I'm thinking of getting a NextGen 1000 watt Digital Ballast from CAP Controllers. Anyone using one of these? I have several of the Hydrofarm Powerhouse Sodium / Halide convertable ballasts but this one boosts 30% more light.

Just trying to find out if it's worth it.

TIA
Super-D

whats the difference in these two ballast. beside $200. weight 5# difference. you only get a 5 1/2' cord with the ballast, and you have to use one of the 2 hoods they choose. plus how efficient is it, needing fans. most digital ballast have no fans, no moving parts. note "This ballast produces 30% more light than a standard core and coil ballast" does not say anything about other digital ballast. the evasive wording alone would be enough for me to flip them the bird. then again what do i know. i grow with a flashlight.
peace


The C.A.P. NextGen Electronic Ballast is the smallest, lightest, most user friendly ballast on the market today. Runs H.P.S. or M.H. bulbs, and features 90-260v input voltage. This ballast produces 30% more light than a standard core and coil ballast and has universal lamp receptacles, capable of attaching ALL OF today’s most popular reflectors. Its fast lamp ignition, constant lamp voltage, flicker free output, thermostatically controlled fans, and the ability to run bulbs up to 65’ from the ballast, make the NextGen a must for serious gardeners. Comes with 120 volt power cord, 240 volt power cord available separately. The NextGen Electronic Ballasts carry a 3 year replacement warranty + a 2 year pro-rated warranty (1 year on the bulb). They are available with either Hydrofarm or Xtreme reflectors to match your needs. All NextGen Lighting Systems carry our Xclusive Replacement Warranty to ensure that you are always up and running. All lighting systems come complete with bulb and your choice of reflectors.

Unique Features:
• Completely silent (no humming - no vibration)
• Small compact design (3" x 4" x 10-5/8") - under 16 lbs.
• No moving parts - produces less heat
• Internal resin coating protects components for long life
• Soft start technology - lamps last three times as long
• Water resistant - sealed from the inside
• Fast start up - reaches full brightness in under a minute
• No fans - ensures reliability
• Fully interchangeable - ignites both HPS and MH bulbs
• Cut-off circuitry automatically shuts off in case of a short
• External fuse system protects against power surges
• Rubber feet for underside air circulation
• Best warranty in the industry - 5 years! (3 year exchange, 2 year prorated)

__________________
http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...-yelodrvr.html
http://www.rollitup.org/hydroponics-...t-attempt.html
http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...tml#post529788

Wish I had an answer for ya but I came in with the same question. Looks like the best option to me but some experienced input would be nice. Another question was with the hood, Lumaire 6" or 8" and what size blower to cool the light. I was leaning towards the 8" with an 8" 591 CFM Vortex inline duct fan but again any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for the input but I think they left in a little bit "text" from one of their other ballasts because says "All lighting systems come complete with bulb and your choice of reflectors.? but you can use any relector you want as long as the socket will outlet fits the ballast.

From my research it's really only about $60 difference but where did you see the 5 1/2 cord mentioned. I don't see that. I see where it says you can have the lamp cord at a max of 75 feet but not what size cord it comes with or are you just talking about the standard AC cord most devices come with.

Thanks
Super-D

yea the write up on this ballast looks great

__________________
Go Medicate Yourself..... Then we will Talk

Not sure what to tell you either. What I will probably do is get one and try it with the same bulb as my powerhouse and then use a light meter to get an idea of how much brighter it is (if it in fact is brighter). This would be for my inside room as the Powerhouses will be used for the larger room once I have it completed but my inside rooms are Secret Jardin darkrooms.

I have several fans but will probably use one of my 12 volt 240 CFM bilge fans on a cool tube of some sort.

Super-D

I have a NextGen 1000w ballast, and it has been running great for 4 months. I have had 2 crop cycles go under it, and it most definitely produces a better yield than the standard ballasts that I have in the same area. Plants under it do better...Go figure. I don't know about 30% more light, but it is absolutely brighter than the regular ballasts...

__________________
~Quiet420Guy

now that's the kind of evidence i need to make a decision. do you have pics of said plants and lights in action?

__________________
http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...-yelodrvr.html
http://www.rollitup.org/hydroponics-...t-attempt.html
http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...tml#post529788

I'm using one in my flower room. End of first cycle, everything is great. It has two built in fans, and is super small and quite. It's a little noisy when it starts, but more like a old pc starting up.

I like it because it's mounted on the outside of my grow room, and has a nice big green light that shines onto the wall to say its on or not. It's never too hot to touch either. I have nothing to compare it to though.

__________________
2 Big Bud, 2 Lemon Skunk, White Rhino & Alaskan Ice
My Grow Rooms Twitter Feed

So what's the energy cost difference??