OVAS

Canadian tire have the Noma 7 day digital time on sale for 10.99.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442459563&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077&bmUID=1171836577040
Regards
Mods. - not sure if this belongs here or the lounge.

I thought digital timers were a bad idea for fluorescent tubes?  I seem to recall reading that.  They don't turn the lights off completely or something like that, and will wear them out faster.

I think you are thinking of dimmers... I have had my setups on digital timers for years and never experienced accelerated degradation of the bulbs.

Agree...I've been using the same timer for years on CF's and MH's with no problems or reduced bulb life that I can determine.  Good price BTW.

This is the post I am thinking of: http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=10827.msg84740#msg84740

Thought it seems like its more of just an excess power consumption issue than anything harmful.  Just something to consider I guess.

Quote from: BigDaddy on February 18, 2007, 05:47:52 PM
I think you are thinking of dimmers... I have had my setups on digital timers for years and never experienced accelerated degradation of the bulbs.

Same here , just added 2 more to complete all my timers to digital.
Regards

yea! I have been looking for these ones to be on sale for a while. you can also get a remote for these ones if i remember correctly for $9.99, that you can use on up to 4 timers, it works thought cabnets to.
going to go pick up some tomorow.

These timers are GREAT.  I have 3, and I'll be picking up a couple more  :)

sweet. I was going to buy a timer anyway tomorrow, so this one' perfect.

these are great! especialy with the remote, it makes everything so easy, i can turn off all the aquarium lights from my bed, with the push of one button. definetly worth the extra $10 IMO

How accurate are those timers at keeping time over a long period (i.e. weeks/months/years)?  I ask because I have a single digital timer made by Intermatic that gradually loses time -- probably about an hour a month.  I ended up switching to all analog timers because of that experience.

Quote from: pitabread on February 19, 2007, 09:29:01 PM
How accurate are those timers at keeping time over a long period (i.e. weeks/months/years)?  I ask because I have a single digital timer made by Intermatic that gradually loses time -- probably about an hour a month.  I ended up switching to all analog timers because of that experience.

I have both the intermatic & the Noma ( Garrison) , there is no problems of losing time , the analog is a pain when you have a power failure .
Regards

lol..... I swear some of these stores should give us a kick back.... when one of us go the rest fallow....I to have been waiting for them to go on sale

Quote from: charlie on February 19, 2007, 09:32:50 PM
I have both the intermatic & the Noma ( Garrison) , there is no problems of losing time , the analog is a pain when you have a power failure .
Regards

The Noma's don't lose their settings in a power failure?  Because I the intermatic I have does.  That's why I like the analogue ones because all I have to change is the time in the event of a power failure.

Quote from: pitabread on February 20, 2007, 12:13:03 AM
The Noma's don't lose their settings in a power failure?  Because I the intermatic I have does.  That's why I like the analogue ones because all I have to change is the time in the event of a power failure.

Noma ( Garrison) & the intermatic i have dont lose their settings in the event of a power failure.
Regards

hmm. the remote would be a great way to impress chicks.
while sitting on the couch,  Hey Baby, watch this!  *click*

Im already on my way to Crappy Tire

At the risk of sounding obtuse, checking on the website didn't indicate when the sale was to take place, anyone know when and for how long?

On another note however, I wanted to throw a wrench into everyone's plans here, I tried digital timers a few times over the years, and I was told that you cannot use them with electronic ballast. The reason as expressed to me, was that electronic devices such as digital timers as compared to mechanical timers, is one of electrical leakage. Now I realize there will be a few that will say nonsense, they've used theirs for a long time without negative effects. Barring this pending outburst of incredulity, I will just say that the purpose of the leakage is to keep the article on the timers primed, or warmed up if you prefer. Electonic ballasts, I'm told, don't suffer this foible very well at all, in fact, because the starting process, which is not the same as starters on magnetic ballasts, never gets a chance to rest, there is imminent early failure of these ballast from having a continuous charge, albeit a small one,this is a direct result of the continual supply of a wee bit of electricity.

But hey, don't take my word for it, telephone Litemore or Buchanans, they both love to chat, and could give you more detailed information. :)

I am using a couple and just bought two more. Never have any problem. It comes with battery back up to safe the setting upon power failure. With regards to electronic ballast, I have no information on that. It would be beneficial to everyone here if the experts can fill in  ;)

Quote from: babblefish1960 on February 20, 2007, 12:31:13 PM
At the risk of sounding obtuse, checking on the website didn't indicate when the sale was to take place, anyone know when and for how long?

On another note however, I wanted to throw a wrench into everyone's plans here, I tried digital timers a few times over the years, and I was told that you cannot use them with electronic ballast. The reason as expressed to me, was that electronic devices such as digital timers as compared to mechanical timers, is one of electrical leakage. Now I realize there will be a few that will say nonsense, they've used theirs for a long time without negative effects. Barring this pending outburst of incredulity, I will just say that the purpose of the leakage is to keep the article on the timers primed, or warmed up if you prefer. Electonic ballasts, I'm told, don't suffer this foible very well at all, in fact, because the starting process, which is not the same as starters on magnetic ballasts, never gets a chance to rest, there is imminent early failure of these ballast from having a continuous charge, albeit a small one,this is a direct result of the continual supply of a wee bit of electricity.

