Using the dimmer

[Rahz]

I'm curious what people want/like/expect from their lamps. I haven't included a dimming knob because I wouldn't use them myself but have been playing around with incorporating them into the Tasty lamps. If I do add a knob the switch will remain so the current strategy of high/low will remain... dim to the level you like, use the switch to flip between high and low.

All opinions are appreciated, most curious to hear from those who have a dimming knob and whether it gets any use or not.

 

[VegasWinner]

I use my dimming knob for veg more so5than bloom. Peace

 

[JorgeGonzales]

I'm curious what people want/like/expect from their lamps. I haven't included a dimming knob because I wouldn't use them myself but have been playing around with incorporating them into the Tasty lamps. If I do add a knob the switch will remain so the current strategy of high/low will remain... dim to the level you like, use the switch to flip between high and low.

All opinions are appreciated, most curious to hear from those who have a dimming knob and whether it gets any use or not.

I built a switch...unless you include a display a knob doesn't seem particularly useful.

Editing to add: without some sort of feedback like PAR or watt meter.

 

[ichabod crane]

It is less than $10 per driver. That is cheap if you need it when it is hot or your plants cant take that much light.

 

[Atulip]

A knob fits everyone's needs. And is there any benefit to running drivers 100% all the time besides that extra 1% efficiency? Just sell the 2100s and people could dim to 1750/1400 if they wanted those wattage options.

 

[Airwalker16]

Quick question rahz, T4-2100. Using the 320-2100 for this, right?

 

[Rahz]

A knob fits everyone's needs. And is there any benefit to running drivers 100% all the time besides that extra 1% efficiency? Just sell the 2100s and people could dim to 1750/1400 if they wanted those wattage options.

That's basically what I'm up to. I'll continue to do custom work, T6-1400 and T5-1750s for example are possible now. I still get some interest in the T4-1750. Slightly more efficient and $40 less, so if it fits someones needs I'll build it.

Anyway, seems the knobs have spoken. Having a knob and a switch will satisfy everyone.

 

[Rahz]

Quick question rahz, T4-2100. Using the 320-2100 for this, right?

Yes, exactly.

 

[IFARTED]

i like the knob. I know many like the switch but you can probably get close just guessing where 50% would be or 75% etc..

 

[ichabod crane]

If you are going to sell them just offer it as a option.

 

[Airwalker16]

Rahz, just have stickers printed that can go behind your knob that show power levels.

 

[Rahz]

If you are going to sell them just offer it as a option.

I've thought about that, but if the poll is any indication most people would be requesting them anyway. I don't mind doing custom builds but it's better to do a batch of lamps from start to finish and box them all up.

 

[sixstring2112]

I chose dimming on my drivers because using hps i get into situations when my plants get too tall and i have to bend colas and dim ballasts.i just figure sooner or later i will want it with my new cob section. But as of now they are cranked up to ELEVEN lol.
Would be sweet to have a 2100ma that was labeled to a few # like 1750,1400,and 1050 so you kinda knew where you were when you used it.

 

[Atulip]

I chose dimming on my drivers because using hps i get into situations when my plants get too tall and i have to bend colas and dim ballasts.i just figure sooner or later i will want it with my new cob section. But as of now they are cranked up to ELEVEN lol.
Would be sweet to have a 2100ma that was labeled to a few # like 1750,1400,and 1050 so you kinda knew where you were when you used it.

Perfect. Then just keep the switch for open and call it "overdrive"

Maybe some cool racing stripes or something too?

 

[Mathematix]

Perfect. Then just keep the switch for open and call it "overdrive"

Maybe some cool racing stripes or something too?

flames, so it looks like its going faster

 

[tstick]

I haven't used the dimmer on my Timber Grow Lights light -but it's there. I do wish it was an indexed dimmer that had little "clicks" when it's turned. And then maybe some kind of corresponding marks that indicated the amount of power being used....like: 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%

 

[Rahz]

Dimmers with a single resistance element aren't that accurate and marks would mostly be eye candy. +-10% is a 20% spread. +-20% would be a 40% spread.

I think it was SDS provided an example of a rotary switching knob which used individual resistors for each setting, would get it down to +-1%... not sure that's in the cards though.

 

[hillbill]

I might prefer a knob but hi-low would be good enough. Knobs on my blue lumigrow gave spotty irregular performance. I would think things have progressed since. Reliability and function are tops at my house though.