Timers and 'connectors'??? Please help me choose....

Hello Guys and Gals,
I am returning to horticulture after a break of over two decades to find that much has changed and the sheer amount of available equipment can be overwhelming.

Let me tell you what I already have, then I'll say what I think I still need.
Then I'd like to hear from the experienced growers as to what they think I will need (and the best version/brand for me).

I have a:
1.2 x 1.2 x 2.0m tent (4 x 4 x 6ft)
600w HIP
6'' RVK (fan/filter)

I need:
A thermometer (that shows lowest/highest/current temperature and relative humidity)
Specific recommendations welcome

pH tester

TIMER

What is a connector?
When/why would a grower have use for a 'connector' rather than a simple timer?

Many thanks.

I think you mean Contactor, not Connector. A contactor allowes me to control my 240v light circuit with a simple 120v timer.

The contactor basically acts like a switch. I run my 240v power for my recepticles for my ballasts through the contactor. But the contactor needs 120v to "open" and "close". This is where the timer comes in, when you want lights on, your timer activates sending 120v to the contactor, which "closes",completing your 240v circuit for your ballast plugs.

anytime you need to pull more amps then a timer can handle. for example. 2 1000w HPS draw 9amps each at 120v. most standard timers are only good for 15amps. ie you shouldnt plug 2 1000watters into 1 timer. SO light controllers have a contactor that does the heavy lifting/switching on/off and the timer just runs the contactor.

You want a POWERSTAR 2kw contactor.


Or a PLUG AND GROW TIMER off eBay.

The contactor helps to reduce the load on the timer.

Standard timers in the uk generally only allow 125w conductive load to pass through them before they malfunction.



J

I was advised (by Hortiworks of Kent) that a Heavy Duty Timer (£15) would be suitable for my 600w set up.
Then I started reading adverts for 'Timer/Contactor'

To be honest, I'm still unsure of their purpose....







I think you mean Contactor, not Connector. A contactor allowes me to control my 240v light circuit with a simple 120v timer.

Would you not be able to control your lights on a simple timer?

One of these for use with a standard timer.
http://www.elementshydroponics.com/powerstar-2kw-2-way-contactor.html

Or one of these to plug your light directly into.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=270732866707




J

I don't trust timers, I don't want the full load of my lights running through the timer. I rather run it through the contactor and let my timer to essentially "turn" the contactor "on" and "off". Plus I'm running 12, 1k lights, so the contractors are a necessity.

ilikecheetos explained it perfectly.

PKHydro said:

I don't trust timers, I don't want the full load of my lights running through the timer. I rather run it through the contactor and let my timer to essentially "turn" the contactor "on" and "off". Plus I'm running 12, 1k lights, so the contractors are a necessity.

ilikecheetos explained it perfectly.

Click to expand...

Considering everyone's answers to my question I think I'll probably be fine with a simple Heavy Duty Timer.
600w doesn't seem enough amps to justify a contactor.

NorthofEngland said:

Considering everyone's answers to my question I think I'll probably be fine with a simple Heavy Duty Timer.
600w doesn't seem enough amps to justify a contactor.

Click to expand...

I used a standard timer. Rated for 3200w with a 250w cfl lamp. It went to constant on after 3 days of use and the timer stopped working.


Don't scrimp. I use a contactor on my 400w hps.


J

^^^.....heed this advice.

jondamon said:

One of these for use with a standard timer.
http://www.elementshydroponics.com/powerstar-2kw-2-way-contactor.html

Or one of these to plug your light directly into.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=270732866707




J

Click to expand...

jondamon said:

I used a standard timer. Rated for 3200w with a 250w cfl lamp. It went to constant on after 3 days of use and the timer stopped working.


Don't scrimp. I use a contactor on my 400w hps.


J

Click to expand...

Are you suggesting I buy both of the items you sent links to....?

PKHydro said:

^^^.....heed this advice.

Click to expand...

it is good advice but I'd run a 600 off a normal home depot heavy duty 15amp timer and not be scared. To be honest Ive run 2 1000w on a single timer. It got a little burn where it plugs in so I got a light controller. heh.

NorthofEngland said:

Are you suggesting I buy both of the items you sent links to....?

Click to expand...

No.

One or the other will work.


J

ilikecheetoes said:

it is good advice but I'd run a 600 off a normal home depot heavy duty 15amp timer and not be scared. To be honest Ive run 2 1000w on a single timer. It got a little burn where it plugs in so I got a light controller. heh.

Click to expand...

UK is very different mate.


The heavy duty timers are like that plug and grow version I linked and can't be purchased down your local DIY store.



J