Everyone must read this thread before using ANY fluros!!!!!!!

[bobbyhopefeild]

CFL`s can only be used on mechanical timers.

Using a digital timer interferes with the electronic ballast inside the base of the bulb. This is caused by a trickle current used by the timer which is fed into the bulb constantly even when off.

Its a component inside the ballast called a capacitor which causes the problems. A capacitor stores electrical charge and can be discharged rapidly ( camera flash ). When using a digital timer this trickle current begins to charge the capacitor and after a certain perioud will discharge suddenly making the lights flash on brightly for a moment.

This is not only damaging for the hormones of the plant which can cause a hermaphrodite to form but will also severly lower the bulbs lifetime.

The capacitor is an essential component in any cfl as it stores enough charge for the initial blast of power needed to start the bulbs. DONT REMOVE CAPACITOR !!!!


Basically only use mechanical timers when using any type of flouresent lights.


Hope this helps everyone out

Bobby hopefeild

 

[bobbyhopefeild]

ps this isnt a stoner myth, i study engineering and this is basic electrical principles
i just figured most people wouldn't know this knowlege even though its crucial for a healthy photoperiod and good bulb life
x

 

[riddleme]

Will add that this is not a stoner myth, I'm an electronics tech

what OP is saying is real

 

[Pipe Dream]

Never knew this but if it is just a quick flash of light I doubt it would have crazy adverse affects. I currently use a digital timer on my CFLs but it's for veg anyways.

 

[anonymuss]

gotcha, very educational. Until reading this thread, I had no idea ALL electricians grew weed.

 

[growone]

interesting, sounds possible
i'm surprised there's a trickle current coming out, some leakage through the circuit? or is it a design choice?
i do use a mechanical timer with my cfl's, they're simple, cheap, and they work

 

[anonymuss]

Never knew this but if it is just a quick flash of light I doubt it would have crazy adverse affects. I currently use a digital timer on my CFLs but it's for veg anyways.

r u serious? didnt u read the thread?? yer FUCKED buddy...

 

[sixstring2112]

Ok guys i'm buying the whole dig timer will break a cfl ballast, but i want to know more about the flash theory making hermies.

 

[growone]

Ok guys i'm buying the whole dig timer will break a cfl ballast, but i want to know more about the flash theory making hermies.

light during dark cycle isn't helpful
depends how often these strobes occur, some strains might not hermie
but i wouldn''t want it happening to my plants, sure wouldn't help anything

 

[autoflowa]

Ok guys i'm buying the whole dig timer will break a cfl ballast, but i want to know more about the flash theory making hermies.

lol ya really.. i grow with cfls but use myself as a timer lol, hey i grow autos