Product Description
The DimLux can be used as a standard (digital) ballast in a standard system with a relay and time switch. However, using the DimLux in combination with the OptiClimate Maxi Controller will do full justice to the DimLux’ maximum performance and many options.
Using the DimLux with a Maxi Controller enables you to plug the DimLux directly into a wall socket without needing an intervening relay, time delay unit or time switch – which saves you costs.
A DimLux controlled by a Maxi Controller is the only (digital) ballast that does not need to use an inrush current. Inrush currents of conventional (digital) ballasts vary between 50 and 160 Amp, while newer types of digital ballasts use soft-start technology that limits the inrush current to between 50 and 60 Amp – which is still an appreciable current, especially when multiplied by the number of (digital) ballasts incorporated in the circuit.
The Maxi Controller can adjust the output according to the ambient temperature: the lamps are dimmed automatically when the temperature exceeds a maximum pre-defined level.
All DimLux ballasts are controlled by one Maxi Controller, so all DimLux ballasts dim at the same time, a feature that is particularly convenient with newly-planted crops: The light output can, for example, be increased in 10% increments on successive days. A maximum of 64 DimLux ballasts can be connected to one Maxi Controller.
DimLux ballasts used in combination with a OptiClimate Maxi Controller also offer many other functions and options, such as:
Simulation of sunrise/sunset
Asynchronous times (for example, 10 hours on and 11 hours off)
An OptiClimate canopy temperature camera can be connected to the system to monitor evaporation from the crop: An excessive canopy temperature is indicative of problems with the plants’ evaporation capacity (for example, due to too little water or excessive light). If the canopy temperature rises to an excessive level then the DimLux ballasts are dimmed or switched off until the temperature falls to an acceptable level: failure to lower an excessive canopy temperature would result in the plants reducing their evaporation capacity by closing the stomata, which would in turn shut down the assimilation of CO2 and photosynthesis – and halt growth. A prolonged shutdown will ultimately result in scorched foliage and cause irreparable damage to the plant’s ‘engine’ (the foliage). The canopy temperature is of greater importance to plants than the ambient temperature!
A Maxi Controller equipped with all the necessary sensors (other than the CO2 sensor) (canopy temperature, ambient temperature and relative humidity sensors) can be used to calculate the vapour pressure deficit: The vapour pressure deficit is a measure of the plants’ maximum evaporation capacity (the potential water demand)
An optional CO2 sensor can be connected to the Maxi Controller to control the dosage of CO2.
All sensors available for the Maxi Controller are precision sensors with a high sensitivity.
