600w phantom

[Fir3dragon]

I recently bought a phantom 600w ballast, I'm having issues with it. Prior to this, I was running a 400w without any problems at all.
The problem is, that the phantom doesn't start up at times. I got my lights on a 9pm to 9 am schedule. When 9 comes around sometimes it will start without issues, other times it gives me the stand by code.. The 2 lights blinking now I'm using ipower bulbs so I'm not sure if they have something to do with it? I'm just trying to get this sorted. I haven't had any problems with the timer so I don't think it's that but what else could it be?if it was the ballast no ligh would be on correct? When it doesn't turn on all I do is unplug and plug back in and it starts right up. I got no clue what it is bu dont want to replace stuff that isn't the cause... Any info is appreciated because this irritates me

 

[Mister_D]

Start by just plugging the ballast in without the timer, if the bulb fires consistently your timer is the problem. If it's not the timer, chances are your bulb isn't playing well with your ballast. Is it an hps or metal halide bulb? My guess is the contacts in your timer are going out. I strongly recommend people only use water heater timers, or similar heavy duty timers for lights. Standard wall timers aren't designed to handle the high inrush current of HID lighting. Even the soft start technology digital ballasts are known for isn't "soft" enough for regular timers. Phantoms are high quality ballasts, so I doubt your problem is there, though it's certainly possible.

 

[Fir3dragon]

Start by just plugging the ballast in without the timer, if the bulb fires consistently your timer is the problem. If it's not the timer, chances are your bulb isn't playing well with your ballast. Is it an hps or metal halide bulb? My guess is the contacts in your timer are going out. I strongly recommend people only use water heater timers, or similar heavy duty timers for lights. Standard wall timers aren't designed to handle the high inrush current of HID lighting. Even the soft start technology digital ballasts are known for isn't "soft" enough for regular timers. Phantoms are high quality ballasts, so I doubt your problem is there, though it's certainly possible.

First off, let me say thanks for your reply...

With that being said...

Yes, when I plug it in without the timer, it works.
When its in standby I unplug it and plug it into the timer, and it works
It's a hps bulb, the mh I had on 24/7 for 2 weeks and no problems
Do you hav a timer to recommend me that I can just plug into the wall and plug my ballast in?
The current timer was indeed a 15 dollar mechanical timer and I've never had problems with it
Only time this has happened was with this new ballast and these ipower bulbs

 

[Mister_D]

Sounds to me like your timer is about to take a shit, or start a fire....... Sometimes they last for years, sometimes it's months, but cheap timers always go. They aren't designed for HID lighting loads, and should NOT EVER be used as such. I don't know of any that are plug and play outside of what's offered at the hydro store (Sentinel is a good brand of timers if going that route). Personally I won't use anything other than an Intermatic (brand) T101 or T104 (model) timers. They are sold in homedepot, lowes, etc, as water heater timers. Things will still keep ticking long after you're dead It is very easy to wire a replacement tool power cord (also found at HD, etc) and a couple outlets to the timer. I'd be happy to walk you through this. There is a wiring diagram on the inside of the timer case that makes it pretty idiot proof also. Doing this gives you a timer that can be plugged into your standard wall outlet to safely power your lights. The timer itself is rated for 50 amps, so you won't have any issues with the contacts burning like the cheap timer you are using now. You are still limited to the 15 amps the tool cord is rated for, but that can be exchanged for larger wire and breaker if you desire to run more lights from one timer.

 

[Fir3dragon]

Sounds to me like your timer is about to take a shit, or start a fire....... Sometimes they last for years, sometimes it's months, but cheap timers always go. They aren't designed for HID lighting loads, and should NOT EVER be used as such. I don't know of any that are plug and play outside of what's offered at the hydro store (Sentinel is a good brand of timers if going that route). Personally I won't use anything other than an Intermatic (brand) T101 or T104 (model) timers. They are sold in homedepot, lowes, etc, as water heater timers. Things will still keep ticking long after you're dead It is very easy to wire a replacement tool power cord (also found at HD, etc) and a couple outlets to the timer. I'd be happy to walk you through this. There is a wiring diagram on the inside of the timer case that makes it pretty idiot proof also. Doing this gives you a timer that can be plugged into your standard wall outlet to safely power your lights. The timer itself is rated for 50 amps, so you won't have any issues with the contacts burning like the cheap timer you are using now. You are still limited to the 15 amps the tool cord is rated for, but that can be exchanged for larger wire and breaker if you desire to run more lights from one timer.

I'm down for the tutorial. I know basic electricity nothing major. I can skin a wire and connect it properly lol that's about it. It's a normal 110 outlet so I'm not sure. If its easier, ÿou can pm me all the info this is appreciated man and I will +rep u

 

[Fir3dragon]

Can't figure out how to rep or edit posts?. Wtf

 

[Hold Your Fire]

edit

 

[Hold Your Fire]

 

[Fir3dragon]

The screw is ground.. What cord do I put in there? A regular extension cord? How does it turn the light on and off if I can't plug my light into it? I'm a little confused here now....

 

[Fir3dragon]

Since cant edit because its hidden or something... Why is lines going out the bottom and going out the top? I mean you showed a pic with nothing telling me what's what....

 

[Fir3dragon]

Not top.. Side my bad..

