[mosstrooper]

I was pondering how long i have had my 600w ballast and it shocked me to think that i have owned it since 1998 which 13 *&*%$* years.

I seem to remember that the performance of a ballast degrades over time, so maybe i ought to get a new one.

Do digital ballasts save you money?

[JGP]

Goes to show how good your mag ballast is, 13 years and still going.I'd be tempted to swap it for another.

[mosstrooper]

This is a good point, though there have been times where it has had to go into storage too, for a couple of years, so its probably had more like 10-11 years use.

[rocket high]

My ballasts are 5 years old now and i was thinking the same thing as you Mossy ... my ballasts are from growell and i was ripped off money wise ...but they do work well. i would like to switch to digitals but the price tag is too much for me right now maybe in a few years time when the recession is over ...

[mosstrooper]

I know what you mean about price. I like the idea of quiet though, does this make the lamp quieter too, or is it just the ballast? (im asking as i expect you are an expert)

My lamp can whine and sing with the best of them.

[compost]

Originally Posted by mosstrooper

I know what you mean about price. I like the idea of quiet though, does this make the lamp quieter too, or is it just the ballast? (im asking as i expect you are an expert)

My lamp can whine and sing with the best of them.

Depends. I bought the cheaper digital ballast and instead of humming you have a small fan that puts out about the same amount of noise. The higher quality digital ballasts don't have the fans. I really don't notice more light, however I do see a lot less amps being used for the same amount of lighting.

[mosstrooper]

Originally Posted by compost

I do see a lot less amps being used for the same amount of lighting.

This is what i like to hear. That, along with quieter is making me think i might start saving my pennies.

[Phillthy]

silent, luke warm not hot and the ability to dim. love them.

[windsurfer]

Originally Posted by rocket high

ballasts are from growell...ripped off money wise ...

yes growell are a bunch of chancers regarding their prices, they keep sending me magazines every few months.. I used them for vermiculite and perlite, for some reason they were quite big value for the big bags, and I needed lots for some hempy buckets.... I think it must have been a pricing error on their part.. i kept my mouth shut tho

[urbangorilla]

i got to say it is a wise investment getting 1 of those lumatec digital blasts, they are not as dear to run so it will save u money in the long run & u have a nice dimmer switch option.