Digital Electronic Remote Ballast worth the extra price??
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PurfectStorm
Well-Known Member
I've never used that brand, but I can assure you I am very satisfied with my digital 600w Lumatek ballast. If you dont already have a ballast, its a good investment, as you will be getting slightly more lumens per watt in a more efficient digital design.
I personally would go with a reputable manufacturer though, because if digital ballasts/cords arent properly RF protected you could deal issues with the rest of your electronics.
out.
PurfectStorm
I personally would go with a reputable manufacturer though, because if digital ballasts/cords arent properly RF protected you could deal issues with the rest of your electronics.
out.PurfectStorm
PurfectStorm
Well-Known Member
I think your best bet to snag a digital ballast on the real cheap would be craigslist. If not there just price check everything on ebay/ hydro wholesalers.
It depends on your grow. I just bought a new magnetic ballast, and I am putting off buying a digital until they are closer to magnetic prices. A 400w digital at best is going to save you a dollar or two a month. A good digital ballast will be about 100 more than a magnetic. The heat difference between digital and magnetic 400w is negligible if you have proper ventilation. If you don't have proper ventilation, the extra money you'd spend on a digital is better put towards that. 40 dollars can get you a stanley blower at walmart for instance which are good enough to keep a 2x4 closet running cool with a 600w HPS.
Here is a post I made about it:
https://www.rollitup.org/grow-room-design-setup/359183-magnetic-vs-digital-ballasts.html
Here is a post I made about it:
https://www.rollitup.org/grow-room-design-setup/359183-magnetic-vs-digital-ballasts.html
hellraizer30
Rebel From The North
fyi digital send off a signal that is tracable. think about digital wave lengths and a portable asiliscope. using a asiliscope you can pick up on airbourne digital
signals being sent out from your garden location THATS NOT GOOD i know im going to get alot of bad feedback on this but its true thought id share, its a ongoing
problem here in alaska with jonny law rolling around neighbor hood picking up the signal. then just droping by for no real reason but to get next to your house.
signals being sent out from your garden location THATS NOT GOOD i know im going to get alot of bad feedback on this but its true thought id share, its a ongoing
problem here in alaska with jonny law rolling around neighbor hood picking up the signal. then just droping by for no real reason but to get next to your house.
Kerovan
Well-Known Member
sounds like hogwash to me. I would worry more about the magnetic ballast putting out something that can be traced.
VICTORYGARDENSHYDRO
New Member
a switchable ballast from ca.p is fine if your looking to save a few bucks,$154 retail for a 600 watter and you could find it cheaper if you look. they have a line called valuline. I personaly prefer a quantum ballasts as I can hold my hand on it all day. less heat to deal with.
hellraizer30
Rebel From The North
09-25-2006, 10:54 AM
Ok so Ive recently purchased 4 1000watt futurebright digital ballasts. I got them as they seems like a good deal - the wave of the future yada yada yada. More light, less electricity its true...
Problem is they give off a very large amount of high frequency static or whatever you wanna call it. From what Ive gathered and I am in contact with the manufacturer, its coming from the arc in the bulb.
Im picking up large amounts of static (almost a DRUMMING SOUND) on all AM stations within 100 feet or so of my grow room. Complete insanity. Its also supposed to fuck with satelite TV. This is a giant problem.
Again I was not warned about this at time of purchase... I feel this is gross negligence on the part of the manufacturer and the store that I purchased from. I mean an electric bill is a problem but easily justifiable. This problem is like a signature - a neon sign pointing towards your grow room.
I may continue to use my ballasts as my property is far enuf from the road and neighbors to justify my doing so. Im just worried about the day the cops come to my house for some routine bullshit and start to pickup this static broadcast and wonder whats up. Its a decision Im gonna have to make.
This may end up costing me 2000$ +. Dont make this same mistake.
This should be stickied in all grow forum here IMO. Peace - Happy
Happy Gilmore
09-25-2006, 10:59 AM
This affects all digi ballasts even lumatek who supposedly took care of this problem. :rollseyes:
If you dont wanna take my word for it read this thread -
http://www.uk420.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=51082&st=10
Ninja
09-25-2006, 11:28 AM
damn bro...I think Id have to ebay them bitches off quickly, and buy some regular ballasts and be done with it.
il post more threads from other sites like rollitup to show this problem is not hogwash
Ok so Ive recently purchased 4 1000watt futurebright digital ballasts. I got them as they seems like a good deal - the wave of the future yada yada yada. More light, less electricity its true...
