Galaxy Digital Ballast feedback???

[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 Reviewed by WashougalWonder on 12-28-2010. Galaxy Digital Ballast feedback??? 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 Rating: 5

[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

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.