Advanced Lighting Techniques

I recently performed a lighting experiment with some Dianthus, slowly bringing up light intensity over a 20-minute period of time at the beginning of the 18-hour cycle and then decreasing the intensity slowly over another 20-minute period of time, just before the 6-hour night cycle.

The results have been interesting and I now want to incorporate this protocol into my grow. I have a relatively 'Hands-Off' hydroponic system controlled by an Arduino (temp, air/water flow, nuts, DO, pH, etc). Basically a science experiment that has gone a tad overboard. I currently use 4 - 600w HPS/MH compatible ballasts with Mogul sockets.

I am looking for a digitally-controlled ballast with variable lighting control. It would be great if it would interface with my system so I could program this dawn/dusk period.

I am hoping someone out there has already thought of this or knows of a product already being built. Otherwise I am going to have to build one from scratch.

all the new double ended units have cloud and other devices that allow full control like you are looking for.
here is gavitas
http://www.gavita-holland.com/index.php/products/master-controllers/master-controller-el1.html

Heard goodthings about de's i myself use magnetic technology

Don't get me wrong, the DE technology is great. Unfortunately my grow does not use reflectors, at all. I need to hang my bulbs unobstructed. I do not believe this device will work with my application.