Problem is they give off a very large amount of high frequency static or whatever you wanna call it. From what Ive gathered and I am in contact with the manufacturer, its coming from the arc in the bulb.
Im picking up large amounts of static (almost a DRUMMING SOUND) on all AM stations within 100 feet or so of my grow room. Complete insanity. Its also supposed to fuck with satelite TV. This is a giant problem.
Again I was not warned about this at time of purchase... I feel this is gross negligence on the part of the manufacturer and the store that I purchased from. I mean an electric bill is a problem but easily justifiable. This problem is like a signature - a neon sign pointing towards your grow room.
I may continue to use my ballasts as my property is far enuf from the road and neighbors to justify my doing so. Im just worried about the day the cops come to my house for some routine bullshit and start to pickup this static broadcast and wonder whats up. Its a decision Im gonna have to make.
This may end up costing me 2000$ +. Dont make this same mistake.
This should be stickied in all grow forum here IMO. Peace - Happy
Happy Gilmore
09-25-2006, 10:59 AM
This affects all digi ballasts even lumatek who supposedly took care of this problem. :rollseyes:
If you dont wanna take my word for it read this thread -
http://www.uk420.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=51082&st=10
Ninja
09-25-2006, 11:28 AM
damn bro...I think Id have to ebay them bitches off quickly, and buy some regular ballasts and be done with it.
il post more threads from other sites like rollitup to show this problem is not hogwash
hellraizer30
Rebel From The North
Billygoat
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Everything helps. I'm guessing the foil acts as a blanket and shield the RF noise. Good idea.
Happy Holidays,
BG
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12-21-2009, 02:50 AM #52 (permalink) spanky
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Ok so im interested in quantum ballasts.I was wondering if good distance from neighbors will keep any rf interference from even happening?Like 150ft.Also does the ferrite choke help only the cable to ballast area?Also does anyone know if it will affect my fios cable and internet?Thanks
12-22-2009, 06:33 PM #53 (permalink) proteus
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I run lumatek ballasts, quite a few of them. there is RF and other issues that span about 20-30ft from the ballasts. I'm not sure, but also suspect them of interfering with comcast cable internet. I have had persistant problems with comcast ever since I started using Lumatek ballasts. Comcast continues to shut me off, and I have to call in to get turned back on, they say I am causing a "lot of noise" in their network and they can see this from their infastructure monitoring software.
they pretty much know who is growing pot with digital ballasts. fortunately, there aint shit they can do about it in my state. I've even had the comcast guy tell me to be careful(he was cool.), they know. If I was anywhere but the west coast, I would never use a digital, and as soon as I have a good reason I will be going back to core&coil magnetic ballasts.
why bother paitning or covering your equipment, seriously?
throw that shit away and get some magnetics.
12-30-2009, 04:50 PM #54 (permalink) spanky
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I emailed quantum about rfi but they never responded.Its been 2 weeks.They say their ballasts dont give out rfi,but according to people who have tried them,they still give out a rfi signal.I asked someone who is really into cb radios that can reach people all over the world,about ferrite chokes and the only thing they do are block out interference from an outside source.So if ur giving out rfi to ur neighbor,a ferrite choke will help his cable signal.At least this is what I was told.Just my 2.
12-30-2009, 05:04 PM #55 (permalink) FaderVader
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Thanks for the thread it was definitely worth the read !_!
