Sunleaves 3 Timer Problems

**DubRules** · 09-17-2009, 06:54 AM

So I let my roommate talk me into using a digital timer this go around. I bought a Sunleaves 3 digital timer from the local grow store and have been trying to get it to work for about two weeks. My problem is that it won't turn off. I followed the instructions and was able to set my times, but there is nothing in the pamphlet about actually turning the timer on and off. I have tried every setting in the menu and it still will not freaking turn off on its own.
Has anyone ever used this timer before and know what setting it has to be on? (ie auto, on auto, off auto, off, on, etc..)
I decided to use a manual timer until i can (hopefully) figure this one out. I'm kind of concerned while using this manual timer too because when it is in its "off" state, my ballast hums like its trying to fire.
I feel like such an ass asking about this, but it's pissing me off. I mean, who the fuck can't work a damn timer?
*hangs head in shame*

**southern homegrower** · 09-17-2009, 07:18 AM

i have gone through 3 of the timers your talking about . my first one i had the same prob as u sent it back got a new one and the same prob sent it back got a new one and it worked used it for the last month of flower. unplugged it didnt use it for 1 month and then plugged it in for a test run and it did not work. got a mechanical timer now and i have no more problems. i will not use a sunleaves digital timer again.

**hiroshima** · 09-17-2009, 12:50 PM

I take it your using a contactor with your setup? as plugging a ballast in to the timer directly is a sure way to get problems

**DubRules** · 09-17-2009, 02:12 PM

Why do I need a contactor..? I just looked it up on google and understand the concept, but have never seen one implemented in any grow room. I have always gone straight into the timer with the ballast and never had an issue.
Sunleaves sucks. Digital timers suck. Who needs 12 on/off settings per day anyway..?

**tom__420** · 09-17-2009, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by DubRules

Why do I need a contactor..? I just looked it up on google and understand the concept, but have never seen one implemented in any grow room. I have always gone straight into the timer with the ballast and never had an issue.
Sunleaves sucks. Digital timers suck. Who needs 12 on/off settings per day anyway..?

People running hydroponic applications, it is actually essential

**desert fox** · 09-17-2009, 02:39 PM

No experience with that timer. However I just seen that your getting a humming sound from your ballast when your mechanical timer is off!!! I think you have some stray current feeding it from somewhere. Double check all your wiring.

**DubRules** · 09-17-2009, 05:31 PM

So the deal is that this timer is just a piece of shit. I finally got it to run a few test on/off cycles today, but then when I went to plug my HID light into it, I noticed that the screen had frozen like 30 minutes prior. The thing is unreliable and total waste of $30. I'm going to try and exchange it.

In regards to the contactors mentioned above, I asked a few growers (2 hydro, 1 soil) today about them and only one had ever heard of them. The one that had saw no reason to use one. I have seen numerous setups and never once seen a contactor. While it seems like a good precaution to take, it also seems rather unnessecary.

Thanks anyways guys.

**Total Head** · 09-18-2009, 08:45 AM

just my two cents...sunleaves doesnt suck dig timers do. i have the sunleaves mechanical timer and it is awesome. I also have several of their light fixtures/meters and have never been less than satisfied. I have used dig timers of all kinds of brands for all kinds of stuff, some growing related and some not. dig sucks. and cheap sucks too.

**hiroshima** · 09-19-2009, 12:44 AM

Originally Posted by DubRules

In regards to the contactors mentioned above, I asked a few growers (2 hydro, 1 soil) today about them and only one had ever heard of them. The one that had saw no reason to use one. I have seen numerous setups and never once seen a contactor. While it seems like a good precaution to take, it also seems rather unnessecary.

Thanks anyways guys.

with any ballast 400W or above a contactor is highly recommended, and to most who know, an essential piece of kit.

The reason behind it is because when the ballast is initially fired up the current draw can create an arc or electricity on the relay contact, melting the two metal plates together. if this occurs then the relay will not disengage thus leaving your lights permanently on. With this being said and your lights are on 12/12, then your planst are not going to like suddnly going from 12/12 to a full day of light, or until you notice whats happened.

**DubRules** · 09-19-2009, 08:19 AM

so im still messing with this timer and it still ceases to amaze me.
say you set the timer for the lights to come on at noon and go off at six pm. if you set the timer to do this at any point in time after noon,it will not automatically kick on when you plug it in. the timer has to be set for the cycle before the cycle is set to start, or it will not work. so fucking stupid.
i want to find the engineer and shoot him.

in regards to the contacor issue, i have seen huuuuuuuge gardens that did not use a single one. im not saying they don't exist or that they don't work. i understand what it is and what it is used for, but have yet to see one implemented in a garden. im sure that it would be a good safety measure, but think it somwhat unnessecary since i have rarely heard of ballasts burning out without there being some sort of user error involved.

are contactors available at somewhere like home depot or lowes? if so, how much would one run?