[clark3]

I'm about to order the lumatec 250w digital ballast. Has anyone used these? I'm gonna order 8 I found a pretty good deal for 108$ a piece.

 

[Chevyscoot]

Thats a good deal! Welcome Back Griswold!!:tu:

 

[huntforfunnfood]

id suggest you looking a little more its my understanding the one model of 400 wat for about 125 each
will allow you to adjust them buy just turning a knob and selecting 400 hps 400 mh 250 hps or 250mh

that would well be worth the extra 20 buck each incase you ever want to up grade your lights or sale the ballast later

 

[clark3]

See, I would love he dimmable 400 watt, but the cheapest ive found them was for 139 plus shipping. Plus the 250w would allow me to run a smaller genny. Thanks huntforfunnfood ill do a little more research before i pull the trigger on these.

 

[Gbollom]

The price difference in the ballasts is only about 200, the problem is the price difference in a decent genny to power them

 

[JpEater]

The price difference in the ballasts is only about 200, the problem is the price difference in a decent genny to power them

True. But there are not many boats out there that would really need more than (6)400's though. (4) 400's covering the front deck and (2)400's on the seat stand would do great. Just a thought.

 

[Gbollom]

Well were planning on 8 fixtures, maybe over kill but oh well. I dont think there is such thing as too much light. Also this will be on the front of our new airboat

 

[clark3]

JP, im thinking about using a 3500 watt genny, would 6 400s be pushing it pretty hard? I like to have a few watts/amps left for things like battery charger, tools, ect

 

[Gbollom]

Well that would be about 68% of the wattage draw probably more since they draw more than what they say, not sure on the amp. Maybe JP or OBG can help us out there

 

[JpEater]

JP, im thinking about using a 3500 watt genny, would 6 400s be pushing it pretty hard? I like to have a few watts/amps left for things like battery charger, tools, ect

WesleyStokes1 had six lights on his front deck and was wanting to add some more to the back seat stand area. I suggested that he take two lights off the front deck and rearange his side lights. He now has (4)400's on his front deck and has no dark spots. I am not sure if he already has, but he was gonna move the other (2)400's to the seat stand. I only mention that because 400's cover so well, you just don't need a lot of them. It would save you some money too.

But if you figure about 475 watts for a 400HPS and about 300watts for a 250 you should be safe. So (6)400's would be 2850 watts. That would put you right at the 80% rating of a 3500 watt generator. If its a real cheap generator, it may struggle a little or not last long with that load. If its a good one, then I wouldn't worry about it. But you could also consider the (4)400's for the deck and (2)250's for the seat stand. Its your money, spend it how you want. I am just making a suggestion on a layout that works very well with little to no guesswork involved! Hope this helps.

 

[clark3]

No that def helps. Your the lighting guy for sure. You need your own thread section lol