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12-30-2009, 06:17 PM #56 (permalink) DrDanko
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So I've read every post in this section, and am wondering if we can get a review of things. Firstly let me say that I live in a state that's not legal, but I can say that any neighbor of mine that might have a problem with cable, would NEVER even think of something like a ballast causing the problem. I personally grow, but in past when I've had issues with internet(not running any lights at time), not even myself, a grower, thought about a neighbor of mine growing. Not sure that makes total sense, but I'm trying to gauge why, even if u have some slight RF issues, it would be a problem? Obviously you don't want un-invited people knocking on your door. But if the cable guy is the worst I'd see, I'm not very worried. I have a couple NextGen's that I'm gonna run this round but haven't tested yet. So I'm curious what are my main concerns if I DO have an RF problem? And how could I get into any legal trouble(short of letting someone into my place and them finding my room, which I probably wouldn't do anyway)? Seems like almost an irrational fear after reading all of this. If the fear is only that my neighbors or myself might have some internet or cable issues, then I'm not very worried at all. Obviously if you drop hundreds on equipment that you can't use, that would suck. Maybe I'm reading this from the wrong point of view, but it seemed like the thread was warning that if others are interfered with, I might run into trouble with the law? And lastly, can someone explain again the frequencies that are probably ok, and the ones that I might have to worry about? Thx everyone, good info. Just trying to make sense of all of it.
12-31-2009, 04:33 AM #57 (permalink) R1ridah
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quick solution
You can just build a custom farraday cage. Not too difficult at all. Other than that you can purchase "chokes, capacitors" that are installed on the cord themselves at both ends to limit the rf seepage. I fancy the first solution.
not to go off topic... but whats wrong with the mag?
01-01-2010, 02:32 AM #58 (permalink) InvisibleM
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Originally Posted by R1ridah
Last edited by InvisibleM; 01-01-2010 at 02:41 AM.
01-01-2010, 02:38 AM #59 (permalink) InvisibleM
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Originally Posted by proteus
i could pull up stuff of this topic all day but my intent is to help others not bet busted becouse of this like other friends I know that have just a FYI
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Everything helps. I'm guessing the foil acts as a blanket and shield the RF noise. Good idea.
Happy Holidays,
BG
__________________
Proposition 215, No more percocet pain pills for me. Thank you Cali voters.
BG
Junior Farmer
Join Date: Aug 2009
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Ok so im interested in quantum ballasts.I was wondering if good distance from neighbors will keep any rf interference from even happening?Like 150ft.Also does the ferrite choke help only the cable to ballast area?Also does anyone know if it will affect my fios cable and internet?Thanks
Junior Farmer
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 22
proteus's Gallery
I run lumatek ballasts, quite a few of them. there is RF and other issues that span about 20-30ft from the ballasts. I'm not sure, but also suspect them of interfering with comcast cable internet. I have had persistant problems with comcast ever since I started using Lumatek ballasts. Comcast continues to shut me off, and I have to call in to get turned back on, they say I am causing a "lot of noise" in their network and they can see this from their infastructure monitoring software.
they pretty much know who is growing pot with digital ballasts. fortunately, there aint shit they can do about it in my state. I've even had the comcast guy tell me to be careful(he was cool.), they know. If I was anywhere but the west coast, I would never use a digital, and as soon as I have a good reason I will be going back to core&coil magnetic ballasts.
why bother paitning or covering your equipment, seriously?
throw that shit away and get some magnetics.
Junior Farmer
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 24
spanky's Gallery
I emailed quantum about rfi but they never responded.Its been 2 weeks.They say their ballasts dont give out rfi,but according to people who have tried them,they still give out a rfi signal.I asked someone who is really into cb radios that can reach people all over the world,about ferrite chokes and the only thing they do are block out interference from an outside source.So if ur giving out rfi to ur neighbor,a ferrite choke will help his cable signal.At least this is what I was told.Just my 2.
Farmer
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Location: ♥ So Cal ♥
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Thanks for the thread it was definitely worth the read !_!
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So I've read every post in this section, and am wondering if we can get a review of things. Firstly let me say that I live in a state that's not legal, but I can say that any neighbor of mine that might have a problem with cable, would NEVER even think of something like a ballast causing the problem. I personally grow, but in past when I've had issues with internet(not running any lights at time), not even myself, a grower, thought about a neighbor of mine growing. Not sure that makes total sense, but I'm trying to gauge why, even if u have some slight RF issues, it would be a problem? Obviously you don't want un-invited people knocking on your door. But if the cable guy is the worst I'd see, I'm not very worried. I have a couple NextGen's that I'm gonna run this round but haven't tested yet. So I'm curious what are my main concerns if I DO have an RF problem? And how could I get into any legal trouble(short of letting someone into my place and them finding my room, which I probably wouldn't do anyway)? Seems like almost an irrational fear after reading all of this. If the fear is only that my neighbors or myself might have some internet or cable issues, then I'm not very worried at all. Obviously if you drop hundreds on equipment that you can't use, that would suck. Maybe I'm reading this from the wrong point of view, but it seemed like the thread was warning that if others are interfered with, I might run into trouble with the law? And lastly, can someone explain again the frequencies that are probably ok, and the ones that I might have to worry about? Thx everyone, good info. Just trying to make sense of all of it.
