Uncommon Cmh Question

[Maelstrom]

I've got a couple of 600w Genesis ballasts that have a 50% power option on the dimmer switch. They are a few years old now but still great tech: low frequency square wave digital ballasts. I've looked everywhere but can't seem to find anybody using an old ballast like these to try and fire up the new 315w CMH bulbs. I've just ordered mogul socket/CMH converters and bulbs so I'm going to try this out. I was just wondering if anyone has done it before or has any advice for me. I don't see the bulbs exploding since they will be slightly under powered but not sure if they will even fire properly. Here's to hoping! I will post an update after performing my experiment. Any input on the subject would be highly appreciated.

 

[GrowGod]

I have no input but I wish you luck.

 

[GT21]

I've got a couple of 600w Genesis ballasts that have a 50% power option on the dimmer switch. They are a few years old now but still great tech: low frequency square wave digital ballasts. I've looked everywhere but can't seem to find anybody using an old ballast like these to try and fire up the new 315w CMH bulbs. I've just ordered mogul socket/CMH converters and bulbs so I'm going to try this out. I was just wondering if anyone has done it before or has any advice for me. I don't see the bulbs exploding since they will be slightly under powered but not sure if they will even fire properly. Here's to hoping! I will post an update after performing my experiment. Any input on the subject would be highly appreciated.

Your bulb wont fire at temp... So your spectrum will not be what is advertised.. That being said... The shit will still grow a plant... Hope you dont burn your grow to the ground.

 

[GrowGod]

Your bulb wont fire at temp... So your spectrum will not be what is advertised.. That being said... The shit will still grow a plant... Hope you dont burn your grow to the ground.

That’s why I never try to get crafty with lights and there unintended uses lol

 

[GT21]

That’s why I never try to get crafty with lights and there unintended uses lol

You either burn bulbs or burn the house down....im not sure who the fuck wants to try either of those. Bulbs burn at a specific temp to the ballast watt... Aaaaannndd most problems happen on ignition when the ballast is in boost

 

[Maelstrom]

Thank you for the input. I'll take the communities advice and get the proper ballasts. Safety first. I like fire as much as the next guy but not in my grow room.

 

[GT21]

Thank you for the input. I'll take the communities advice and get the proper ballasts. Safety first. I like fire as much as the next guy but not in my grow room.

Hahaha i too love fire....outside

 

[DemonTrich]

I replied in your duplicate thread, now closed.

Have a few dry chemicl.fire extinguisher, and someone else at home for a few hrs after firing it up for safety.

 

[Maelstrom]

I replied in your duplicate thread, now closed.

Have a few dry chemicl.fire extinguisher, and someone else at home for a few hrs after firing it up for safety.

Indeed. I do have an appropriate fire extinguisher and I'm still considering running a controlled supervised experiment. If I do I'll post my results.

 

[RippedTorn]

I'm running both hf and lf 315 ballasts and i guarantee you they are 400w hid ballasts repurposed with a rheostat.

No other reason every "boost" setting equals the output value of their old MH/HPS models.

 

[Maelstrom]

I recently acquired two Prism Lighting Science 315w ballasts. They don't have any switches or controls. Just straight up 315 watts. Also, these little mogul socket converters work great! I'm very pleased. Dramatically reduced the cost to upgrade to 315's. To Hell with those expensive all-in-one systems.