Electronic Ballasts ????

R

Rick

I know I am probably looking for headaches. But is anyone using electronic ballasts with a Neptune controller and the X-10s? Because of electric bills, I am cutting down both my wattage use and heat issues. I am going to three EVC Tech 400 watt electronic ballasts with three LumenArc Mini reflectors. The problem I guess I will have to deal with is using the Neptune to control the lights and the interference you can get from the ballast that interrupts the signal to the X-10s. But I figured someone might be using them already this way.
 
Rick,

I am using electronic ballasts (Icecap) with Neptune and X-10's. I had all kinds of problems when I orginally set things up. The only thing I was able to due to make everything work correctly was to buy the Direct Connect 4 Heavy Duty (DC4HD). This allowed me to run the elecronic ballasts and the rest of my X-10 controllers.
 
Thanks Todd that is kind of the situation I thought I would find myself in. I guess there is no other way around the added expense.
 
I know that Steve (TCU_Reefer) had a problem too, but I think he solved it by screwing the e-ballasts to a sheet of metal.

I have the IceCap E-ballasts, use the AC II with X-10s and have no problem. Maybe because the ballasts are over the tank, the controller is under the tank and the X-10s are on the side a feet away.
 
@Marc wrote:
I know that Steve (TCU_Reefer) had a problem too said:
I use a DC-8 and not X-10's. The problem I was having was interference with the TV's reception. I never got around to mounting the ballasts on sheet metal.
Click to expand...
 
Rick,

Depending on the loads,etc you could also consider the noise filters that are designed to stop the interference with the X10's. Neptune used to sell them http://www.neptunesys.com/x10.htm#NF5, but I didn't find a price now. I'm sure some other manufacturers make them too and might be cheaper. I think the manufacturer - Tripp (make isolators,filters, and UPS's ) may have them and I suspect Altex electronics in Dallas carry them or could get them. More expensive up front, but you could add them as needed. Just a thought.
Doug
 
A couple people here in Atlanta are using Icecap eBallasts with no issues but several more had issues. 2 people just bought the DCs and another 2 went to magnetic ballasts.

I have all magnetic myself. I would try the noise filters first. They are only like $15 each. It would be a much cheaper solution if they work.
 
Rick I have a IC 250W e-ballast that i am not using right now if you want to borrow it and see if it works with your x-10 just shoot me a pm...
 
Thanks for the offer Steve. I already have ordered the new lighting setup though. I am at the point I will have to make them work together. Either through the use of the filters or buying the Direct Connects. I am going on vacation a week from Saturday and I don't plan on changing anything till I get back.
 
I hope you meant to type "don't" in that last sentence.

Who's going to watch your tank?
 
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