Junior Farmer
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 24
R1ridah's Gallery
You can just build a custom farraday cage. Not too difficult at all. Other than that you can purchase "chokes, capacitors" that are installed on the cord themselves at both ends to limit the rf seepage. I fancy the first solution.
not to go off topic... but whats wrong with the mag?
Senior Farmer
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Originally Posted by R1ridah
You can just build a custom farraday cage. Not too difficult at all. Other than that you can purchase "chokes, capacitors" that are installed on the cord themselves at both ends to limit the rf seepage. I fancy the first solution.
not to go off topic... but whats wrong with the mag?
And if the rf is coming off of your hood and bulb and cord then not so easy....not to go off topic... but whats wrong with the mag?
Last edited by InvisibleM; 01-01-2010 at 02:41 AM.
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Originally Posted by proteus
I run lumatek ballasts, quite a few of them. there is RF and other issues that span about 20-30ft from the ballasts. I'm not sure, but also suspect them of interfering with comcast cable internet. I have had persistant problems with comcast ever since I started using Lumatek ballasts. Comcast continues to shut me off, and I have to call in to get turned back on, they say I am causing a "lot of noise" in their network and they can see this from their infastructure monitoring software.
they pretty much know who is growing pot with digital ballasts. fortunately, there aint shit they can do about it in my state. I've even had the comcast guy tell me to be careful(he was cool.), they know. If I was anywhere but the west coast, I would never use a digital, and as soon as I have a good reason I will be going back to core&coil magnetic ballasts.
why bother paitning or covering your equipment, seriously?
throw that shit away and get some magnetics.
That's probably what I have to do, unless a different brand doesn't have the problem...they pretty much know who is growing pot with digital ballasts. fortunately, there aint shit they can do about it in my state. I've even had the comcast guy tell me to be careful(he was cool.), they know. If I was anywhere but the west coast, I would never use a digital, and as soon as I have a good reason I will be going back to core&coil magnetic ballasts.
why bother paitning or covering your equipment, seriously?
throw that shit away and get some magnetics.
i could pull up stuff of this topic all day but my intent is to help others not bet busted becouse of this like other friends I know that have just a FYI
hellraizer30
Rebel From The North
lol ya i didnt even look at the date but i wasnt the one to drag this from the depths of time, but even so was just trying to get my point across about digital system
Ronjohn7779
Well-Known Member
Spend a bit extra and get a good digital ballast by lumatek, quantum, or galaxy. Lumateks have no moving parts so in theory they should last the longest. Most other digital ballasts are built kind of crappy or are parted together from various manufactures in china.
mistaphuck
Well-Known Member
thats dumb, police here are not looking for that shit, its not illegal to have grow lights, that is not reasonable cause, nor is anything they could possibly find by getting close to your residence, read up on our state laws!
digital ballasts have less heat output, are more energy efficient and MOST of all they do not make that irritating ass buzzing sound, I am very satisfied with my digital ballast and would highly recommend them.
hellraizer30
Rebel From The North
i know my stats laws and yes they do use RFI output from digital to track down growers sorry if you think its dumb but its the truth, ive got friends that have had first hand experence with the problems from those system i my self owned a couple of lumatek ballasts and i went back to old school ones. also RFI will disrupt the reading
from ec and tds pens you will get false readings.
from ec and tds pens you will get false readings.
mistaphuck
Well-Known Member
that's only if it is a digital conversion ballast.
mistaphuck
Well-Known Member
I assure you that even if police did get a hold of a rf signal from your grow they could not use that as basis for entering your home, nor could they enter based on smell, these are not considered for probable cause under the alaska right to privacy act, these light systems are commercially available, anyone can get them. that would be like busting a pothead for having a lighter.