But hey, don't take my word for it, telephone Litemore or Buchanans, they both love to chat, and could give you more detailed information. :)

This certainly got my attention , so i contacted Coralife( Central aquatics),below is a copy of their reply- will post if & when they have more informed info.


From: Errol Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:59 PM
To: Rob Moneyhan
Subject: Digital timers & electronic ballast



Hello Rob, I read the following post on our local fish club`s web site, and since i use digital timers on all my coralife light fixtures ( 4 x compact flourscent & 1 T5 48 inch ), i`m interested in hearing your take on this speculation.

quote from web site -I tried digital timers a few times over the years, and I was told that you cannot use them with electronic ballast. The reason as expressed to me, was that electronic devices such as digital timers as compared to mechanical timers, is one of electrical leakage. Now I realize there will be a few that will say nonsense, they've used theirs for a long time without negative effects. Barring this pending outburst of incredulity, I will just say that the purpose of the leakage is to keep the article on the timers primed, or warmed up if you prefer. Electonic ballasts, I'm told, don't suffer this foible very well at all, in fact, because the starting process, which is not the same as starters on magnetic ballasts, never gets a chance to rest, there is imminent early failure of these ballast from having a continuous charge, albeit a small one,this is a direct result of the continual supply of a wee bit of electricity.

Thanking you for your anticipated response

Errol,



Interesting, this is the first time I have heard anything about this. I have never personally witnessed this phenomenon nor the early degradation of electronic ballasts as a result. I am going to forward this email on to our R&D department to see what they have to say.



Regards,



Rob M.

Product Lines Tech. Support Dpt.

Central Aquatics

Phone:  1-800-255-4527, Ext. 1215

Fax:  1-800-398-0396

Email: 




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well now that is an interesting response, I look forward to what their research and development have to say about that, as this is unlikely he never heard of that. Ask at any industrial light store and the person behind the counter will tell you the very same.

Quote from: charlie on March 05, 2007, 10:00:32 PM
This certainly got my attention , so i contacted Coralife( Central aquatics),below is a copy of their reply- will post if & when they have more informed info.


From: Errol Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:59 PM
To: Rob Moneyhan
Subject: Digital timers & electronic ballast



Hello Rob, I read the following post on our local fish club`s web site, and since i use digital timers on all my coralife light fixtures ( 4 x compact flourscent & 1 T5 48 inch ), i`m interested in hearing your take on this speculation.

quote from web site -I tried digital timers a few times over the years, and I was told that you cannot use them with electronic ballast. The reason as expressed to me, was that electronic devices such as digital timers as compared to mechanical timers, is one of electrical leakage. Now I realize there will be a few that will say nonsense, they've used theirs for a long time without negative effects. Barring this pending outburst of incredulity, I will just say that the purpose of the leakage is to keep the article on the timers primed, or warmed up if you prefer. Electonic ballasts, I'm told, don't suffer this foible very well at all, in fact, because the starting process, which is not the same as starters on magnetic ballasts, never gets a chance to rest, there is imminent early failure of these ballast from having a continuous charge, albeit a small one,this is a direct result of the continual supply of a wee bit of electricity.

Thanking you for your anticipated response

Errol,



Interesting, this is the first time I have heard anything about this. I have never personally witnessed this phenomenon nor the early degradation of electronic ballasts as a result. I am going to forward this email on to our R&D department to see what they have to say.



Regards,



Rob M.

Product Lines Tech. Support Dpt.

Central Aquatics

Phone:  1-800-255-4527, Ext. 1215

Fax:  1-800-398-0396

Email: 




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the updated reply from Coralife


Dear Errol,

I got the scoop. Digital timers of the X10 (X10 technology is used in
many controller units such as Neptune, and Octopus controllers) type
where it sends a signal across electric wires can cause problems with
certain types of electronic ballasts. Icecap ballasts are one of those.
Electronic ballasts that mimic the magnetic start ballasts are not
affected. The Coral Life, and All-Glass electronic ballast mimic the
magnetic ballast and should have no reaction to digital timers.
Non X10 type digital timers such as the ESU digital power center or the
$11.99 digital timer from Menards or Home Depot, use a shut off system
where the circuit is broken when the timer turns off.

Regards,

Rob M.
Product Lines Tech. Support Dpt.
Central Aquatics
Phone:  1-800-255-4527, Ext. 1215
Fax:  1-800-398-0396
Email: 

Thanks for the update, good for you for pursuing the truth of the situation, I didn't think I was crazy or given to wild claims, so it is good to see that you have now educated the fellow from coralife, it is good too to have the exact reason why it doesn't work properly as well.

Definitely good news, so what this fellow is saying is that not all electronic ballasts are necessarily the same, as well as not all timers are constructed the same either. Very good to know.

Just as an FYI.. I'm pretty sure All-Glass uses rebranded Fulham Workhorse ballasts in their setups.. although I could be wrong

I had to change the ballast in an all-glass fixture, and it was a fulcrum workhorse clone or rebranded when i opened it, and thats what I replaced it with - fulcrum.

I use alot of X10s around the house, but none on my tanks.