Do digital ballasts loss power over time?

[Rustydog]

So I just noticed that 2 Solis Tex 1000 watt ballasts are not putting out full power, they are about 4 years old.
The lights looked dim so I replaced with a couple used lummitec ballast (6+ years old) and the difference is quit noticeable.

Now I look at the lummitec ballasts and wonder if they are losing output?

Do I need to replace all my ballasts or was it just 2 shitty ballasts?

Has anyone else seen this?

 

[AquaTerra]

So I just noticed that 2 Solis Tex 1000 watt ballasts are not putting out full power, they are about 4 years old.
The lights looked dim so I replaced with a couple used lummitec ballast (6+ years old) and the difference is quit noticeable.

Now I look at the lummitec ballasts and wonder if they are losing output?

Do I need to replace all my ballasts or was it just 2 shitty ballasts?

Has anyone else seen this?

If you have a volt meter with a clamp you could see i how much power they are drawing from the wall. If its not the rated amperage it could be something going bad in the ballast.

 

[Renfro]

Sure it's not the bulbs?

 

[Rustydog]

No it’s not the bulbs. When I switched ballasts it was a large difference in brightness. So it was the power going to the bulb.

They are plugged into a titan 4 light controller 240 volt 30 amp which was wired by an electrician so I know that part is good.

I’ll find a clamp meter and give that a try and see what I get.

 

[Renfro]

Then it has to be a ballast issue. Perhaps contact the manufacturer? The way these digital ballasts work there are many parts that could go wrong. Probably end up replacing the ballasts.

 

[Renfro]

Also, are you letting them run a while? Often the digital ballasts "soft start". So they ease the bulbs up to full output.

 

[Rustydog]

Also, are you letting them run a while? Often the digital ballasts "soft start". So they ease the bulbs up to full output.

No, it’s not right after start up. They could be on for hours and they were still not as bright as when I switched ballasts.
It was definitely the solis tek ballast. The used lumatek ballast definitely made the bulbs brighter.

But now I’m questioning if the lumatek ballast could be weaker than when brand new.
I’ve just never heard anyone talk about replacing ballast because of this before.

 

[Renfro]

I’ve just never heard anyone talk about replacing ballast because of this before.

Me neither.

I have noticed a difference with the naked eye between brands though. Perhaps the lumatek outperformed the solis tek even when both are new? Lumatek SE ballasts that I have experience with are always pretty bright when compared to other brands. I have noticed that most Phantom ballasts were on the dimmer side. I never tried Solis Tek personally.

 

[gb123]

bulbs wont last 4 years...putting out the spectrum they are designed for.

 

[Rustydog]

bulbs wont last 4 years...putting out the spectrum they are designed for.

The bulbs are only 8 months old.
It’s the ballasts that are 4 years or older.

 

[gb123]

you have the answer
Ballast is NFG

 

[redi jedi]

Just a thought, but are they switchable? As in 400, 600 and 1000w? Maybe you have the ballast on a lower setting?

 

[Rustydog]

Just a thought, but are they switchable? As in 400, 600 and 1000w? Maybe you have the ballast on a lower setting?

Yes they are switchable and yes they are on the 1000 watt setting.
I did notice that the switch did not change the brightness off the bulb but when I tried another ballast the bulb would switch brightness.

It is definitely the ballasts. It just that I have never heard a a digital ballast losing output and am wondering if all my ballast are now running @ maybe 80% of what there would be new.
Which would mean less yield also which is my real concern.

 

[Jefferson1977]

I was told by grow store guys that digital ballasts lose their power over time. Magnetic ballasts do not as per the info I was told. And truth be told I still have 20 year old magnetic ballasts that work great.

 

[Herb & Suds]

I burned up three Solis Tek in three years 600 and 1000 w both
I switched to Phantoms three years later they are still operating as new

 

[AquaTerra]

I was told by grow store guys that digital ballasts lose their power over time. Magnetic ballasts do not as per the info I was told. And truth be told I still have 20 year old magnetic ballasts that work great.

Problem with digital ballasts is #1 quality control, its pretty pathetic, #2 you have a high power electronic device that produces tons of heat and runs for 12-24 hours per day. Heat end electronics don't mix.

Cap and coil ballast can last long as long as they are the old skool Advanced/Venture/Sylvania with copper core and high quality igniter/capacitor. Cap and coils can lose power if the igniter or capacitor are going bad.

 

[Jimmy the vest uk]

Yes they are switchable and yes they are on the 1000 watt setting.
I did notice that the switch did not change the brightness off the bulb but when I tried another ballast the bulb would switch brightness.

It is definitely the ballasts. It just that I have never heard a a digital ballast losing output and am wondering if all my ballast are now running @ maybe 80% of what there would be new.
Which would mean less yield also which is my real concern.

Hi, i just typed into google do ballasts lose power over time and got directed to this thread, how did it end up for you was the ballast the reason for lower yield?
im thinking i might be having same problem,
but could be the bugs i have been dealing with for over a year,
would love to know your final say on the subject
cheers
jim

 

[Jimmy the vest uk]

Problem with digital ballasts is #1 quality control, its pretty pathetic, #2 you have a high power electronic device that produces tons of heat and runs for 12-24 hours per day. Heat end electronics don't mix.

Cap and coil ballast can last long as long as they are the old skool Advanced/Venture/Sylvania with copper core and high quality igniter/capacitor. Cap and coils can lose power if the igniter or capacitor are going bad.

Will they still look like they are working properly? I have had same ones for over 10 years! I just thought they would draw more power as they got older which i havent noticed on my electricity bills! But feel like im not getting the dense buds i used to! But could be me trying out all new different strains! If i had one of the old strains i used to grow i would be able to tell but i cant get hold of them anymore so im left here wondering if its me, the strains, the lights or the bugs

 

[Rustydog]

I switched to new double ended fixtures and noticed a massive increase in yield.
Obviously with new fixtures will make a difference but I’m convinced that the old ballasts were down in power.
Also the bug will make a difference in yield.
I would suggest new ballasts and dealing with the bugs.
If you just replace the ballasts and still have bugs don’t expect much increase in yield.

 

[gb123]

New bulbs put out More..
as anything electrical ages they put out less.
Nothing last for ever
MB last longer for sure.....but need replacing after so many hours Same with bulbs if you want FULL OUTPUT