Sun Systems LEC 315 - Reviews?

[Bubbagineer]

Hi all,

I researched but could find next to nothing about these lights. Is anyone running them? I saw one set up in a 4x4 at my local WTG yesterday. Looked like a 600w HPS only a whiter light. Intensity felt nice on the back of my hand a couple of feet below the fixture. Dude at the store said he had a buddy using them and doing well........

Heres the draw for me... very little heat load. The ballast is internal to the unit even and there seems to be less heat than from an 8 bulb T5. I just upgraded my grow area to a 4x4 tent and my (3) 240w LEDs seem lost in there. I'm thinking of getting one of these and using the LEDs around the perimeter.... would be nice to know if they actually grow weed before I drop the $500.

Thanks again for any assistance.

Here's the sales blurb and a link to the site.

Sun System® LEC 315 utilizes cutting edge Light Emitting Ceramic™ technology. Highly efficient agriculturally engineered CDM-T Elite 315/930/U/E Agro Lamp (lamp included). Greatly improved full color light spectrum out of next generation ceramic lamps. Higher amounts of beneficial UV and far red spectrums increase the lamps growth power to the plants. Very high 1.95 PPF per second light source. 3100K color temperature, high 92 CRI, 33,000 initial lumens (105Lm/W). Long life 20,000 hour lamp. High 90% lumen maintenance @ 8000 hr./High 85% PPF maintenance @ 20,000 hr. Unique open rated lamp construction reduces radiant heat from the arc tube and is suitable for open fixture use. 50/60 Hz low frequency, square wave, highly efficient electronic ballast rated for 50,000 hour ballast life. LEC 315 driver incorporates built in thermal protection. One year warranty lamp.

https://www.sunlightsupply.com/p-14953-sun-system-lec-315-light-emitting-ceramic-fixture.aspx

 

[Bumping Spheda]

https://sunlightsupply.com/p-14937-philips-mastercolor-lec-315-lamp-3100k.aspx

It's just a Philips CMH. Yes, they are very good lights. Efficient, high CRI, pretty low CCT. These are things that usually don't go well together. That said, $600 for 315W seems kinda high.

 

[pepperdust]

these bulbs are amazing.. there's many things great about these

-super great color ( 92 CRI index )
-amazing spectrum
-a lot of power in the red spectrum


now some things to keep in mind.

-these ballasts run hotter then a "normal" electronic ballast
-small wattage
-low support for bulbs
-mercury still


4x4, honestly, I can't suggest this for you, as it's just not the right setup. it's perfect in a 2.7x2.7 tent. 3x3 I think is pushing it a little, seen a grow but wasn't finished so can't say, but it could work, but don't expect the fattest buds.

the idea of running led with it is fine I guess, but it's so nice to not keep adjusting many lights, but just one ( the CDM ).


this product is pretty cheap at horticulturesource , and bulbs are cheap there.. but I would think the e papillon system would be a little better as you can replace the insert as they sell separate, and the open air design is better but it costs a lot more. but I have not got a chance to run one with my actual hands, but I have a couple of the sun system CDM, and a built one for a bell hood for a 2x2 tent ( can you say 1000+ PAR with me ) 1000+ PAR.

you can build one also, if you can find the parts cheap, it's cheap then these, but then it's "DIY"


also to keep in mind, there 2 versions of that system, 120 volt and 240. if you get 240 and only have 120, you need a voltage transformer from amazon or the likes.. just pointing that out if you buy one there is 2 models..




honestly I'm not sure why more people are jumping at these, I think it's the price, but i never care as what you grow is worth more then buying 100 fold..



if your wondering if they grow, go to IC, and check out the CMH sub section in the lighting, and go to the last 10 pages, and check the grows.. also a guy named rives, check his pics....

 

[Bubbagineer]

Thanks much guys.

 

[PSUAGRO.]

