Ram_Puppy
Fri, 20th Aug 2004, 04:27 PM
I have been looking for a nice electronic ballast for my new system, and I found a model that made me wet my pants with excitement. (figuratively) :)
here is the link: http://www.vb1000.com/index.php
The VB400 Veri Ballast is networkable, you can hook it up to your PC, it has a burn hours timer, so you know how many active hours are on a lamp, runs ANY style of bulb, MH, HPS, MV, you name it, and runs between 175 watts and 1000 (If I remember right) Included software allows you to auto dim your bulbs, or even run them in overdrive if you want. It is highly energy efficient, supposed to run cool, and a bevy of other cool stuff I am sure.
Problem: It's still a beta product from what I can tell, no vendors out there, I signed up to be eligiable for the first release of these ballasts, but the minimum order is 5.
Assuming these things (no pricing available that I can tell yet) are not 500 bucks a piece, and that they are a reasonable price, would any of you be interested in these ballasts?
I have a friend who might be in for the model that controls 2 lamps at a time, I would prefer that as well. (vb400 = 1 lamp, vb 800 = 2 lamps.)
I haven't heard back from the company yet, but hopefully soon.
here is some info off their site.
BENEFITS FEATURES
Saves Energy Intelligent electronics and thermal controls deliver efficient, cooler output
Global solution Operates under universal input voltages:90V - 277V ± 10%
Delivers multiple output wattages:70W ¾ 1650W
Drives MH, HPS, and MV
Complies with UL, CB, and CSA standards
Steady light Regulates line voltage to deliver non-flickering, constant lumen output
Silent light Smaller, lighter microprocessors. Class A indoor noise rating
Reduces operating costs Energy efficient.Supports dimming and scene controls. Includes automatic timer.Thermal control reduces air conditioning demand. Controlled start-up and shut-down process extends useful life of lamp and ballast
Reduces maintenance costs Identifies lamps and ballasts before they fail. Enables scheduled maintenance and replacement. No more mass relamping
Simplifies lighting management Graphic user interface displays on desktop, laptop, and handheld computers. Supports wired and wireless communications
Vari-Ballast™ Technical Specifications
PARAMETER VB200 VB400 VB1000
Line Voltage Range (V) 90V - 277V ± 10% 90V - 277V ± 10% 90V - 277V ± 10%
Line (Hz) 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz
Normal Lamp Wattage (W) 70W - 200W 250W - 430W 500W - 1650W
Saving (%)
HPF
THD (%) <4 <4
CCF
Lamp (Hz) >30k >30k >30k
Lamp ANSI#
Ignition Standard Standard Pulse Start Standard
Size (in) 6 X 6 X 4 6 X 6 X 4 8 X 8 X 5
Size (mm)
Weight (oz)
Weight (kg)
Operating Temp Range (°F) -25° to +85° F -25° to +85° F
Operating Temp Range (°C)
Crest Factor
Normal Input Power 250W 400W 600W
Input Current @ 120V RMS
Input Current @ 208V RMS
Input Current @ 277V RMS
Input Current (Open Circuit) @ 120V
Input Power Factor
Ballast Efficiency 98 98 98
here is the link: http://www.vb1000.com/index.php
The VB400 Veri Ballast is networkable, you can hook it up to your PC, it has a burn hours timer, so you know how many active hours are on a lamp, runs ANY style of bulb, MH, HPS, MV, you name it, and runs between 175 watts and 1000 (If I remember right) Included software allows you to auto dim your bulbs, or even run them in overdrive if you want. It is highly energy efficient, supposed to run cool, and a bevy of other cool stuff I am sure.
Problem: It's still a beta product from what I can tell, no vendors out there, I signed up to be eligiable for the first release of these ballasts, but the minimum order is 5.
Assuming these things (no pricing available that I can tell yet) are not 500 bucks a piece, and that they are a reasonable price, would any of you be interested in these ballasts?
I have a friend who might be in for the model that controls 2 lamps at a time, I would prefer that as well. (vb400 = 1 lamp, vb 800 = 2 lamps.)
I haven't heard back from the company yet, but hopefully soon.
here is some info off their site.
BENEFITS FEATURES
Saves Energy Intelligent electronics and thermal controls deliver efficient, cooler output
Global solution Operates under universal input voltages:90V - 277V ± 10%
Delivers multiple output wattages:70W ¾ 1650W
Drives MH, HPS, and MV
Complies with UL, CB, and CSA standards
Steady light Regulates line voltage to deliver non-flickering, constant lumen output
Silent light Smaller, lighter microprocessors. Class A indoor noise rating
Reduces operating costs Energy efficient.Supports dimming and scene controls. Includes automatic timer.Thermal control reduces air conditioning demand. Controlled start-up and shut-down process extends useful life of lamp and ballast
Reduces maintenance costs Identifies lamps and ballasts before they fail. Enables scheduled maintenance and replacement. No more mass relamping
Simplifies lighting management Graphic user interface displays on desktop, laptop, and handheld computers. Supports wired and wireless communications
Vari-Ballast™ Technical Specifications
PARAMETER VB200 VB400 VB1000
Line Voltage Range (V) 90V - 277V ± 10% 90V - 277V ± 10% 90V - 277V ± 10%
Line (Hz) 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz
Normal Lamp Wattage (W) 70W - 200W 250W - 430W 500W - 1650W
Saving (%)
HPF
THD (%) <4 <4
CCF
Lamp (Hz) >30k >30k >30k
Lamp ANSI#
Ignition Standard Standard Pulse Start Standard
Size (in) 6 X 6 X 4 6 X 6 X 4 8 X 8 X 5
Size (mm)
Weight (oz)
Weight (kg)
Operating Temp Range (°F) -25° to +85° F -25° to +85° F
Operating Temp Range (°C)
Crest Factor
Normal Input Power 250W 400W 600W
Input Current @ 120V RMS
Input Current @ 208V RMS
Input Current @ 277V RMS
Input Current (Open Circuit) @ 120V
Input Power Factor
Ballast Efficiency 98 98 98