Digitals vs magnetic. Test results.

[Deleted member cpr]

Hi peop's

I've just switched out my 40 year old tech for 20 year old tech. That's right I've bitten the bullet and invested in some 600w HPS digital ballasts to replace my old magnetic 600w HPS's. The idea was to get more light with less power.

Being a twat, i tested the new ballasts against the old ballasts with the same globes with the lux meter.

Basic results (tested at same spot in canopy)

Magnetics = 60k lux
Digitals = 60k lux

Hmmmm. Both the digital and magnetic ballasts state that they run at 3 amps at 240v.

As I see it there is no real gain, but my globes are sun masters, not special digital ones and they are currently doing their last run before I switch them out.

Just sharing stuff.

Any thoughts

Old



New


Local shop didn't have 4 the same lol

 

[Sedge]

Be interesting to see a difference with a better globe.

 

[Porky]

Fuck that first pic looks like something from the 50s.
Still working but. Goes to show things used to be made to last not this planned obsolescence all the cunts do these days.

 

[Deleted member DC01]

I've gone back to the magnetic ballast, at least they work every time ya turn them on

 

[Deleted member cpr]

Be interesting to see a difference with a better globe.

Im going to test that too, in a few weeks.

 

[Billygoat]

Interesting. Never seen that style mag ballast before! I got rid of mine when i discovered one of them had melted the plastic plug and was close to starting a fire... but agree with Pedro they are more reliable.

I cannot actually remember which it was, but my lucius kept cutting out. only noticed as there was no glow coming from under the door at lights on. digital ballast shuts down when it gets too hot or detects too much draw (one of those reasons)... The old mag ballast never stops!

Probably a good thing having a few different brands, you can see which is most reliable over time.

Have you decided which bulbs you are going to change to?

 

[Deleted member cpr]

Ive got these. I'll switch them next run.

 

[Billygoat]

Nice, not heard anything bad about Gavitas... When's the next run start?

 

[Deleted member cpr]

Nice, not heard anything bad about Gavitas... When's the next run start?

About 5 weeks away, I think.

 

[thedrunk]

How high does your Lux meter go? Some sensors max out at 64k

 

[Deleted member cpr]

I'm not sure @thedrunk but I've measured much higher readings than that with it. Good thinking though.

 

[thedrunk]

I'm not sure @thedrunk but I've measured much higher readings than that with it. Good thinking though.

arhh that's fine then

 

[Gazza]

dont all mag ballasts have an internal fuse, both mine do?

 

[Deleted member cpr]

IDK @Gazza The ones i posted were ultra budget units from hydro experts.

Here's a though. Don't mag ballasts use heaps of amps on startup, whereas digitals soft start, means you can run more ballasts on one circuit without tripping fuses. That's gotta be beneficial.

 

[Gazza]

@Cooper, very good point never thought about the start up, luckily my 400w is a didgi and the 600 is magnetic.
Think ill go a digi hi-par next ballast.

 

[Gazza]

Jesus coop, how many lights u running?

 

[Deleted member cpr]

Errr, most of them are spares

 

[Defsnotacop]

What are those gavitas lamps worth? I'll be upgrading my globe after this next run. I have a growlush now.

Nanolux digital ballast for 600w.

 

[Deleted member cpr]

What are those gavitas lamps worth? I'll be upgrading my globe after this next run. I have a growlush now.

Nanolux digital ballast for 600w.

The local slugged me $100 each. Hydro experts have them for 70ish

 

[Deleted member cpr]

Pics are much better with the digitals, don't get that stripey look when the globes are on. Shit pic but serves as an example.