Very nice find.......and for gods sake they have a120v option now......hmm, my dream has come true

That bulb is the best on the market IMO and has a higher peak at 660nm than the all starts(cmh) from Philips

 

[Positivity]

That is a nice looking light. Almost bought that before building my DIY led light. A user on another forum noted that it could possibly use a boost from leds on the red end (buds were a little airy). It still grew a g/w a lot easier then led alone.

Another good option for this bulb at advancedtechlighting.com. They have a way to run it off 120v and you could have a remote ballast and your choice of hood.

 

[pepperdust]

^ hey man. so your over here now


yes you can use any hood you want if buying the ballast. thing to keep in mind is the correct socket. there is two of them. but the one you want can fire single and double jacket bulbs: PGZ18 , not the PGZX18 ( only accepts double jacket bulbs ). also these sockets are expensive and hard to find, but I think there becoming more common now, it use to be only in quantities of 10 you could buy them..


oh, also these ballasts can dim to 50%, but you need to know how to do that ( 10 vdc connection to a potentiometer )

the 120 volt options on the sun system just use a transformer to get it up to 220 volt.. where the 220 volt system doesn't have that part and is a couple dollars less expensive..

 

[Positivity]

Hey pepper

yah...more active led forum here. I like seeing different panels and spectrums in action, this forums got some cool grows going

 

[PSUAGRO.]

^ hey man. so your over here now


yes you can use any hood you want if buying the ballast. thing to keep in mind is the correct socket. there is two of them. but the one you want can fire single and double jacket bulbs: PGZ18 , not the PGZX18 ( only accepts double jacket bulbs ). also these sockets are expensive and hard to find, but I think there becoming more common now, it use to be only in quantities of 10 you could buy them..


oh, also these ballasts can dim to 50%, but you need to know how to do that ( 10 vdc connection to a potentiometer )

the 120 volt options on the sun system just use a transformer to get it up to 220 volt.. where the 220 volt system doesn't have that part and is a couple dollars less expensive..

Makes sense they have a step up transformer in it.....do you have any idea what ballast their using? Philips or ceramatek?

 

[hyroot]

these bulbs are amazing.. there's many things great about these

-super great color ( 92 CRI index )
-amazing spectrum
-a lot of power in the red spectrum


now some things to keep in mind.

-these ballasts run hotter then a "normal" electronic ballast
-small wattage
-low support for bulbs
-mercury still


4x4, honestly, I can't suggest this for you, as it's just not the right setup. it's perfect in a 2.7x2.7 tent. 3x3 I think is pushing it a little, seen a grow but wasn't finished so can't say, but it could work, but don't expect the fattest buds.

the idea of running led with it is fine I guess, but it's so nice to not keep adjusting many lights, but just one ( the CDM ).


this product is pretty cheap at horticulturesource , and bulbs are cheap there.. but I would think the e papillon system would be a little better as you can replace the insert as they sell separate, and the open air design is better but it costs a lot more. but I have not got a chance to run one with my actual hands, but I have a couple of the sun system CDM, and a built one for a bell hood for a 2x2 tent ( can you say 1000+ PAR with me ) 1000+ PAR.

you can build one also, if you can find the parts cheap, it's cheap then these, but then it's "DIY"


also to keep in mind, there 2 versions of that system, 120 volt and 240. if you get 240 and only have 120, you need a voltage transformer from amazon or the likes.. just pointing that out if you buy one there is 2 models..




honestly I'm not sure why more people are jumping at these, I think it's the price, but i never care as what you grow is worth more then buying 100 fold..



if your wondering if they grow, go to IC, and check out the CMH sub section in the lighting, and go to the last 10 pages, and check the grows.. also a guy named rives, check his pics....

I wouldn't trust horticulture source. They are pretty shady. growers house has them for around the same price as horticulture source


http://growershouse.com/sun-system-lec-315-light-emitting-ceramic-mh-fixture-120v

http://growershouse.com/sun-system-lec-315-light-emitting-ceramic-mh-fixture-240v

The only thing is they are an enclosed ballast light. I would agree that the ballast would put out quite a bit of heat..

