Almost everything you need to know about choosing your indoor lights - Page 2

thcbuz · 10-04-2003, 07:07 AM

nice post sureshot. SWEET. lemme ask your and others opinion on this. I'm running a 1000w hps in a 4'X10' area on a lightrail.I 'll get a pic posted of the whole room soon so you can see it at work. I'm beginning to get about 2 oz,s every 2 weeks, and I think its gonna get better.
you left me with a lot of questions on how to make the most of my space, thanks again dude,
ThcBuz

ps, this is one of those posts that I'm gonna share with other folks that don't ordinarily read these things

Sitarguy · 10-19-2003, 03:29 AM

Candles - *laughs*

"giggles uncontrollably"

Man....that was funny !

Here's a 250 watt HPD bulb and it cost for about 16.50, So then the next step would be getting a Ballast.

And here is your kit for the Ballast

That is about 48.50,...
Ok so then...what's next ? If I order both of those, it will be around 70 bucks, and will that be it ? Or do I need to get something else...?
Is that sufficient ? Because I have the soil, I have the pots and I have the seeds...I also have fertilizer already, the 20-20-20, is the bulb and the ballast sufficient or do I need to buy anything else. I only have about $80...
And I'm going to maybe plant two or three seeds, and then put them right next to my big window which gets moderate sunlight, not too much though because there's trees outside my window but it still gets a little sunlight nonetheless..

Input ?

MacGyver(BB) · 10-23-2003, 03:17 PM

Here is the link for Home Depot selection of HID lights. They all look like some sort of outdoor flood, and I'm not sure whats best, but here it is

Home Depot's HID Lamps

For people in Ontario Canada, This Place is The Shit for all your lighting needs. You won't find better prices anywhere.

MacGyver(BB) · 10-23-2003, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sitarguy

That is about 48.50,...
Ok so then...what's next ? If I order both of those, it will be around 70 bucks, and will that be it ? Or do I need to get something else...?
Is that sufficient ? Because I have the soil, I have the pots and I have the seeds...I also have fertilizer already, the 20-20-20, is the bulb and the ballast sufficient or do I need to buy anything else. I only have about $80...

Input ?

You will also need wire, a mogul socket, octagon box, marettes(wire nuts) stress relief connectors and a reflector. Ask at the store they will know what all tha shit is.

MacGyver(BB) · 10-23-2003, 04:01 PM

This is some important info on putting together a ballast.

There are many types of wire out there, and they all have diferent uses. Many people do not realize that your standard extention cord wire is unsuitable for any type of HID system.

Here is the wire required for various applications

For 400W HID's or less you need to have 16AWG wire, don't use anything thinner. For 1000W HID's you should use 14AWG wire.

All wire is also heat rated. The MINIMUM heat rating you need is 90C. Use 105C if you can find it. This is even more important than having the right gauge wire. Standard extention wire is only rated 60C, the heat from the ballast will COOK this wire to a crisp translation -big time fire hazard. In addition to this, I'd reccomend that you attach an octagon box to the side of the ballast box using a stress relief connector. Pull all the wires to be connected through the knockout hole of the ballast box, into the oct box, and have your power cord and lamp cord come in through the sides of the octagon box. This way the wires are further removed from heat.

The wire shoul also be rated water resistant. Chemical resistant is good to have too, but not nessesary.

The wire must have a ground, and the ground must be connected to the ballast core or metal box housing, and then to the octagon box which the mogul socket (bulb socket) is attached to. Never just connect the two grounds together within the ballast. This is also dangerous.

Make sure the box is vented. Ballasts will overheat in a closed box.

Always use stress relief connectors to secure the wire in the holes of your ballast box and octagon box, and always use a marette / wire nut to connect the wires to each other. Tighten it well, it should not be able to be pulled off.

If your ballast does not work after assembly, always discharge the capacitor (metal thing with two contacts) before working on it again. Use a wooden or rubber handled instrument with a metal end, and touch it to the contacts - and for God's sake, unplug the ballast before doing any of this. Taht capacitor can shock the living hell out of you so don't fuck with it.

Here is the code you want to rhyme off when asking for the wire, and make sure it is written on the wire you buy. 16/3(400w or less) 14/3(1000w) SJOOW 90C 300v WATER RESIST. Lamp wire is always black. Check for CSA and UL markings as well. Do not buy a ballast if the wire is not the type I just described. I bought a used one once with 60C rated wire, and the wire inside was baked hard and crisp.

Anyways, building your own lamps is a great way to save some dough. But if you are not a handy person, You may be better off buying an assembled one

Stay safe

Sureshot · 10-24-2003, 02:17 AM

Great stuff guys.

