Anybody use powerbox controller?

chronnie49 · Oct 27, 2015

Im looking at getting a powerbox combo controller but cant find a lot of reviews on them, and the reviews i do find are pretty mixed. A lot of people say they are made cheaply and arent reliable,others swear by them. Has anybody used this?

http://www.horticulturesource.com/product_info.php?products_id=11037&gclid=COLqm-Wm5MgCFVGCfgodgE8Cgw

Or if you know of another company that makes the same thing please let me know. Thanks.

FauxRoux · Oct 28, 2015

I have a few Sentinels.

http://www.greners.com/i/grow-lights/products/light-boxes-controllers/high-power-hid-controllers-4.html?PageSpeed=noscript

Ive had them for years and they have always done what I needed them to.

Here's the guts. Don't mid the electrical tape...I did that when I put a longer line on. Also the housing is SOLID and waterproof.

p.s. I just realized they are discontinued...but you might be able to find some or sentinel may make a newer 1

since1991 · Oct 28, 2015

Powerboxes are built well. Pricey but your paying for convenience. I know an elecrtician and he laughs when i tell him what growers pay for a simple electric relay junction with a trigger cord. But i dont make them myself. I bought mine at the hydro shops too. I think mine are autopilots. But same as blueprint, titan etc. The powerboxes are a step above those but its still a relay and maybe a timer or electric meter built in (gimmick ). A few growers i know use them. They allright

FauxRoux · Oct 28, 2015

I agree with since 1991....i bought mine used for $50 each for the convenience from someone who tried to fly before he could walk...they were practically brand new. Helpful when tripping on 10+ lights but not so much anymore.... Meh

since1991 · Oct 28, 2015

Yeah its on a board outside my room mounted with my subpanel ,ballasts , and master timers. Once set up and what not you wont pay much attention to any of it.

Aeroknow · Oct 28, 2015

since1991 said:
Powerboxes are built well. Pricey but your paying for convenience. I know an elecrtician and he laughs when i tell him what growers pay for a simple electric relay junction with a trigger cord. But i dont make them myself. I bought mine at the hydro shops too. I think mine are autopilots. But same as blueprint, titan etc. The powerboxes are a step above those but its still a relay and maybe a timer or electric meter built in (gimmick ). A few growers i know use them. They allright

I make my own :-)

chronnie49 · Oct 28, 2015

Thanks for the info guys i really appreciate it. Ill talk to an electrician friend and see if he will make one for me since hes already gonna hookup my electricity when i move.

Aeroknow · Oct 28, 2015

chronnie49 said:
Thanks for the info guys i really appreciate it. Ill talk to an electrician friend and see if he will make one for me since hes already gonna hookup my electricity when i move.

The contactor itself is like ten bucks. Enclosure $20ish. A few more bucks finishes it ;-)

chronnie49 · Oct 28, 2015

Aeroknow said:
The contactor itself is like ten bucks. Enclosure $20ish. A few more bucks finishes it

Thats awesome thanks. Im usually a diy kinda guy but i dont mess with electricity.

hotrodharley · Oct 28, 2015

Aeroknow said:
I make my own

https://www.hydroponics.net/learn/grow-light-controller.asp

"How to Build a Four Light Grow Light Controller for Less Than $80"

Not for you because you know how but for those like me and you that build everything we can.

"Warning: Electricity will kill you, it does not care if you cry "uncle", you could be barbecued in no time. If you don't understand how this works, don't do it." (from the website)

since1991 · Oct 28, 2015

Yup there super cheap to make yourself or have a pro buddy make for you. Usuually those electricians, HVAC, type dudes are stoners themselves so throw them a satchel now and then and you got a bro with a skill you can lean on!!!

chronnie49 · Oct 28, 2015

since1991 said:
Yup there super cheap to make yourself or have a pro buddy make for you. Usuually those electricians, HVAC, type dudes are stoners themselves so throw them a satchel now and then and you got a bro with a skill you can lean on!!!

He actually doesnt smoke, with 4 kids and a wife he probably should though haha. Ive known him 10 years so he wont charge me much. Gonna have him run a 240v from a 50 amp breaker to the trailer im gonna be living and growing in.

FauxRoux · Oct 28, 2015

chronnie49 said:
Gonna have him run a 240v from a 50 amp breaker to the trailer im gonna be living and growing in.

Oof......living in/next to your grow?....ouch. That's commitment right there

chronnie49 · Oct 28, 2015

FauxRoux said:
Oof......living in/next to your grow?....ouch. That's commitment right there

Haha yea its gonna take some planning. Its a 30' travel trailer with a bedroom so ill live in the main area. Best part is electricity is included in the rent and my sisters father in law owns the trailer park, and her husband knows whats going on and said go for it. Its all part of a long term plan to get some property eventually.

chronnie49 · Oct 28, 2015

Maybe ill start a journal once i get everything goin. I havent seen it yet but i think the bedroom is about 4x8 and want to setup a perpetual. Think im gonna ditch the tent and frame a small veg area and use the rest for flower.

High Power · Nov 12, 2015

Most of the powerbox controllers are not NEC or CEC compliant. Send an email to [email protected], they build controllers to be Electrical Code compliant and safe.

chronnie49 · Nov 13, 2015

High Power said:
Most of the powerbox controllers are not NEC or CEC compliant. Send an email to [email protected], they build controllers to be Electrical Code compliant and safe.

Shit so the powerbox combo isn't safe? What would be the difference between theirs and one that is NEC and CEC compliant?

High Power · Nov 16, 2015

Powerbox wires 15A rated receptacles to higher current rated breakers, instead of installing a 15A breaker for each duplex 15A receptacle, this is a violation of NEC and CEC, Just get an electrician to build you panel/controller.

chronnie49 · Nov 16, 2015

High Power said:
Powerbox wires 15A rated receptacles to higher current rated breakers, instead of installing a 15A breaker for each duplex 15A receptacle, this is a violation of NEC and CEC, Just get an electrician to build you panel/controller.

Thanks for the info. I just talked to my electrician friend today and he will build one for me. I realized the powerbox wouldn't work for my needs anyways since all 4 of the 240 outlets are controlled by one internal timer. he will build one where all the outlets can be controlled by independent timers.

Anybody use powerbox controller?

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