Galaxy Digital Ballast feedback???

[WashougalWonder]

Looking at investing in the multi wattage digital ballasts. So far, I think the Galaxy 1000, HPS/MH, 400-600-1000 watt settings, can run bulbs at full power or reduced power (does that make bulb last longer?), and supposedly less heat. Not sure which puts out how much, but 1000 watt bulb puts out a lot of heat.

Anyway I like the ability to use at any wattage and to use either HPS or MH. With some of my experimenting I need more flexibility.

So, since it is a $400 investment, is it worth it? I have found it online at one site for $300 shipped.

Thanks for the opinions. I did search, didn't find what I was looking for.
WW

[GaGrown]

Hey Washgal !
Merry Christmas! They make a bulb specifically for the digital ballast now.It's called Digilux.The next best lamp would be the Hortilux for all digitals. Check out the Phantom 1000 watter by Hydrofarm.:thumbsup:

[WashougalWonder]

Why the phantom over the galaxy?

[GaGrown]

IMO.. They waited until everyone had marketed ballasts. Then got top of the line components to build a better and more reliable product. Galaxy is a great ballast. I just think the hydrofarm would be a better company to deal with being they've been around for the duration. Have you seen the Phantom?

[pipefitter]

Hi Wash. I am not sure about the Galaxy but the Phantom is awsome. I recently bought one and am very happy. I have played with the dimmable options but just cannot find myself trying to give less light:wtf: I bought this on GAGROWN's recomendation and am very happy.

Magnetic is what I have used in the past which worked well, but, certainly not the same.

The Phantom digital one is not even close to the same as my old ,bulky, hot and loud units used in the past. Digital is just the oppposite... newer technology (I think) smaller, cooler and quiet. Not sure how long they will last??

When shopping I found the Digilux bulb... they are a little cheaper than the Hortilux, and apparently provide a more useful spectrum and even appear to be built stronger. But....I stayed with the Hortilux (tried and true)

[WashougalWonder]

Yes, I have looked at all of those, but they no not offer switchable to 400, 600, and 1000, they use higher amperages. Also, the Galaxy has lower power use. Apparently it has recently been redesigned.

Then, I got to comparing actual output compared to magnetic and things fall off. Did you notice that? Do bulbs keep their intensity longer like many claim?

I want to reduce either with bulb or dimming early output, I don't need to put 1000 watts on one plant .... yet..... I expect I will need it for the Thai. That also frees up a magnetic switchable 400 ballast that I can use blue spectrum on a day by day basis by switching bulbs in the flower room. I don't want to give as much blue, just a few days per week.

So. This is where I am headed. I just don't see what I want with the others yet. I can actually see ans touch the Galaxy and Lumitek at the store. If I am missing something, please tell me.

You sound like you really notice the heat difference and in summer that could mean the difference to running A/C or not.

[GaGrown]

Hey Washgal!
I got you some info that may help you decide.:thumbsup: You may have seen it already. I know where you can get one for 309.00 FREE shipping.;)

Phantom 1000W Digital Ballast, 120/240v Dimmable
SKU: PHE1THD
Weight: 16.4 lbs.
Package Dimensions: 14.5L x 9.8W x 3.8H
Suggested Retail: $399.95


Hydrofarm's Phantom Digital Ballast arrives on the market as the most rigorously tested ballast in the industry. The Phantom features silent operation, lightweight design, multiple placement options and the maximum lumen output around. We listened to your needs and learned. Now you can reap the benefit with this durable, premium digital ballast.

â?¢Tri-mode, push-button dimmable feature gives you the light you need in your specific growing situation.
â?¢Hot re-strike programming protects the lamp in the event of a power outage
â?¢Tested for compatibility with most brands of high intensity grow lamps
â?¢Dual resettable breakers - protects lamp and household circuits
â?¢Only ballast on the market designed for vertical operation for coolest running and optimum grow space
â?¢Drives the highest light output for maximum plant growth
â?¢Universal reflector adaptor and 8 ft heavy duty cord included
â?¢Unlike magnetic ballast, Phantom runs completely silent
â?¢Patented lock & seal BAREF lamp cord installed
â?¢Internal RF protection
â?¢Triple surface aluminum fins - most efficient cooling in its class
â?¢Internal Resin coating protects components for long life

Related Items PHE1TH240 Phantom 1000W Digital Ballast, 240v
PHE600D Phantom 600W Digital Ballast, 120/240v Dimmable
BACD8 240 v power cord for 1000w Phantom ballast
BACD7 120v power cord for 1000w Phantom ballast


Additional Info Phantom Instructions 3100K
Phantom Specifications 56K



Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can the Phantom digital ballast operate different wattage lamps using the dimmability feature?
A: No, the Phantom dimmable feature is not made to allow different operation of multiple wattages. A 1000w ballast should only operate 1000w lamps, 600w models with 600w lamps, etc.

