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

WashougalWonder Reviewed by WashougalWonder on 12-25-2010. 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

[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: