Bought New TechOne 600w HPS Ballast, I was told it was digital. How can I tell?

[Baylis]

I just bought a new Shenzen TechOne 600w HPS / MH ( Digital Ballast ). Does anyone use or know about these? How can you tell its digital and not Electronic? What should under the ballast housing look like? This ballast supposed to run both MH & HPS bulbs, can anyone tell me if that is correct? The Ballast nameplate is brief: Model:HPS-600W Rated V:100-268 Freq.50/60Hz Current:2.38-6.4A PF:0.99 Tc:75C. Does this sound like a good ballast?

 

[cruzer101]

Digital Electronic Ballast (HPS-600W-HSN) Product Group: Street and Industrial Lighting
Product Description
HID HPS Digital Electronic Ballast for 600W High Pressure Sodium Lamp
Voltage input range: 100Vac~268Vac
Rating V. In: 120/240Vac
Input frequency: 50Hz~60Hz
Power factor: >0.99
Efficiency: 95 %( Max)
THD: <10%
Output power: 600W
Current crest factor: <1.5
Output frequency: >30K Hz

Protection of short circuit: Available
Protection of open circuit: Available
Protection of ignition failure: Available
Protection of thermal: Available
Protection of end of lamp life: Available

Weight: 2.6kg/5.73lb
Max. Lamp distance from ballast: 15m/49ft
Operating temperature range: -30º C~+50º C
Dimension (L X W X H): 350X108X79 (mm)/ 13.780X4.252X3.110 (inch)
Max case temperature (T C): 90º C
Safety and regulation: IEC61347
EMC: EN55015
​

 

[Baylis]

Digital Electronic Ballast (HPS-600W-HSN) Product Group: Street and Industrial Lighting
Product Description
HID HPS Digital Electronic Ballast for 600W High Pressure Sodium Lamp
Voltage input range: 100Vac~268Vac
Rating V. In: 120/240Vac
Input frequency: 50Hz~60Hz
Power factor: >0.99
Efficiency: 95 %( Max)
THD: <10%
Output power: 600W
Current crest factor: <1.5
Output frequency: >30K Hz

Protection of short circuit: Available
Protection of open circuit: Available
Protection of ignition failure: Available
Protection of thermal: Available
Protection of end of lamp life: Available

Weight: 2.6kg/5.73lb
Max. Lamp distance from ballast: 15m/49ft
Operating temperature range: -30º C~+50º C
Dimension (L X W X H): 350X108X79 (mm)/ 13.780X4.252X3.110 (inch)
Max case temperature (T C): 90º C
Safety and regulation: IEC61347
EMC: EN55015
​

Thanks for the additional info. For Street and Industrial Lighting , that does not sound good for a grow room. Is this ballast ideal for growing? Of course I want the best equipment at the best price. I bought some ( Hawaiian Skunk, Hawaiian Snow, G13 Haze, Wounder Woman & AK-48 Recently and am looking foward to geting started. But I am nervous on my selection of ballast for this. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Baylis]

Thanks for the imput. Strret & industrial Lighting does not sound promicing for a grow room. The ballast should be for Horticultre, Right? I want to make sure im not sacrificing any yeild not using the proper equipment. Thanks again

 

[cruzer101]

Its the bulb that counts, not the ballast. I would use that in a heartbeat.

 

[Exertion]

Its easy to know if its Digital or Magnetized.. if theres no magnet located on the ballast assembly then its Digital.. The Digital ones tend to much lighter then the magnetized ballast as well

 

[AeroKing]

Its easy to know if its Digital or Magnetized.. if theres no magnet located on the ballast assembly then its Digital.. The Digital ones tend to much lighter then the magnetized ballast as well

I think the OP is wondering if it's Digital or Electronic...
I've recently just found out myself that not all electronic ballasts are digital ballasts...

 

[Baylis]

Thanks again for all your help. I fired it up today. Wow the ballast runs cool! But the bulb gets soo hot. I am over all pleased with this setup. I would really like to get a second ballast though, a 400w hps/mh , any suggestions on the best 400w digital ballast? I also heard that all electronic are not digital ballast, It makes me nervous to purchase when im not sure what inside the ballast housing should look like for a digital, any one have any pics to share?... Thanks

 

[Picasso345]

I couldn't be happier with my 400W Lumatek Digital ballast. It runs hot to the touch, but I keep it outside my cab. Getting ready to start grow #5 and not a hiccup out of it.

 

[Picasso345]

And here is a bit about the digital vs electronic ballast. I'm not sure how much is hyperbole and how much is fact.

Electronic ballasts are not the same as Digital Ballasts. Both ballasts share similar components but the electronic ballast does not have a brain. The electronic ballasts, Future Brite, Lumatek (the list goes on) regulate output voltage and current based upon fixed parameters, where the digital ballasts such as the Life Light Technologies Solar E-Ballast has a microprocessor that controls the output to the bulb. The Digital ballasts also communicate with the bulbs and report their health, a feature the electronic ballasts wish they had.

So what difference does a microprocessor make? It makes a fair amount of difference. Digital ballasts won't attempt to light a bulb if it senses a failure. Digital ballasts are continually monitoring and checking the input and output voltage and current to maximize bulb life, color and illumination (brightness).

I hope this clears up the difference between Digital Ballasts and Electronic ballasts. Digital Ballasts are electronic ballasts on steroids. And the difference can be seen!

http://www.hhydro.com/cgi-bin/hhydro/ELECTRONIC_BALLAST.html

 

[Baylis]

Thanks for the info, I hear alot of good things about Lumatek Ballasts. Is your 400w infact digital? I will proboly wait untill im done with the 6 I got going now and grab a nice digital for the next season, and with the 600 and the 400W I would like to try 10-14 plants the next time. I really appriciate all the good help. Thanks

 

[Picasso345]

Thanks for the info, I hear alot of good things about Lumatek Ballasts. Is your 400w infact digital? I will proboly wait untill im done with the 6 I got going now and grab a nice digital for the next season, and with the 600 and the 400W I would like to try 10-14 plants the next time. I really appriciate all the good help. Thanks

You betcha. Digital.


Lumatek™ digital ballasts are the most advanced lighting solution for today’s indoor gardeners. Small, compact and completely silent, these ballasts are able to deliver up to 20% more lumens while using less electricity than standard magnetic ballasts. Unlike magnetic ballasts which over time become louder, produce less light, emit more heat and use more electricity, Lumatek™ digital ballasts maintain their efficiency throughout their life span.
Lumatek™ Features:

• More lumens - up to a 20% increase
• Dedicated Voltage - dual voltage ballasts sacrifice performance
• Enhanced Bulb Compatibility - works with all major brands of lamps
• Silent - the days of humming and buzzing are long gone
• Internal RF Shielding - best on the market
• Ultra Light Weight - only 8 pounds
• Soft Start - increases lamp life and lumen depreciation
• External Fuse System - protects against power surges

Lumatek™ digital ballasts feature the best warranty in the industry - 5 years!



http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HLBADILT04120&eq=&Tp=

 

[Baylis]

I think I will go with the Lumatek. What bulb do you use? I got two 1 HPS 600w & 1 MH 600. I think they are Philips CERAMALUX, at 90,000 lumens on the HPS and I think only like 57,000 or so on the MH. Id like to get a SunMaster or Hortilux or something. I got some strains that ive never grew before, do you have any experience growing or smoking any of these: Hawaiian Skunk, Hawaiian Snow, Wonder Woman, G13 Haze & AK-48. I can't wait to try them. I really enjoy Sativa Highs like Kali Mist, one of my favorite Sats. Thanks for your help....

 

[AeroKing]

Did you check out the quantum dimmable ballast on Ebay for $250? I think that's the way to go.