Q: Which lamps are recommended for use in the Phantom digital ballast?
A: All lamp brands distributed by Hydrofarm are approved for use in the Phantom digital ballasts. Sun Pulse lamps are the preferred lamp brand for use in the Phantoms.

Q: I have a 1000W ballast, can I use a 400W or 600W bulb in it?
A: No, ballasts can only be used with bulbs that are of the same wattage rating. A 1000W ballast can only be used with a 1000W bulb, a 400W with a 400W, etc. *This does not apply to some of the newer dimmable electronic/digital models*

Q: Can an HPS ballast be used to power a metal halide bulb?
A: This is never recommended, the ballast and bulb type (wattage and operation) must match. Convertible ballasts, however, can be switched between MH and HPS modes. There is also the option of using a conversion bulb, this is a special type of bulb which allows an HPS ballast to operate a MH bulb or visa versa. *This does not apply to the Phantom digital mod

[WashougalWonder]

....
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can the Phantom digital ballast operate different wattage lamps using the dimmability feature?
A: No, the Phantom dimmable feature is not made to allow different operation of multiple wattages. A 1000w ballast should only operate 1000w lamps, 600w models with 600w lamps, etc. That is an issue as I have other 400 watt PS and plan on using it in all phases in a room for experimenting, thus I want to use lower wattage bulbs in themselves....and I already have them, waste not want not.

Q: Which lamps are recommended for use in the Phantom digital ballast?
A: All lamp brands distributed by Hydrofarm are approved for use in the Phantom digital ballasts. Sun Pulse lamps are the preferred lamp brand for use in the Phantoms.

Q: I have a 1000W ballast, can I use a 400W or 600W bulb in it?
A: No, ballasts can only be used with bulbs that are of the same wattage rating. A 1000W ballast can only be used with a 1000W bulb, a 400W with a 400W, etc. *This does not apply to some of the newer dimmable electronic/digital models* See above

Q: Can an HPS ballast be used to power a metal halide bulb?
A: This is never recommended, the ballast and bulb type (wattage and operation) must match. Convertible ballasts, however, can be switched between MH and HPS modes. There is also the option of using a conversion bulb, this is a special type of bulb which allows an HPS ballast to operate a MH bulb or visa versa. *This does not apply to the Phantom digital modMy understanding is with any digital this makes no difference, please advise.
The Galaxy allows BOTH functions. Not set in my ways, looking for the most flexibility without Effing up. Price is not the issue as they are all about the same price.

[GaGrown]

Are you saying that you can use a 400 watt bulb in a 1000 watt galaxy ballast? I may be confused as to what you want to accomplish,but I use a 1000 wat MH with the ballast in veg and use the dimmer in that phase of the plants life and full power at flowering. All this is with a 1000 watt bulb.You can't turn the ballast to low setting and put in a 400 or 600 watt lamp. Am I on the right track as to what your looking to do?

[stra8outtaWeed]

Nextgen makes the best ballasts in my opinion...it is the only one that is rated to run a 65 foot light cord :jointsmile:

i do know they make a 400/600 watt model...not sure about the 1000's if they make a switchable wattage model but the fact they can run 65' lamp cord tells me they are putting the juice to your bulb better than others if they can't spec a longer cord than 15' :thumbsup:

[WashougalWonder]

Are you saying that you can use a 400 watt bulb in a 1000 watt galaxy ballast? Yes if switched down or you can run a 600 at the 400 W.I may be confused as to what you want to accomplish,but I use a 1000 wat MH with the ballast in veg and use the dimmer in that phase of the plants life and full power at flowering. All this is with a 1000 watt bulb.Right, I want to do that.


You can't turn the ballast to low setting and put in a 400 or 600 watt lamp. Am I on the right track as to what your looking to do? well I want to do that too as well as use either HPS or MH at either wattage.

Understand ? Eventually I will probably just dim the 1000.

That brings up the question I forgot to ask. Does dimming that 1000 watt bulb have an increase/decrease of PAR life?

[GaGrown]

Understand ?

That won't happen! You'll just have to choose the wattage ballast that would suit you best. I know of no ballast with that capabillity. That would be AWESOME to be able to use what you have whenever you like. The 1000 watt bulb is what the dimmer operates. It does not hinder with the bulbs life taking into consideration your using a top grade lamp.

[GaGrown]

Here is a link that will answer alot of questions that one may have as to a final decision as to your purchase.

Digital Ballasts Explained | BGHydro (http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/static/articles/0506_digiballasts.asp)

[WashougalWonder]

I have read that link and did you notice the red printing in the beginning?
NOTE: The information in this article is now out of date. BGH highly recommends not using this information to base your decision on when choosing a new digital ballast. The most notable change is that the Galaxy ballasts have been redesigned. They are now almost identical to the Lumatek, but they are dual-voltage (120V/240V) and work with every lamp that BGH carries.

