Such thing as digital ballasts?

[Purplecheeser]

Are these real? Like you can dim them down to 250w then to 500 or 600w when they get bigger?

If so has anyone used them with great results?

 

[FileError404]

Yeah, they're real

Lumatek, Quantum had them for years, Hydrofarm and Sun System have em too, now. There are dimmable models or just str8 up for each wattage. Just saw some with "Overdrive" switch...puts your ballast on 11
They're much lighter, quiet but more expensive. I'm still using magnetics, so no 1st hand experience. But I've seen the and was amazed how small and light they were.

 

[Purplecheeser]

yea im just stoked you can keep a 1000w set up in a tent and just crank it brighter like every week or so. Very conveinient

 

[FuZZyBUDz]

 

[Purplecheeser]

what site did you get that from?

 

[SickSadLittleWorld]

what site did you get that from?

I got my 600w at cheaphydroponics.com. Haven't been able to find a better price anywhere.

 

[Purplecheeser]

Ok thanks. Some lumatek ballasts can dim to 1100w. wouldnt that be compatible with a 1000w bulb?

 

[FuZZyBUDz]

Well, as fer the dimmer, i DONT recommend using it with out a digital bulb, fer 1 it wears the hours out of reg HPS and MH bulbs (and u CANT use CMH bulbs on the digitals) like crazy! and fer 2 the ballist NEEDS to start on the set wattage its suppose to be (400, 600, 1000). i LOVE my ballist, saves money on the bill, and it doesnt get to hott at all. but there r sum restictions on it.

PS got mines at a hydro shop around the area i live.

 

[Sleepy79]

Ok thanks. Some lumatek ballasts can dim to 1100w. wouldnt that be compatible with a 1000w bulb?

It is not really dimming, that is the super lumens feature, you add another 10%. You have to use a HPS if you plan on using the adjusting switch.
Also if you want to dim a 1000w bulb to 600w it is best to buy a 600w bulb.