What is a Digital Ballast?

Digital ballasts use switching electronics and small frequency inductors to control current and voltage to the lamp. They contain a ‘microprocessor’ similar to what’s used in a home computer. This allows Lumatek Electonic Ballasts (or E-Ballasts) to run both M.H and HPS lamps, make adjustments for based on the type of lamp its running, and will even compensate for degrading lamps by increasing output!

The higher frequency excites the lamps gas within the arc tube to run at a much higher frequency. Old style magnetic ballasts cycle at 50 times/sec (hertz), so is effectively like strobe lighting that can be seen through a digital camera. The Lumatek Digital Ballasts cycle at a massive 28,860 times/sec (hertz) so is providing non-flickering constant light that has a large impact on yield. Light output is also increased through constant distribution, lamp efficiency and increased lumen output. Lamps will also stay brighter for longer giving them increased life. This is particularly true for metal halides that are very sensitive to the voltage supplied to the lamp. 

Power Efficiency

The Lumatek Range of Digital Ballasts are extremely power efficient and is seen as one of the major advantages in comparison to Magnetic Ballasts.

All Lumateks' incorporate “Soft Start” technology and have very low start up currents(Amps). This is a huge advantage for growers using multiple ballasts and allows more to be turned on at one time of a single circuit or timer. Most timers have 10 - 15amp contacts and can usually only handle 2 x 600w magnetic ballasts (4.8amps each) at a time before the contacts go and you will find your timers don’t turn on or off, or you blow a circuit fuse.

You can start up as many as 4x 600w E-Ballasts at a time off a single timer - 1.8amps, which will eventually work up to 2.5 - 2.75amps running current. Many happy growers are already reporting huge savings on their power bills.

In addition to the many benefits, Lumatek has now released the new “Super Lumen” digital ballast in both 400w and 600w units. This new added feature is a super lumen switch that when activated boosts lumen output by a further 10% while only marginally using more power.

The super lumen switch is only recommended to be used with HPS lamps and should be in the off position when using M.H Globes. The extra light output is directly related to a 10% increase in plant yield, while still using a lot less power than old style magnetics.

The following data shows the extremely high start up currents and running watts on standard new magnetic Core and coil ballasts within Australia. Brands A and B are some of the most widely used ballasts in the country! Older used ballasts have an even higher start up current and wattage use, making them even more inefficient!

This data shows why so many customers blow their Timer contacts and mains fuses when only igniting 2 x 600w lights at the same time. While the digitals can be ignited at up to 4 lights at a time off a single 10amp fuse or timer!
 
Also when connecting large numbers of ballasts you can you can turn on (or stagger) many more lights at a time more frequently because they reach full output within aproximately 2 minutes (not 20 minutes like magnetics).

Another thing that happens with larger setups is when connecting multiple ballasts your power voltage drops as you use more lights, which means you lose light output .

When using low power lumatek Digitals your voltage output will not be effected ensuring full lamp brightness. 

Lumatek Detailed Test Info

Lumatek 600W Digital Ballast Test Results

All testing was conducted using a SON-T 600w lamp and a Digital light meter distanced 1m from the lamp with an open ended shade (Ablite Reflex). KW/h was costed at an average electricity price of 18.7c per KW/h.

Digital Ballast with Super Lumen Switch OFF

Startup Amps 1.8

Running Amps 2.5 - 2.75 after 5 mins of operation

Running wattage 620 - 630w

Lumen Output 2,700 Lumens at 1m from lamp

Cost/hr @ 18.7c per KW/h = 8.1c per hour to run

Digital Ballast with Super Lumen Switch ON (Recommended for HPS lamps only)

Startup Amps 2.0

Running Amps 2.75

Running Wattage 660 - 670w

Lumen Output 3,000 Lumens at 1m from lamp

Cost/hr @18.7c per KW/h = 11c per hour to run

Normal Core and Coil 600w Ballast of a popular Australian 600w Ballast

Start up Amps 4.9  

Running Amps 3.3

Running Wattage 708 - 750w

Lumen Output 2,600 Lumens at 1m from lamp

Cost per hr @18.7c per KW/h = 12.5c per hour to run

• Completely silent (no buzzing or vibrations)
• More lumen output per/watt producing 20-30% more light than standard magnetic core and coil ballasts
• ‘Soft Start’ no ‘spiking’ very low start up current and running current, making them extremely power efficient. No more blown contacts!
• Reaches full brightness in approximately 2minutes (rather than 20 minutes)
• Fully compatible with both M.H and H.P.S lamps.
• Small Compact design that runs Cooler
• 2 Year Warranty with proof of purchase.
• C-Tick Electrical Approved