Makes sense they have a step up transformer in it.....do you have any idea what ballast their using? Philips or ceramatek?

Philips ballast

 

[PSUAGRO.]

That is a nice looking light. Almost bought that before building my DIY led light. A user on another forum noted that it could possibly use a boost from leds on the red end (buds were a little airy). It still grew a g/w a lot easier then led alone.

Another good option for this bulb at advancedtechlighting.com. They have a way to run it off 120v and you could have a remote ballast and your choice of hood.

Really? Its got more red than an hps on paper,I mean its designed for horticultural use unlike all the other CMH bulbs. that's strange to me, do you have a link to this grow?

Thanks

 

[Bubbagineer]

I wouldn't trust horticulture source. They are pretty shady. growers house has them for around the same price as horticulture source


http://growershouse.com/sun-system-lec-315-light-emitting-ceramic-mh-fixture-120v

http://growershouse.com/sun-system-lec-315-light-emitting-ceramic-mh-fixture-240v

The only thing is they are an enclosed ballast light. I would agree that the ballast would put out quite a bit of heat..



Philips ballast

I went by the WTG and stared at it again today lol. Almost bought it but I hadn't done all my homework at that point. I have decided to buy one when I flip to bloom. Right now I'm vegging under about a KW of T5 and LED light.... and they're loving it

Anyway, I laid my hand on the ballast enclosure and all around the light.... dude it just doesn't get hot. It was just warm on my hand. One of my HTG 240w LEDs puts off more heat no kidding. My hand was literally warmer 2' under the bulb than setting on top of the uncooled hood

 

[hyroot]

I went by the WTG and stared at it again today lol. Almost bought it but I hadn't done all my homework at that point. I have decided to buy one when I flip to bloom. Right now I'm vegging under about a KW of T5 and LED light.... and they're loving it

Anyway, I laid my hand on the ballast enclosure and all around the light.... dude it just doesn't get hot. It was just warm on my hand. One of my HTG 240w LEDs puts off more heat no kidding. My hand was literally warmer 2' under the bulb than setting on top of the uncooled hood

Did you run your hand along the bottom of the ballast enclosure?

 

[tags420]

I like that it has a vertical and open hood. Interesting that the bulb is t12.

What is the best cmh bulb for flowering? I can't find spectral charts for all them.

 

[hyroot]

I like that it has a vertical and open hood. Interesting that the bulb is t12.

What is the best cmh bulb for flowering? I can't find spectral charts for all them.

This one is ^^^^^ the Philips Elite Agro.

the list in order of the best being first

1. Philips Allstart 860 / 860w


2. Philips Elite Agro / 315w


3. Philips Allstart 330 / 330w
View attachment 2870309

4. Philips Master Color / Retro White / 400w



I guess there is a master color elite too
http://download.p4c.philips.com/l4b/9/928601176601_na/928601176601_na_pss_aenus.pdf

 

[Positivity]

Really? Its got more red than an hps on paper,I mean its designed for horticultural use unlike all the other CMH bulbs. that's strange to me, do you have a link to this grow?

Thanks

The tightness of the buds could have been due to other reasons like strain, nutrients, and blue part of spectrum. It was just an idea thrown up as something to possibly tweak the spectrum.

Not sure if its cool to link to other forums. It's on icmag though, cmh sticky in lighting, around pg 350..351.

either way the light could possibly be one of the best for small grows. Just not as adjustable as leds with dimmers and such.

 

[hyroot]

I don't know of any of y'all's noticed, I just did. The 240v lamp uses the elite agro bulb and the 120v uses the mastercolor elite. Close in spectrum ...

 

[PSUAGRO.]

The tightness of the buds could have been due to other reasons like strain, nutrients, and blue part of spectrum. It was just an idea thrown up as something to possibly tweak the spectrum.

Not sure if its cool to link to other forums. It's on icmag though, cmh sticky in lighting, around pg 350..351.

either way the light could possibly be one of the best for small grows. Just not as adjustable as leds with dimmers and such.