I know who I'm getting to build my next rig!

Wires, it's all too much!

SS

Pepper_I · 10-28-2003, 01:02 PM

These folks have good lights and fast service at prices that are hard to beat:The Plant Grower's Workshop

MacGyver(BB) · 10-28-2003, 01:21 PM

Those are actually allright prices. The first combo is a really good deal.

Sitarguy · 11-02-2003, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BudBruther
This is some important info on putting together a ballast.

There are many types of wire out there, and they all have diferent uses. Many people do not realize that your standard extention cord wire is unsuitable for any type of HID system.

Here is the wire required for various applications

For 400W HID's or less you need to have 16AWG wire, don't use anything thinner. For 1000W HID's you should use 14AWG wire.

All wire is also heat rated. The MINIMUM heat rating you need is 90C. Use 105C if you can find it. This is even more important than having the right gauge wire. Standard extention wire is only rated 60C, the heat from the ballast will COOK this wire to a crisp translation -big time fire hazard.

The wire shoul also be rated water resistant. Chemical resistant is good to have too, but not nessesary.

The wire must have a ground, and the ground must be connected to the ballast core or metal box housing, and then to the octagon box which the mogul socket (bulb socket) is attached to. Never just connect the two grounds together within the ballast. This is also dangerous.

Make sure the box is vented. Ballasts will overheat in a closed box.

Always use stress relief connectors to secure the wire in the holes of your ballast box and octagon box, and always use a marette / wire nut to connect the wires to each other. Tighten it well, it should not be able to be pulled off.

If your ballast does not work after assembly, always discharge the capacitor (metal thing with two contacts) before working on it again. Use a wooden or rubber handled instrument with a metal end, and touch it to the contacts - and for God's sake, unplug the ballast before doing any of this. Taht capacitor can shock the living hell out of you so don't fuck with it.

Here is the code you want to rhyme off when asking for the wire, and make sure it is written on the wire you buy. 16/3(400w or less) 14/3(1000w) SJOOW 90C 300v WATER RESIST. Lamp wire is always black. Check for CSA and UL markings as well. Do not buy a ballast if the wire is not the type I just described. I bought a used one once with 60C rated wire, and the wire inside was baked hard and crisp.

Anyways, building your own lamps is a great way to save some dough. But if you are not a handy person, You may be better off buying an assembled one

Stay safe

Once you have your ballast and your bulb, how do you connect them all together ?

Sureshot · 12-16-2003, 09:40 AM

Both or either.

HID just stands for High Intensity Discharge.

Continued good luck.

SS

MacGyver(BB) · 01-04-2004, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sureshot

Ballasts run HOT! Hot enough in some cases to give a nasty burn. DO NOT handle a ballast that is running (unless you got ya
oven gloves on!!).

Lol I picked up a running 1000 watter when I was drunk once. The worst part was i was taking it off of a shelf, so I had to hold on till I could put it down. I got a good burn from that!

Lesson? try to be sober while working in the growroom.

MacGyver(BB) · 01-04-2004, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by farmer fred
HID? I'm still learning, does HID mean both MH & HPS or one of them?

**getting para about the cable i used**

What is the code on the cable? I edited my post today advising that you should also use an octagon box attached to your ballast box to contain the wires. Not 100% nessesary, but a good idea. I checked one of my ballasts and there did look like there was a bit of deterioration of the wire. It was, however running 24/7 for many months.

10-04-2003, 07:07 AM	#21 (permalink)
thcbuz Cowboy From Hell Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Cowboy from hell,You figger it out Posts: 986 Thanks: 6 Thanked 31 Times in 22 Posts	nice post sureshot. SWEET. lemme ask your and others opinion on this. I'm running a 1000w hps in a 4'X10' area on a lightrail.I 'll get a pic posted of the whole room soon so you can see it at work. I'm beginning to get about 2 oz,s every 2 weeks, and I think its gonna get better. you left me with a lot of questions on how to make the most of my space, thanks again dude, ThcBuz ps, this is one of those posts that I'm gonna share with other folks that don't ordinarily read these things __________________ keep your creativity as uncorrupted as possible

10-23-2003, 03:17 PM	#23 (permalink)
MacGyver(BB) Likes to Play With Wires Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: THC Headquarters Posts: 4,247 Thanks: 0 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	Link for Home Depot HID's Here is the link for Home Depot selection of HID lights. They all look like some sort of outdoor flood, and I'm not sure whats best, but here it is Home Depot's HID Lamps For people in Ontario Canada, This Place is The Shit for all your lighting needs. You won't find better prices anywhere. __________________ High Posters - Beware of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