So you are saying the published information here about this ballast is not true?
Galaxy 1000W HPS/MH 120/240V Multi-Watt & Dimmable - Galaxy - Top Brands - Ballasts - Grow Lights & Equipment - Greners.com (http://www.greners.com/grow-lights/ballasts/brand/galaxy/galaxy-1000w-hps-mh-120-240v-multi-watt-and-dimmable.html)

I read it to do what I want. That is the only one I have found that says this, otherwise they are all the same.

[GaGrown]

I have read that link and did you notice the red printing in the beginning?

So you are saying the published information here about this ballast is not true?
Galaxy 1000W HPS/MH 120/240V Multi-Watt & Dimmable - Galaxy - Top Brands - Ballasts - Grow Lights & Equipment - Greners.com (http://www.greners.com/grow-lights/ballasts/brand/galaxy/galaxy-1000w-hps-mh-120-240v-multi-watt-and-dimmable.html)

I read it to do what I want. That is the only one I have found that says this, otherwise they are all the same.

What that says is that the lamps they sell will work with that particular ballast not that any lamp will work in any ballast.Right?

[pipefitter]

I really know nothing of the Galaxy with regard to owning one,so can not speak on it with experience. Sounds like it may be the option for you. They actually seem very similar. Warranty may be better on the phantom (5year vs 3 year on the galaxy)


Im thinking though, that maybe if you were to go with say the Phantom... You would get the HPS-MH option, however, a conversion bulb will not allow you to change without changing the bulb. Two bulbs would be needed. A conversion bulb with a switchable ballast and dimmer would be very nice. Phantom 1000 ballast has the option to reduce power but not specify MH or HPS. I think switchable magnetics do though?

To reduce the output should not be problem due to the fact that you have the dimmer option. There are three outputs, Low-Med-High and that they are like a 1000-750-600. I say this because that ballast's printing on the side of it say 100% 75% and 60%. I dont know if that transaltes to 1000w 750w 600w. And...Im not too sure how the draw changes though. I would imagine less light means less heat and amp draw, but I'm no electrician.

I think that with any 1000w in a fairly small space an AC will be required in the summer. Not 100% sure but where I live it's probably the case. Probably has a lot to do with the temp around the space. Im sure you are more than well aware of that though. You probably are a more up to speed on the technicals but just thought I would add my 2cents.

Anyway Im kinda rambing....

[WashougalWonder]

In the words of the distributor.


Meet the Sun System Galaxy electronic ballast.

This state-of-the-art ballast is manufactured to provide todayâ??s serious grower with maximum flexibility & performance. The Galaxyâ?¢ Select-a-Wattâ?¢ is different than any other â??dimmableâ?� electronic ballast on the market. The Galaxyâ?¢ brand name carries a strong reputation of reliability and performance. There are three ways to use the Select-a-Wattâ?¢ feature:

â?¢ It will properly drive a 400, 600 or 1000 watt lamp to ANSI specifications. For example: Set the switch to 400 watts, insert a 400 watt lamp into your socket and the ballast will operate the 400 watt lamp. The ballast will similarly operate 600 or 1000 watt lamps.

â?¢ The second option for this ballast is dimming a 1000 watt lamp. Adjust the switch to 400 or 600 watts and the ballast will dim the 1000 watt lamp by 40 or 60%.

â?¢ The Turbo Charge feature will increase the output of a 1000 watt lamp (only) by approximately 10%. You will achieve peak performance, but this may decrease your lamp life.

Lamps are only dimmable on wattages lower than the specified lamp wattage. A 1000 watt lamp can be dimmed down to 600 watt or 400 watt. A 600 watt lamp can be dimmed down to 400 watt, but cannot be over-driven to 1000 watts.

Turbo Charge is designed for 1000 watt lamps only. Do not use with 400 watt or 600 watt lamps. This can be hazardous.

Multi-Watt: 1000W, 600W, 400W
Dimmable

What I gather is this is the ONLY digital ballast that does all this.

[pipefitter]

It's funny cause I almost pasted all that info but thought it would mess with my sales tactic in trying to push the Phantom.:) Seriously thought, sounds like a good option. One question though. Can you use a HPS or MH with the select a watt? Im pretty sure with the Phantom you can.

[GaGrown]

Say it ain't so! If they claim that then that is what I would go with! I'm happy with my purchase.. Wondering which lamp you will use full time? That's great that the ballast does that,for sure. Your gonna want to use all those wattage lamps,too.Esspecially when you have them on hand.The expense when the lamps play-out could get high. See how we get things done around here? Hepling one another! I'm gonna look at this ballast spec and see where the difference or advantage would be..:jointsmile::stoned:



Peace My Sista!

