do get warm and that makes me worry a little bit. The switchability is also a good advantage and also they are lighter so shipping is less. Take it easy


-Funk

 

[FunkBomb]

Here is a link about what im talking about for all those interested.

http://www.sunlightsupply.com/produ...2D06DE0815D55341B58B11A750EFF&c=22&kys=&pgi=1


-Funk

 

[GivaDogaBone]

I tore one up today, ballast that is!

I tore one up today, ballast that is!

I know the thread is old, but I searched for "Galaxy" and thought this is a good place to add this.
Due to a power outage and voltage spike, right before my 400 watt went bye-bye, I assumed total destruction within. I ripped open my ballast and removed the thermal fuse. (fuse inside 5 amps)

OEM / KUOYUH 88 SERIES 125/ 250VAC 3.5A -- 19A
http://www.wellgainelectronics.com/images/view.aspx?productId=7549

More pictures of the destroyed fuse.

As the top contact heats, it bends away from the bottom contact and a spring pushes a small plastic shim between the 2 contacts. Once the top cools, it is suppose to return to position and pushing the button releases the shim. My top contact did not return to position and releasing the shim did not affect the reset of the fuse. After I install a new fuse, I'll let you know if the old ballast still works. I have all ready ordered a new 400 Galaxy ballast.

 

[GivaDogaBone]

Oops, forgot to get back to this one.

Long story short, never did get the fuse, bypassed straight to power, lit for about 12hours and then went bye bye. Date of manufacture was 4/2007 and lasted till 8/2010

 

[xcrispi]

Be careful using the digis as they mess with some growroom controllers etc... R/F interference I think .
Crispi

I veg in a tent using a new galaxy multi watt digi and so far so good. It'll run 400-600-1000w bulbs .