leafminer
Bloody H E L L !
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2008
- Messages
- 3,291
- Reaction score
- 2,659
Split the unit and modify the reflector.
Remote the reflector and lamp unit.
Before doing anything, remove the bulb and store it in a safe place.
You'll probably find that the reflector is held on by a bracket that allows the reflector to be adjusted relative to the position of the lamp. Remove the brackets and reflector.
Look into the mogul fitting. You should see two mounting screws at the base. Unscrew them and gently remove the mogul fitting and U-shaped support from the ballast box. Gently pull the mougul fitting out as far as you can without straining the specially insulated cables. Cut the cables in the middle. Using medium wire nuts, splice in the required length of no. 16 AWG commercial grade cable rated at 600V 90C or better.
The big bell reflector needs to be cut down. As-is, it throws an intense narrow beam with a pronounced hot spot in the centre. Get a piece of masking tape and stretching it carefully, make a guide with it where you want to cut: about 1/2 inch below where the 'dimpled' or first part of the reflector stops and the second lower part begins.
Drill a 1/4 hole to allow the jigsaw blade to begin and cut all the way around using a high speed metal cutting jigsaw blade. It doesn't take long.
Afterwards use some 100 grade emery paper to smooth the edges of the metal.
Reassemble the reflector, U-support piece, and adjusting brackets apart from the ballast. Hang the lamp and replace the bulb. Test.
======
Benefits.
I find it far far easier to deal with adjusting the position or height of the grow lamps now. I used to dread struggling with the hot, heavy, awkward ballasts and the risk of dropping them onto the plants. Now they weigh hardly anything.
Second: the ballasts actually run quite cool. I used to think it was the ballasts that got hot. No. It was mainly the heat from the lamps right underneath. So the ballasts should run better now they're not so hot.
Third: I find that I can get the lamps much closer to the plants now. Rate of growth is much better than before, haven't had any leaf burn at all. Everything is just so much more convenient. It is noticeable though, just how much heat these bulbs produce. I am going to drill the tops of the reflectors a little, to improve ventilation and reduce the temps hopefully.
I'll post pics when I can.
Remote the reflector and lamp unit.
Before doing anything, remove the bulb and store it in a safe place.
You'll probably find that the reflector is held on by a bracket that allows the reflector to be adjusted relative to the position of the lamp. Remove the brackets and reflector.
Look into the mogul fitting. You should see two mounting screws at the base. Unscrew them and gently remove the mogul fitting and U-shaped support from the ballast box. Gently pull the mougul fitting out as far as you can without straining the specially insulated cables. Cut the cables in the middle. Using medium wire nuts, splice in the required length of no. 16 AWG commercial grade cable rated at 600V 90C or better.
The big bell reflector needs to be cut down. As-is, it throws an intense narrow beam with a pronounced hot spot in the centre. Get a piece of masking tape and stretching it carefully, make a guide with it where you want to cut: about 1/2 inch below where the 'dimpled' or first part of the reflector stops and the second lower part begins.
Drill a 1/4 hole to allow the jigsaw blade to begin and cut all the way around using a high speed metal cutting jigsaw blade. It doesn't take long.
Afterwards use some 100 grade emery paper to smooth the edges of the metal.
Reassemble the reflector, U-support piece, and adjusting brackets apart from the ballast. Hang the lamp and replace the bulb. Test.
======
Benefits.
I find it far far easier to deal with adjusting the position or height of the grow lamps now. I used to dread struggling with the hot, heavy, awkward ballasts and the risk of dropping them onto the plants. Now they weigh hardly anything.
Second: the ballasts actually run quite cool. I used to think it was the ballasts that got hot. No. It was mainly the heat from the lamps right underneath. So the ballasts should run better now they're not so hot.
Third: I find that I can get the lamps much closer to the plants now. Rate of growth is much better than before, haven't had any leaf burn at all. Everything is just so much more convenient. It is noticeable though, just how much heat these bulbs produce. I am going to drill the tops of the reflectors a little, to improve ventilation and reduce the temps hopefully.
I'll post pics when I can.
