Phlizon FD-8 dimmer

I picked up an open box Phlizon FD-8I on ebay a couple weeks ago. It's definitely much more of a consistent beam spread than my quantum boards which was expected.

What I don't understand is why there is a minimal (were talking 10-15ppfd, like 1 DLI over 20 hours) difference in light intensity between the dimmer at full and 60%. The dimmer curve is then super wonky from 60%-0 (think 100% crammed into 60%'s space.)

Did I buy a faulty unit? There's no warranty from the mfg on third party sales. I don't necessarily need the full dimming curve, I just want to make sure that this is somewhat normal operation for the equipment.

Have you actually tested the wattage used between 60-100%?

That would tell you the actual difference

bk78 said:

Have you actually tested the wattage used between 60-100%?

That would tell you the actual difference

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Facepalm... that should have been my first thought. Meter on the way.

nygaff1 said:

Facepalm... that should have been my first thought. Meter on the way.

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Keep us updated please on your findings.

bk78 said:

Keep us updated please on your findings.

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Will do.

bk78 said:

Keep us updated please on your findings.

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So it was almost exactly what I thought.

634w from 100%-60%
40% ~400w
20%~200w


It begins to dim at 60%. Weird hardware indeed but hey, it works!

nygaff1 said:

So it was almost exactly what I thought.

634w from 100%-60%
40% ~400w
20%~200w


It begins to dim at 60%. Weird hardware indeed but hey, it works!

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It shouldn't do that, it should be linear. I wonder if there's an audio taper/logarithmic pot in there rather than linear.

Possible. Not an ideal design, but still works for my purposes.

I got the fd6500 recently and it's the same. Doesn't really bother me too much. I just raise or lower it or my plants as needed. It is a big and heavy though. I'm doing my first run with it and it seems to be pretty decent so far. I really want to run the same variety a couple of times vs the hps. Here's some bubba kush x puck bc2. I'm just getting into leds and so far in impressed with them.

voodoosdaddy said:

I got the fd6500 recently and it's the same. Doesn't really bother me too much. I just raise or lower it or my plants as needed. It is a big and heavy though. I'm doing my first run with it and it seems to be pretty decent so far. I really want to run the same variety a couple of times vs the hps. Here's some bubba kush x puck bc2. I'm just getting into leds and so far in impressed with them.

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Good to know. This is the slightly older model, so I'm glad that there is at least some consistency to the wonky curve.

I switched from 3 quantum boards plus some 100w side lights to this on one side plus a 500w qb, a 240w qb and a 100w side light in a 4x8.

Haven't run a fill cycle with it yet, we shall see the results. I am liking how consistent the beam is across the whole spread as well as the fact that from roughly 12"-18" or so there is only couple hundred ppfd difference.

nygaff1 said:

Good to know. This is the slightly older model, so I'm glad that there is at least some consistency to the wonky curve.

I switched from 3 quantum boards plus some 100w side lights to this on one side plus a 500w qb, a 240w qb and a 100w side light in a 4x8.

Haven't run a fill cycle with it yet, we shall see the results. I am liking how consistent the beam is across the whole spread as well as the fact that from roughly 12"-18" or so there is only couple hundred ppfd difference.

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What's your thoughts on your purchase now?