[Billy Hunt]

My last set up, I had six(6) 150 watt HPS(with caps), directly wired (10 gauge spliced extension cord) to a Ryobi 2000 and never had an issue. I got another boat and plan to run six(6) 150 watt HPS(with caps) to a Honda EU300iS, do I need a digital ballast, and why?

 

[sowsticker90]

Digital ballasts will take a lot of headache out of the equation when it comes to troubleshooting. They also run far more efficient than magnetic. It will also eliminate the need for capacitor.

 

[sowsticker90]

Almost forgot to mention you will drop the weight by a drastic amount.

 

[Jepruitt80]

If you're going to run a Honda 3000, why not run 6-400s? I mean if you don't have the lights yet.

 

[Jepruitt80]

Digital ballast are great. Plug and play. Light and silent.

 

[froghunter]

not to hijack but what are caps and what do they do?

 

[Billy Hunt]

I like the 150's, plus I plan on going to eight 150's in the future when I extend the deck.

 

[sowsticker90]

Cap---capacitor. It acts as a fast discharging battery to store energy and give a boost to the lights. Capacitors are also used for filtering voltage sources to provide a smoother supply.

 

[froghunter]

if i buy a factory hps light fixture, does it have a capacitor in it or must that be added?

 

[SKEETER]

if i buy a factory hps light fixture, does it have a capacitor in it or must that be added?

it should say in the description. Most buy the non and add them.

 

[SKEETER]

Honestly, with the popularity and troubleshooting near non existant, I don't see a reason to not go digital.

 

[rcdinaz]

I thought digital ballasts were only good for growing whacky weed!

 

[Sorny]

I thought digital ballasts were only good for growing whacky weed!

shhhhhhh... thats my back up plan!

 

[sowsticker90]

if i buy a factory hps light fixture, does it have a capacitor in it or must that be added?

The majority I have seen do not come with capacitors. Typically when using the lights your are bit limited on power by a generator.

 

[mudfish]

Digital run hps and mh, cool down time about 1/10 less.
Weight and seal so last longer!
:co:

 

[cntryboy081]

not to hijack but what are caps and what do they do?

In normal electrical flow, the voltage sine lags behind the current sine waves (or vise versa) the capacitor acts as a buffer and lines up the sine waves with each other making the current and voltage smoother as sowsticker said. therefore more efficient

 

[kingcan]

The majority I have seen do not come with capacitors. Typically when using the lights your are bit limited on power by a generator.

150w fixtures come with the option of a capacitor, all higher wattage fixtures have capacitors.