MH users Check this out.

[Reefdaddy1]

I happen to be browsing my favs and came accross this, Anyone see these yet? http://www.vb1000.com/index.php

Seems like a very definate way for MH users to save money over long periods of time.

 

[jlehigh]

can you explain the money savings potential? It appears to be a ballast with a controller..

 

[rudeanduncouth]

yeah, I am slighty confused as to what it actually does.

 

[Reefdaddy1]

It appearntly is self programable to vari wattage and amp to optimum bulb output, therefore no watse in wattageor amps.

 

[ret25yo]

The Vari-Ballast™ is a microprocessor-controlled, intelligent ballast system for industrial, private label, and commercial lighting applications. Developed by International Engineering Products & Consultants (IEPC), the Vari-Ballast™ product line is a one-to-many solution, one ballast delivers many solutions.

The Vari-Ballast™, the first intelligent ballast system, is a global solution.
Universal input voltages (90V to 277V +/- 10%)
Variable output wattages (70W to 1650W)
Drives multiple lamp types (MH, HPS, MV, PS)
Light-weight, less than 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
Small footprint, VB400 is 6x6x4 inches (152x152x102mm)
Each ballast includes dimming, thermal monitoring, burn hour readout, timing controls, and a smooth end-of-life shutdown process. With an HID master control unit (MCU), thousands of lights can bemonitored and controlled from a central desktop, laptop, or hand-held computer.

 

[moortim]

I haven't had time to read much about it but how much does this new ballast cost? Did anyone see that in there?

Tim

 

[jlehigh]

Lowering the power output doesnt gain efficiency it jusy lowers the power and in turn the light output. There could be a peak energy efficiency for particular bulbs but in my experience you actually gain efficieny as you supply more power. This still only makes a 1-5% difference though.. I over-drive my bulbs with HQI ballasts, so not much help for me here. I do like the idea of running up to 3 maybe 4 400watt Halides off one ballast though..

 

[Reefdaddy1]

well I did test of money savings on 250 watt bulb, It save in cost 7.00 amonth. over the point of a year it ammounts to 2 bulb replacements for me anyway., Thats a pretty good savings. Overdriving a MH is reall unnecessary but allot of people do it.

 

[Krish]

Bob...Are you trying to get me to spend more money again???(LOL) Looks pretty cool!