Digital vs. Magnetic Ballast

In another thread, talked about replacing and old ballast and expanding into another grow room.  Upon receiving the new ballasts, i thought wow these things are getting small and light weight.  From comments, I have figured out the difference is that what I bought back in the day were magnetic ballasts.  Since then, lighter weight digital ballasts have come to market.

Seems like a great topic would be the pros vs. cons of the two styles.
 
With next to no digital experience, the biggest pro I can see right now is the versatility of digital ballasts.  If you need a 400 watt for coverage, you can buy a 1000 watt with a dimmer.  At a later date when you need to expand, you can turn the knob instead of buying yet another ballast.  I also like being able to swap HPS and MH as I seem to get the best results from blending the two.

Your thoughts?  Is one flat better?  What do you like or hate about each?

Magnetic ballasts can be rebuilt. Some are also switchable -- meaning they can start a Metal-Halide lamp or a High Pressure Sodium lamp, as well as some rarer conversion bulbs (like older , now outta stock Philips CDM400 bulbs). They get hot. They make a coil whine noise (sometimes) and the typical ballast/bulb crackle/noise. They're super reliable if you get a good one (10+ year of service). Again, can be rebuilt/repaired easily. 
 
Digital ballasts are quiet, cool to the touch, and may have features such as dimming as you mentioned, overdriving or "boosting" -- giving 10% more power/watts for example, remote control, built-in timer, "smart" ignition -- so that 20 ballasts don't just switch on/pull a load exactly the same time, and come in Single End and Double Ended bulb varieties. Single Ended bulb varieties can be switched between MH/HPS as well. When these mess up there isn't much you can do aside from try to RMA if within time. Might come with a warranty. Also, there is a limit on the length of the cable from the ballast to the reflector, with some Doubled Ended units having the ballast/reflector as one unit.
 
Flat out best? If production is #1 and thats that: Gavita Pro Series. Digital Ballasts. Uses Philips DE Bulbs (come in different Kelvins), small compact unit with everything included (reflector, ballast, bulb), replaceable reflector, super easy to switch bulbs, great light throw/spread, dimmable. Can't be aircooled and put out a lot of heat. Great for greenhouses or anywhere ceiling height permits. Made in Holland I believe in partnership with Philips (to some extent).
 
Second best option are those 315CMH units that are out there. $200 with bulb usually (more or less). I'll be replacing my own 400w units and 8 bulb t5s with these. Similar to gavitas in that they are small, compact units.
 
Few bulbs give issues with digital ballasts -- some make a whine, some won't start, run odd, etc -- but for the most part, they will all work.
 
My equipment is of the older variety. I use switchable magnetic ballasts, single-ended digital ballasts, and t5 lights. Will upgrade when something breaks.
 

 

 
 
 

That last part: "Will upgrade when something breaks", that is where I am at.  My old ballasts a bit over 10 years old, magnetic, really heavy.  First a HPS failed, then a MH.  So I figure maybe 10 years or so is a very accurate figure.  i read I could rebuild, but after looking at new features on digital ballasts and todays unreal low cost, I had to go with replace.  Just kind of wondering if that will bite me in the ass. 

Thank you for your input and welcome to THP

Thanks! Ordered a batch of your super hot collection last week to get things started. Like your outlook and goals.
 
Best of wishes.

entropic said:

Thanks! Ordered a batch of your super hot collection last week to get things started. Like your outlook and goals.
 
Best of wishes.

Click to expand...

 

Thank you for the order and appreciating the goals.  Patrons are what let me raise my family this way, out in the middle of no where with Mother Nature as our patron saint.