 

[Hold Your Fire]

Cut ext cord in half. Plug male side into wall, plug ballast into female side. Where you cut the cord, expose enough wire to work with, wire as shown in above diagram.

 

[Fir3dragon]

Cut ext cord in half. Plug male side into wall, plug ballast into female side. Where you cut the cord, expose enough wire to work with, wire as shown in above diagram.

Ok I understand now. Thanks.

I came into a issue this morning..
I woke up the light was so posted to be on this was at 5 am
The ballast lights were on like normal but the bulb wasn't...
I'm pretty sure it's the shitty ipower bulbs but would like opinions..

 

[Fir3dragon]

Forgot to add that I unplugged the ballast and plugged it back in and it fired right up like it always does.. How did they sell so many bulbs if they are like this? Lol.

 

[Mister_D]

Definitely possible it's a shitty bulb. I recommend ushio opti red, hortilux super hps, Philips greenpower or agrosun red, for bulbs. Everything else, generally speaking, is cheap shit not worth the investment. Now as for the timer, I'll snap some pics of mine so you can see exactly what wires go where. I won't be back to my spot til later in the week though, so no pics until then. The basic idea is to use a tool replacement cord (which is basically half an extension cord) to power the timer. Then you also separately wire in wall outlets (these have to be purchased separately, they are standard wall outlets like you find in your house) to the timer, that's where your lights are plugged in. Ultimately you end up with something that looks like this.

The yellow wire coming out the side is wired directly to the breaker box. This is where you will have your tool replacement cord, it will run to a wall outlet instead of the breaker box though. Then you can see the black wall outlets wired direct to the timer, these are where you'll plug you're light(s) in. I'll snap you a shot of the insides and explain where the wires go later this week. Alternatively you can find wiring diagrams for whichever timer you end up with a simple google search. Keep in mind the Intermatic versions of these timers are usually voltage specific (i.e they only work on 120v or 240v respectively), so read the box before purchasing (you'll want one that does 120v)

 

[Hold Your Fire]

Is my suggestion a bad idea?

Mr. D's, is the better option, but requires more wiring knowledge. Plus accessing your breaker box, (that scares me).

Also, it looks like you, (Mr. D), have multiple lights running on your timer.

I DO NOT want to pass on bad info, I got the ext. cord idea, here at IC, but if it's dangerous, I'll happily, delete my post.

 

[Fir3dragon]

Definitely possible it's a shitty bulb. I recommend ushio opti red, hortilux super hps, Philips greenpower or agrosun red, for bulbs. Everything else, generally speaking, is cheap shit not worth the investment. Now as for the timer, I'll snap some pics of mine so you can see exactly what wires go where. I won't be back to my spot til later in the week though, so no pics until then. The basic idea is to use a tool replacement cord (which is basically half an extension cord) to power the timer. Then you also separately wire in wall outlets (these have to be purchased separately, they are standard wall outlets like you find in your house) to the timer, that's where your lights are plugged in. Ultimately you end up with something that looks like this.

View Image

The yellow wire coming out the side is wired directly to the breaker box. This is where you will have your tool replacement cord, it will run to a wall outlet instead of the breaker box though. Then you can see the black wall outlets wired direct to the timer, these are where you'll plug you're light(s) in. I'll snap you a shot of the insides and explain where the wires go later this week. Alternatively you can find wiring diagrams for whichever timer you end up with a simple google search. Keep in mind the Intermatic versions of these timers are usually voltage specific (i.e they only work on 120v or 240v respectively), so read the box before purchasing (you'll want one that does 120v)

Wow nicely done there. Very organized I like it.
Now, I don't got access to my breaker box due to it being in the basement, and my grow is on the second floor in a closet. I'm going to be buying a 12awg extension cord. Could I plug it into the wall and wire it into the timer? Or do I have to do it your way? I did read online somewhere idk where because ive been to 6 million sites and links, but it said that phantoms are picky with the bulbs. I read that horti bulbs don't even like to work. Only ushio bulbs... Most likely will get one because I can't deal its this shit not working right... I have to cancel night plans because it doesn't want to turn on lol.

 

[whiteberrieS]

Get rid of those bulbs and that timer man...Take em back to your hydro shop, tell em they're both shit and you'd like different brands. Both the shops I go to wouldn't have a problem swapping it out but you MIGHT get shit about the receipt if they dont know you.

 

[whiteberrieS]

Is my suggestion a bad idea?

Mr. D's, is the better option, but requires more wiring knowledge. Plus accessing your breaker box, (that scares me).

Also, it looks like you, (Mr. D), have multiple lights running on your timer.

I DO NOT want to pass on bad info, I got the ext. cord idea, here at IC, but if it's dangerous, I'll happily, delete my post.

Cutting wires scares me, sheeeit. I'd get a bulb first off, anything that markets itself after iPads and iPods has to be cheap chinese shit. Sure 95% of em are made in china but there's quality chinese and then bulbs called iPower.

 

[Fir3dragon]

Cutting wires scares me, sheeeit. I'd get a bulb first off, anything that markets itself after iPads and iPods has to be cheap chinese shit. Sure 95% of em are made in china but there's quality chinese and then bulbs called iPower.

I've had the timer sinc I started growing a few years ago. I've used it 5 complete grows, and I'm on my 6th I'm going to try a ushio bulb and go from there. I believe it's my bulb because I haven't ever had any problems with this timer the whole time I used it but I'm not ruling it out.