Light Controller Question

[Xochipilli]

I need a light controller. Im looking at the Helio's brand, but am wondering if there is another brand that people here use and can recommend? I see that some come with built in timers, and some dont -- not sure what the pros and cons are with that.

 

[Archer]

It depends on how many lights you are running?

Will they all be on the same time schedule?

Are your ballast 120 Volt or, 240 or, possibly switchable?

I have 2 of the Powerbox DPC-7500-240V .

The model I have has 6 - 240 volt outlets.

4 that will always be on what you set the timer options at ( Although it has a Manual and Auto setting as well) The programing literally would allow you to set a different time setting for everyday of the week.

The other 2 are switchable you can either include them in the timer setting or run them 24 hours (obviously you could also add additional external timers to them ).

My model has a 240 Volt plug-in that plugs into a electric dryer/stove outlet.

Powerbox has several models depending on how many outlets you need, 120 or 240 volt, or a combination of 240/120 volt.

Google Powerbox for more options.

Here is a link to mine and a few more options on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Powerbox+DPC-7500-240V

With that said I am mostly an outdoor grower , Although I have quite a few indoor toys (equipment).

These are very reliable timers unlike some of the cheaper external wall plug-in timers

 

[Schwilly]

I always used the Helio's, both 4 and 8. Never had any problems with them. As for the timers, I would go with the models without. The ones without have a 120 line to plug into an external timer. If something is going to break, its going to be that little timer. Better to be an easy cheap fix by getting a external new timer than have to scrap a entire unit over a bad internal timer

 

[Archer]

Schwilly,

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

I have never had an issues with the built in timers in my Powerbox's 1 of them I have had for about 8 years.

Over the years (30 +) plenty of failures with the external timers.

If you want reliability in my opinion go with a built in timer.

If you can be there to check on it twice a day go with the cheapy external. (doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a timer ?)

The other thing is without the built in timers why pay for a box ? It is fairly simple to wire and make your own.

 

[Xochipilli]

Went with this
[emoji106]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk