KP Posted June 10, 2006 Report Share Posted June 10, 2006 I have got 2x 250W electronic metal halides and trying to firgure out the best way to wire them to a timer. I hear there are a couple of problems with some timers; unable to switch fast enough for the ballast and unable to handle the inital current a ballast draws. Was planning to run a standard timer to a relay which would feed the MHs but can't find a suitable relay. Do you know of any heavy duty timers capable of handling this? Or is there a better way to setup MH's with a timer? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted June 10, 2006 Report Share Posted June 10, 2006 Have a look here KP.. You might find something suitable. http://www.surplustronics.co.nz/shop/ Bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted June 10, 2006 Report Share Posted June 10, 2006 I have 3 250w Mh on timers, the pudney electronic ones seem to be the best, Pies uses these on his 400w Mh as well. They are usually round $40. My electrical wholesaler recommended HPM heavy dudy timers they are built for spa pool pumps which draw a lot of power, but they were out of stock when I was looking last so haven't tried them. The hard core option is to use relays that fit into your mains board (but could be DIY'ed) but they cost round $100 each plus need a timer added. The last option would be to build a DIY relay box and use cheap timers, not hard to do but too much mucking round IMO when the pudney ones work fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KP Posted June 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2006 Cool thanks that seems like the best option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 Just go to bunnings, have a look at timers, grab something priced near the middle of the range you'll probably be fine. The only ones I've had trouble with is the dirt cheap ones that were something like $5, stuck shut the first time it switched on. Everything else has been fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I have only seen the elto ones at bunnings, I have killed 2-3 of these and wouldn't touch them again. I have used a couple of DSE branded timers that work ok, but it can be a bit hit and miss, I have killed a couple as well. If you do get the DSE ones make sure you get theres because they also sell the crap Elto ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kermit Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 The elto digital timers at bunnings have a 32amp rated relay in them perfect for high start up currents devices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 The elto digital timers at bunnings have a 32amp rated relay in them perfect for high start up currents devices. Thats interesting cause I have managed to kill I few of them, I don't know if it was the relay or some other part. I also used elto power boards at work round 170 of them, they were all crap, the plug either wouldn't go in the holes or would go in but fall out. IMHO cheap and nasty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kermit Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 Not sure if all elto timers do but the ones i use do remember the relay contacts are rated for 32amps but the circuit board will not be sized for 32amps so if you killed a few it maybe the circuit board tracks fusing, and as for elto power boards completely different things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetskisteve Posted June 13, 2006 Report Share Posted June 13, 2006 Bunning sell the HPM ones which i'm using around 10 of- no probs?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharronpaul Posted June 13, 2006 Report Share Posted June 13, 2006 Have also used elto power boards and timers. Power boards are okay if you want to plug something in and leave it, but no good for unplugging and plugging in again. In short they're crap IMHO. Elto timers are a good thing to use to weigh down that those plants that constantly break free and float to the surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KP Posted June 13, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2006 :lol: :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.