Review: Solis Tek Matrix

Information:

Exclusive Features (patent pending):

REMOTE CONTROL

Exclusive SolisTek remote control will allow you to wirelessly configure the wattage settings and set the integrated digital timer for your SolisTek Matrix Ballast(s)


BUILT-IN DIGITAL TIMER
Custom programmed settings for grow/bloom. Sync all SolisTek Ballasts on the same schedulewith only 1 remote control


GREEN LCD SCREEN
Digital green read-out to visually display ballast settingsand won't disrupt plant sleep cycle.


BALLAST LIFE TIMER
Onboard ballast 'odometer' that will count the number of hours the ballast has been used.Industry's only ballast life timer!

-Dimming: 1000W - 600W - 400W (SolisBoost can be applied to every setting)-Soft Start Technology
-Powers 1000w, 600w, & 400w lamps.
-Constant Power Factor 99.9%
-8.75A @ 120v / 4.375A @ 240v

Ignition Control™ – The only ballast(s) that will ignite your lamps sequentially, one at a time, with soft start technology for true efficiency. This revolutionary safety feature prevents surges and spikes in your electrical circuit and prevents breakers from overloding. Whether you are powering up 10 or 100 units of Solis-Tek Ballasts, the electrical draw is controlled by our internal software for maximizing your electrical efficiency.

This is especially important for automated systems to protect against inconsistency in lighting schedules.

SenseSmart™ Technology - (Pre-Ignition Checks) – Solis-Tek ballasts will not ignite without a complete and proper connection. The ballast conducts a 3 second test of the connection circuit. If the circuit is incomplete ignition will be prevented in order to protect the lamp.

PRE-IGNITION CHECKS FOR:
-Open Output -Short Circuit
-Ignition Failure -Thermal
-End of Lamp Life -Overflow Current
-Over/Low Voltage -High/Low Temperatures


SOLISBOOST OVERDRIVE: Contrary to industry standards, SolisBoost will only overdrive the lamp 5% more. We fine tuned the overdrive in order to prolong the life of the lamp and increase overall efficiency.

My thoughts Thus Far:

Remote - LOVE IT. Sync your ballasts to the remote to control wattage, timer, and light cycle. Simply set the wanted start time, and light cycle on the remote, point to the ballast, and press the sync button.

Built-In Timer - Makes everything so much easier. I was running multiple timers for my lights before. While you can argue you can buy a cheaper ballast and buy a light controller and get the same effect. These do not need to be plugged into the same power to sync the timing. Gives you more freedom on light placement.

Other Thoughts - From limited experience, and I will be further testing this, both ballasts I have purchased have put out more lumens from the same bulb on a magnetic ballast. Boost settings at all wattages are nice for those finishing weeks, while maintaining a boost that doesn't sacrifice as much bulb life as others.
Along with other digital's this housing stays COOL. At Room Temp, before being plugged, they stay COLD to the touch. I have yet to experience any extreme heat from these ballasts while powered, maybe more runtime will change that.
Comes with 240v power cord, something I will be taking advantage of in the future. My power is limited due to my living situation, so the Ignition control saves me. Without ignition control, I would not be able to run these in my current situation.
You do not need to unplug these after an outage, or after a quick adjust. The multiple times I have done this, the ballast handles everything with the Ignition Control/SenseSmart tech.

Thanks for reading the limited review. Just posted this as a potential helper for people looking into buying a new ballast.

Plant results will be posted in the future, as I am in the process of starting from Seed.

http://solis-tek.com/matrix.html

I have found them elsewhere, but not from solis tek.

http://www.discount-hydro.com/purgro-1k4-flip-ballast/