[WashougalWonder]

One question though. Can you use a HPS or MH with the select a watt? Im pretty sure with the Phantom you can.

My understanding is that digital ballasts figure out on their own which bulb they are firing and utilize just the right amount of electricity in the proper manner to achieve the end result.

Ok so we are all on the same page on this now. I gather everyone votes on the galaxy.

I think I will go to the grow store today, spend my xmas present from my Dad with some (hidden from the wife) stash cash. I still have questions about bulb types to use, but the store will help me on that one, they have a kid in there that really knows the various bulbs.

[WashougalWonder]

Couple things to know that are not published.

Wait 5 minutes between any switching so the ballast resets itself.
Bulb apparently burns significantly brighter if run on 220V and ballast is more efficient .... I don't see how, but, that is what I was told. Either way you bring in 220v and it gets split to 110.

Going to run it for now on 110 until I can wire up for 220, time for subpanel.

[WashougalWonder]

hortilux 1000 was the suggested. Fine with me, I love it.

[tikiroom]

General rule of thumb of electricity. If you double the voltage and the resistance (or load) stays the same, then you also double the amperage. Maybe this is why it's more efficient at 220v.

[GaGrown]

General rule of thumb of electricity. If you double the voltage and the resistance (or load) stays the same, then you also double the amperage. Maybe this is why it's more efficient at 220v.

The only advantage of 220 is that it's running amps are lower and saves a little,but not much. Watt load will be the same as 110.

[oldmac]

General rule of thumb of electricity. If you double the voltage and the resistance (or load) stays the same, then you also double the amperage. Maybe this is why it's more efficient at 220v.

You need to check this Tiki.....

....where I live if you double the voltage and the resistance (or load) stays the same you wind up with half the amperage.:)

But it is correct that most items, like electric motors, are more efficent at 220v versus 110v.

OM

[GaGrown]

I have read that link and did you notice the red printing in the beginning?

So you are saying the published information here about this ballast is not true?
Galaxy 1000W HPS/MH 120/240V Multi-Watt & Dimmable - Galaxy - Top Brands - Ballasts - Grow Lights & Equipment - Greners.com (http://www.greners.com/grow-lights/ballasts/brand/galaxy/galaxy-1000w-hps-mh-120-240v-multi-watt-and-dimmable.html)

I read it to do what I want. That is the only one I have found that says this, otherwise they are all the same.

I think that you can only use a lamp like 400/600/1000/turbo. The 400 switch will only run a 400 watt lamp.You won't be able to dim the 400 or 600,just the 1000 and turbo boost with the 1000 watt only. Another good thing about that ballast is that it's generator ready.. Much like the Phantom,it does that too. You have 3 settings that will dim a 1000 watter, but only that watt lamp.

[MadSativa]

If you do your research lumateck is the best they were the first and have improved over the years, they are rated the top lumuen and efficentcy, and warrenty and lowest magnetic signiture. having had galaxey quantum and lumatek lumatek is by far the best. the newest ones coming out that are supposed to beat the lumatek is the Bad Ass. however for the price Lumatek is still the best in my opinion. BaddAss ballests are over $1000 I hear so that is just not bad ass enough to even try yet. the melon head hoods mabey. but I just dont like the fact that sunlight supply hasnet answerd the questions about posioning grow ops by usuing black, bluehose, and visqueen that off gasses casuing death to rooms.

[WashougalWonder]

GaGrown.
Nope, it will fire a 400 watter and a 1000 at 400. The only time I can use turbo boost is with a 1000 bulb.

MS....Lumatek does not do all of what the galaxy NOW does. Older versions may be different.

Well I got a sub panel in and it is running on 220, can't notice any visible difference, nor any temp difference. I do wonder if for a magnetic ballast if it would be more efficient for them also?

[oldmac]

Well I got a sub panel in and it is running on 220, can't notice any visible difference, nor any temp difference. I do wonder if for a magnetic ballast if it would be more efficient for them also?

Hey WW,

Almost any induction load is more efficent at 220v versus 110v, and that includes magnetic ballasts. Keep in mind that most of the efficency gained is durring start up, decreaseing the intial surge amperage.

OM

[WashougalWonder]

Thank you OM. More wiring.

[GaGrown]

After reading all the info on this ballast. I have made my mind up as to purchase one. Just for the lamp options it has. I'll still keep using my Phantom 1000 watter. The Phantom is one of the best I have ever owned! I have had several ballast in my days of growing,too. These seem to be the best 2 on the market!:thumbsup:

[MadSativa]

GaGrown.

MS....Lumatek does not do all of what the galaxy NOW does. Older versions may be different.



What does it all do? I sell these things at my work and lumatek came out with the dimmable close to 2 years ago, it is now that it is everywhere? Before you had to get what was on the shelf, or oder from lumatek. now you have to get a dimmable, they dont even make standard 1000W anymore?