10-23-2003, 04:01 PM	#25 (permalink)
MacGyver(BB) Likes to Play With Wires Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: THC Headquarters Posts: 4,247 Thanks: 0 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	Building your own Ballasts This is some important info on putting together a ballast. There are many types of wire out there, and they all have diferent uses. Many people do not realize that your standard extention cord wire is unsuitable for any type of HID system. Here is the wire required for various applications For 400W HID's or less you need to have 16AWG wire, don't use anything thinner. For 1000W HID's you should use 14AWG wire. All wire is also heat rated. The MINIMUM heat rating you need is 90C. Use 105C if you can find it. This is even more important than having the right gauge wire. Standard extention wire is only rated 60C, the heat from the ballast will COOK this wire to a crisp translation -big time fire hazard. In addition to this, I'd reccomend that you attach an octagon box to the side of the ballast box using a stress relief connector. Pull all the wires to be connected through the knockout hole of the ballast box, into the oct box, and have your power cord and lamp cord come in through the sides of the octagon box. This way the wires are further removed from heat. The wire shoul also be rated water resistant. Chemical resistant is good to have too, but not nessesary. The wire must have a ground, and the ground must be connected to the ballast core or metal box housing, and then to the octagon box which the mogul socket (bulb socket) is attached to. Never just connect the two grounds together within the ballast. This is also dangerous. Make sure the box is vented. Ballasts will overheat in a closed box. Always use stress relief connectors to secure the wire in the holes of your ballast box and octagon box, and always use a marette / wire nut to connect the wires to each other. Tighten it well, it should not be able to be pulled off. If your ballast does not work after assembly, always discharge the capacitor (metal thing with two contacts) before working on it again. Use a wooden or rubber handled instrument with a metal end, and touch it to the contacts - and for God's sake, unplug the ballast before doing any of this. Taht capacitor can shock the living hell out of you so don't fuck with it. Here is the code you want to rhyme off when asking for the wire, and make sure it is written on the wire you buy. 16/3(400w or less) 14/3(1000w) SJOOW 90C 300v WATER RESIST. Lamp wire is always black. Check for CSA and UL markings as well. Do not buy a ballast if the wire is not the type I just described. I bought a used one once with 60C rated wire, and the wire inside was baked hard and crisp. Anyways, building your own lamps is a great way to save some dough. But if you are not a handy person, You may be better off buying an assembled one Stay safe __________________ High Posters - Beware of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

10-24-2003, 02:17 AM	#26 (permalink)
Sureshot Can't-Get-Right Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Surrounded by the unimaginative Posts: 6,444 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 16 Posts	Great stuff guys. I know who I'm getting to build my next rig! Wires, it's all too much! SS __________________ - The information in the above post is conjecture and the poster a figment of your imagination. - All images are computer generated or were taken in nations with forward thinking laws. o GrowFAQ o Add A Canna Grow Tip o Other Highs FAQ o Inquiring Minds FAQ o

10-28-2003, 01:21 PM	#28 (permalink)
MacGyver(BB) Likes to Play With Wires Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: THC Headquarters Posts: 4,247 Thanks: 0 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	Those are actually allright prices. The first combo is a really good deal. __________________ High Posters - Beware of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

10-19-2003, 03:29 AM	#22 (permalink)
Sitarguy Horsemen Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sitarland Posts: 2,166 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Candles - laughs "giggles uncontrollably" Man....that was funny ! Here's a 250 watt HPD bulb and it cost for about 16.50, So then the next step would be getting a Ballast. And here is your kit for the Ballast That is about 48.50,... Ok so then...what's next ? If I order both of those, it will be around 70 bucks, and will that be it ? Or do I need to get something else...? Is that sufficient ? Because I have the soil, I have the pots and I have the seeds...I also have fertilizer already, the 20-20-20, is the bulb and the ballast sufficient or do I need to buy anything else. I only have about $80... And I'm going to maybe plant two or three seeds, and then put them right next to my big window which gets moderate sunlight, not too much though because there's trees outside my window but it still gets a little sunlight nonetheless.. Input ?

10-28-2003, 01:02 PM	#27 (permalink)
Pepper_I Old School Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 128 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	These folks have good lights and fast service at prices that are hard to beat:The Plant Grower's Workshop

12-16-2003, 09:40 AM	#30 (permalink)
Sureshot Can't-Get-Right Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Surrounded by the unimaginative Posts: 6,444 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 16 Posts	Both or either. HID just stands for High Intensity Discharge. Continued good luck. SS __________________ - The information in the above post is conjecture and the poster a figment of your imagination. - All images are computer generated or were taken in nations with forward thinking laws. o GrowFAQ o Add A Canna Grow Tip o Other Highs FAQ o Inquiring Minds FAQ o

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