double ended lamps and why not all hoods are created equal

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by lastusernameonearth, Nov 23, 2015.

  1. #1 lastusernameonearth, Nov 23, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 23, 2015
    Greetings growers! Many of you may have heard about the increasingly more popular double ended high intensity discharge bulbs, some of you may have not. The basic difference between the DE bulb and your standard HID is that it plugs into the socket at both ends, as the name would imply. However, the benefits begin to truly shine when this technology is paired with equally advanced components.


    The first difference any grower will notice with any DE light set up is that the light appears more evenly throughout the canopy. Not only is this due to a more efficient use of electrical power throughout the bulb, but the traditional HID bulb has a high tendency to 'slump' when plugged in because the bulb becomes top heavy when mounted horizontally with only one socket. The double ended bulb, in its corrected posture, leads to a more efficient distribution of light. The range of wavelengths that plants use is called Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR). When measuring PAR the bulb, ballast, and hood all play a crucial role in maximizing the light output and concentrating it. The DE bulb will perform better or worse than a traditional HID, based upon the users level of understanding of proper use of the equipment. Many third party studies have been conducted which point to the Sun System AC/DE (air cooled, double ended) hood as the more efficient hood for purposes of light concentration and distribution. In these studies a ballast was used which was designated for use with the Sun System hood and double ended bulb. The ballast typically used in this setup is a Galaxy Grow AMP 1000W select-a-watt turbo charge ballast, which comes in 120/240 or 240 standalone if you want to save a couple dollars. There are currently a handful of manufacturers making 1000 watt double ended bulbs which are compatible with this ballast and hood. The efficiency between these bulbs has yet to be determined. It is recommended to purchase a DE bulb which is listed for use with your DE hood and ballast. Some manufacturers of these bulbs may include Philips, Gavita, and Ushio.


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    So why all the fuss surrounding the Sun System AC/DE hood, paired with a Galaxy Grow AMP ballast and double ended lamp? Well, it's actually surprisingly easy to determine that this light system easily eclipses most light systems on the market currently. The Sun System hood is designed with a closed cavity for air cooling to pass through, rather than the air passing directly over the bulb. This makes a huge difference in not only the performance of the bulb, but the life of the bulb and the ballast. Since the air never passes directly over the bulb, there is no cooling of the bulb directly, and thus the gasses that the bulb creates are not displaced. This is a complex subject dealing with the way HID bulbs work, and what they are made out of. I recommend finding an article elsewhere to learn more about this in depth. Because the light is never directly cooled, the ballast never gets a false reading to up the voltage to the bulb. In a normal HID setup the gasses are displaced, the bulb is cooled, and the ballast is triggered to send more power. This leads to a less efficient and shorter life of the bulb and the ballast.


    Price comparisons (in US dollars)
    standard 1000w ballast, bulb, hood combo- 200
    Gavita double ended light setup- 550
    Ipower double ended light setup- 350
    Sun System double ended light setup- 650


    The price is a big factor when it comes to which light setup you choose. Because the double ended bulbs produce two times the usable light as a standard HID bulb, it is easy to scratch the standard setup off your shopping list as you will obviously be paying much more money for much less light over time. When comparing double ended light setups the efficiency and price are the determining factors. Poorly designed light kits like the Gavita and Ipower Gavita style light will not concentrate and distribute the light as well as the Sun Systems hood, and also cannot be air cooled. Some double ended air cooled reflectors are available, but blowing air directly over your HID bulb is an obvious issue you would like to avoid if at all possible as it leads to less light and a shorter life of the bulb and ballast. It is easy to see that when making poor lighting choices you will eventually pay for your decision, and if you were already planning on purchasing a more expensive light setup like a Gavita style, you should seriously consider forking out the extra hundred dollars for a more efficient style of double ended light.



    So how do all of these differences finally stack up in a way we can calculate?


    1. The double ended bulbs produces almost two times the usable light when compared to a Hortilux HID bulb, which is widely regarded as one of the highest quality single ended HID bulbs on the market.


    2. The air-cooled cavity design leads to a more efficient use of the light you are generating, while still miraculously HALVING the heat output at the top of your reflector.


    3. The PAR measurement is not only much higher on average, but the Sun System hood does a great job of evenly concentrating and distributing light through its intelligent design.


    4. All you have to do is look at the charts to see an obvious reduction in heat, and an obvious massive increase in usable light output. The Sun System AC/DE reflectors strengths truly shine when combined with the proper ballast and bulb.






    SOURCES:


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    PAR output DE Philips bulb vs SE Hortilux bulb - Hood comparisons PDF


    http://growershouse.com/images/DE_TEST_INFOGRAPHIC...




    Sunlight Supply inc. comparison video






    I wrote this article and shared pre-existing information for educational purposes and forfeit any copyright claims on the above information and digital media

     
  2. I swear I don't work for them
     

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