Understand ? Eventually I will probably just dim the 1000.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaGrown
That brings up the question I forgot to ask. Does dimming that 1000 watt bulb have an increase/decrease of PAR life?
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Understand ? Eventually I will probably just dim the 1000.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaGrown
That brings up the question I forgot to ask. Does dimming that 1000 watt bulb have an increase/decrease of PAR life?
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by WashougalWonder
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
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?Quote:
NOTE: The information in this article is now out of date.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.
Galaxy 1000W HPS/MH 120/240V Multi-Watt & Dimmable - Galaxy - Top Brands - Ballasts - Grow Lights & Equipment - Greners.com
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by WashougalWonder
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....
In the words of the distributor.
What I gather is this is the ONLY digital ballast that does all this.Quote:
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
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.
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!
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by pipefitter
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.