It's cool to link here.........I do anyways thanks though, appreciate it grower......I agree that this panel may be the best ATM for a 3x3 area.

I went by the WTG and stared at it again today lol. Almost bought it but I hadn't done all my homework at that point. I have decided to buy one when I flip to bloom. Right now I'm vegging under about a KW of T5 and LED light.... and they're loving it

Anyway, I laid my hand on the ballast enclosure and all around the light.... dude it just doesn't get hot. It was just warm on my hand. One of my HTG 240w LEDs puts off more heat no kidding. My hand was literally warmer 2' under the bulb than setting on top of the uncooled hood

Can you check if the 120v runs a different bulb (like hyroot says) than the 220v next time your in the store???? Thanks man

This one is ^^^^^ the Philips Elite Agro.

the list in order of the best being first

1. Philips Allstart 860 / 860w
View attachment 2870307

2. Philips Elite Agro / 315w
View attachment 2870308

3. Philips Allstart 330 / 330w
View attachment 2870309

4. Philips Master Color / Retro White / 400w
View attachment 2870312


I guess there is a master color elite too
http://download.p4c.philips.com/l4b/9/928601176601_na/928601176601_na_pss_aenus.pdf

I disagree the elite agro 315w IS ^^^^ a better spectrum for flowering cannabis than the 860w all-start AKA 900w true sun bulbs..........it's just the massive wattage bump(more par) that beats the rest === watt for watt NO

I don't know of any of y'all's noticed, I just did. The 240v lamp uses the elite agro bulb and the 120v uses the mastercolor elite. Close in spectrum ...

If true I wouldn't go with the 120v then...........you want the elite agro 315w 3100k bulb no question. growers house description is wrong, says that the 120v uses mastercolor elite (4100k ppf 1.82) but then states it runs 3100k and ppf of 1.95=== elite agro???? idk I'm fucking confused now....got to email them i guess

 

[Bubbagineer]

Did you run your hand along the bottom of the ballast enclosure?

Yes, and I don't recall it being any warmer than the top, but I will check again. He'll, I'll give you temp readings. I have no self control, see I expect that I will buy the 120v light tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it has the Agro bulb. You've got to see it in person to appreciate it. Looks like straight up sunlight.

 

[pepperdust]

yeah, no ceramatek/gel with these. those are the nicer ballasts supposedly, but come with a much higher price like in the cycloptics systems.

I would put my money on the agro being better. there was also 500k grant money to test these, and even SPURR had a hand in testing these. then second being the 942 for veg.


once again, I would check out the e papillon system, I believe it is superior, and will switch mine out for them. Maybe not to justify the cost increase as it's a "imported product' and less sales mean higher price, but it's a nicer system for sure, with the changable panels, and open air design, and design in general.. the sun system with the vertical position is super great, and fine coverage as checked by my par meter, but there is going to be more heat, and loss in lumen the more you use this system. the only nice thing about the sun system is the transformer in the system so plug and play.



funny thing about all this, is this technology is not new at all. Philips has been in the works for a long time, as pointed out by rives, as he found ballasts to these with very old dates, or the bulbs, which ever one, they had these built a long time back.




once again, I have two of these. I would not recommend going a 3x3 tent, and would pick up a 2.7x2.7 tent. only thing I would use it for in a 3x3 is a SCROG. the PAR starts getting too low the higher you need to pull it, and then your dipping under 500 PAR, which I would think is below standard. some guy over at IC was using them in a 3x3, but he didn't show much pics and I know he went on to use his LED for side lighting, which tells me he wasn't happy with the performance in a 3x3. look at rives grow over at IC, he used a 2.7x2.7 area in a 3x3 tent I believe. also what's better then a tent built perfect for this light. there's another dude using one in that exact tent size, and you'll be shocked at the size of his colas. your setups, I'm just warning you, in everything I know, I would only use a 3x3 for veg wit the 942.