Helios vs Sentinel Light Controller?

ThaMagnificent

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
Any preferences on brand?

I'm setting up dual 4x8 tents with each tent running 2 - 315LECs running separate 12 hour shifts. I'm going to need a one with a dual trigger cord for this since 2 separate light cycles. I also have a few LEDs in a separate tent that I might piggyback on one of these cycles too. It seems like the minimum is an 8 light controller?
 
wearealldumb

wearealldumb

Active Member
You cant use the 4 output controller because it only has one contactor. If you want it to turn one half on at opposite times you would need the other contactor. Might be a good idea to make one of those with a single pole double throw timer and have it go back and forth to each contactor. I could totally make one of those for around 100 bucks.
 
ThaMagnificent

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
wearealldumb said:
You cant use the 4 output controller because it only has one contactor. If you want it to turn one half on at opposite times you would need the other contactor. Might be a good idea to make one of those with a single pole double throw timer and have it go back and forth to each contactor. I could totally make one of those for around 100 bucks.
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I bought one with dual trigger cords that I can cknne a separate timer to each
 
ThaMagnificent

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
wearealldumb said:
You cant use the 4 output controller because it only has one contactor. If you want it to turn one half on at opposite times you would need the other contactor. Might be a good idea to make one of those with a single pole double throw timer and have it go back and forth to each contactor. I could totally make one of those for around 100 bucks.
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So the controller is rated for 50a. I'm using a combo of led and 315w cmh with only half the lights on at a time so like 9 amps each.
Do I even need a 50a circuit or just go with a 30a and some 8guage wire?
 
wearealldumb

wearealldumb

Active Member
If your going to spend the money on the 8 guage wire then youll want to go with the 50 amp breaker. No point in skimping out there when you go with the big wire. it would be proper to use a 50A breaker. If you go with a 30A breaker just use 10 guage wire because running 8 guage to a 220 30 amp breaker is a bit overkill. If you do use the 30amp breaker and 10 guage it will work but youll simply continue to pop the breaker if you decide to consume more power. Like all circuits.. Im going to go ahead and say if it was mine id use 8 guage and a 50 amp breaker. Then you could always add more. If you use less power with this setup you wont have warm wires lol
 
ThaMagnificent

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
wearealldumb said:
If your going to spend the money on the 8 guage wire then youll want to go with the 50 amp breaker. No point in skimping out there when you go with the big wire. it would be proper to use a 50A breaker. If you go with a 30A breaker just use 10 guage wire because running 8 guage to a 220 30 amp breaker is a bit overkill. If you do use the 30amp breaker and 10 guage it will work but youll simply continue to pop the breaker if you decide to consume more power. Like all circuits.. Im going to go ahead and say if it was mine id use 8 guage and a 50 amp breaker. Then you could always add more. If you use less power with this setup you wont have warm wires lol
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Agreed. But the controller has 8 outlets. I'll run 4 315w on one side and about 12amps of led on the other side alternating 12hrs. I get that 50a would be safe but if I'm never going to run 8- 1000w hps is it even worth it to wire a 50 or just go 30 with 10guage?
 
wearealldumb

wearealldumb

Active Member
Are the cmhs and the leds rated for 120v or 220v? If there all rated at 220v then just do the double 30amp breaker and the 10 guage and save the loot
 
wearealldumb

wearealldumb

Active Member
IM used to digital ballasts that auto detect voltage but i also have a few leds that i believe are only 120v so it all depends. I still know a way around all that if your mix matching voltages tho.
 
wearealldumb

wearealldumb

Active Member
Well if your doing seperate voltages youll need to run a seperate power wire to the contactor that you wanna put 120v to. Im going to guess they have a jumper from one contactor to the other inside your box. Youll also need to remove that and then wire each one so they each control half your lights. If you have it open it up and take a picture
 
ThaMagnificent

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
wearealldumb said:
Well if your doing seperate voltages youll need to run a seperate power wire to the contactor that you wanna put 120v to. Im going to guess they have a jumper from one contactor to the other inside your box. Youll also need to remove that and then wire each one so they each control half your lights. If you have it open it up and take a picture
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No I mean the ballast has the ability for both. I'm running straight 240 anyways
 
wearealldumb

wearealldumb

Active Member
Hell yea if its all 220 get the 30A and some 10 guage and youll save some cash on wire. Be safe tho if you have any questions im pretty familiar with most things electrical. Feel free to ask me anything
 
jayjay777

jayjay777

Well-Known Member
Titan stands by there product. Had one for 4-5 years n broke. Sent it in, sent me back brand new one.

Controllers go Titan, Burners go Sentinel

Imo
 
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