Description
One Dimmable HPS Light, From Young Plants to Full Flowering
The Maxibright Varidrive 600W HPS Kit brings together a Varidrive 600W dimmable digital ballast, a Maxibright Euro wing reflector on a 5 m IEC lead and a Maxibright 600W Dual Spectrum HPS lamp rated at 1,090 µmol/s PPF. The ballast runs at 250W, 400W, 600W or boost (660W), so the same light can be turned down over young plants and run at full power through flowering, and it drives metal halide lamps as well as HPS. It is a proven, straightforward light for a 1.0 m to 1.2 m grow tent.
What's Included
- Maxibright Varidrive 600W dimmable digital ballast – 250W / 400W / 600W / boost
- Maxibright Euro reflector – open-wing reflector with E40 lamp holder and 5 m IEC lead
- Maxibright 600W Dual Spectrum HPS lamp – E40 base
Key Benefits
- Four power settings – 250W, 400W, 600W and boost – from one dial on the ballast
- 1,090 µmol/s PPF from the Dual Spectrum lamp at 600W, with extra blue alongside the HPS red for use from vegetative growth into flowering
- Runs HPS or MH lamps, so a metal halide lamp can be fitted for vegetative growth
- Silent, compact digital ballast with short-circuit protection
- Plug-together IEC connection between ballast and reflector
- 3.0 A maximum draw – easy to plan on a heavy-duty timer or contactor
Stretch and Slow Flowering Under the Wrong Light Level
Too little light leaves plants stretching for it, with long gaps between nodes, thin stems and slow, sparse flowering. Too much over seedlings and fresh cuttings bleaches leaves and adds heat stress before the roots are ready to keep up with nutrient uptake. The Varidrive lets you match output to the stage – 250W or 400W early on, 600W for vegetative growth and flowering, and boost once the canopy is established and the room's extraction and airflow can deal with the extra heat.
How to Use
- Fit the lamp into the reflector's E40 holder, handling the glass with gloves or a clean cloth
- Hang the reflector level above the canopy on rope ratchets
- Connect the reflector's IEC lead to the ballast, and plug the ballast into a heavy-duty timer or contactor
- Choose the setting on the ballast dial for the stage of growth
- Keep air moving – an HPS lamp gives off heat, so run extraction and a circulation fan, especially on boost
- Raise the light as plants grow so the tops never feel hot under the lamp
Technical Specifications
- Power draw: 600W (250W / 400W / 600W settings, 660W boost)
- Ballast: Maxibright Varidrive 600W dimmable digital ballast
- Power settings: 250W / 400W / 600W / boost (660W)
- Lamps supported by the ballast: HPS and MH
- Ballast current: 3.0 A maximum
- Lamp: Maxibright 600W Dual Spectrum HPS, E40 base
- Lamp output: 1,090 µmol/s PPF (printed on Maxibright's lamp box)
- Lamp efficacy: Approx. 1.8 µmol/J (1,090 µmol/s from 600W)
- Reflector: Maxibright Euro open-wing reflector, E40 lamp holder, 5 m IEC lead
- Suits: 1.0 m to 1.2 m grow tents
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a metal halide lamp in it?
Yes. The Varidrive ballast runs HPS and MH lamps (an MH lamp is not included). Never run an MH lamp above its rated wattage.
What size grow tent does it suit?
A 600W HPS is the usual single light for a 1.0 m to 1.2 m tent. In a smaller space, run it at 250W or 400W.
Do I need a contactor?
Not for one kit – a heavy-duty timer rated for a 600W light will switch it. Once you run two or more lights, use a contactor.
Can it be run from a central lighting controller?
Not this kit – the standard Varidrive dimmable ballast is set by its own dial. Maxibright make a separate Varidrive Control ballast with RJ11 ports for controller use.
Works Well With
