Why Are Digital Ballasts Better

By Susan Slobac

Before entering into a discussion as to why digital ballasts are superior to the old-fashioned magnetic core and coil types, it may be helpful to know exactly what a ballast system is in terms of hydroponic gardening and grow lights.

All standard grow lights used in hydroponic gardening – whether some type of metal vapor or fluorescent – employ a ballast system. This consists of a housing, within which is contained electronic components that in essence “prime the pump.” A fluorescent light has its own built-in ballast system; this builds up the energy required to activate the molecules inside the fluorescent tube, which in turn causes them to glow, emitting light. Metal Halide and HPS grow lights have “remote ballasts” which are housed inside a metal container. The components are what make up these lamps’ main power supply. Together, they function as a “pre-heater,” which allows electrical power to build up to the point that the lamp will run.

The drawback of these kinds of ballasts is that they build up the energy required to run the lamp, then sends it on all at once. The cold bulb is literally “slammed” with energy at full force. A good metaphor is the case of someone who puts a car in gear, disengages the clutch, revs the engine up to 4000 RPM then “pops” the clutch. “Pealing out” may be fun and impressive to onlookers (though illegal in most places), but as any automotive technician will tell you, can shorten the car’s engine and drive train considerably.

It is the same with standard ballasts; the sudden surge of electricity tends to shorten bulb life. In addition, standard coil-type ballasts cause the bulb to “strobe,” or flicker.

Digital ballasts eliminate this wear and tear on the bulb by providing a flow of electricity that starts out at a low level, then increases energy flow as the bulb warms up and achieves full brightness. Studies have shown that MH and LPS grow lights used with a digital ballast lost only 20 to 25% of their PAR luminescence (the wavelengths actually used by the plant) after one year; those used with a standard ballast had lost over twice at much over the same period.

It should be noted that digital ballasts vary in terms of quality and reliability. In general, products made in Chinese factories tend to be of inferior quality, and should be avoided. The best digital ballasts will run all types of grow lights, and be able to recognize the difference between metal halide, HPS or LED. If a bulb is defective, damaged or incompatible, or if a short circuit is detected a well-manufactured, U.S.- made digital ballast will automatically shutdown before a safety hazard is created.

Susan Slobac is an expert on hydroponics gardening. She helps to explain how a digital ballast is integrated into a grow system and details how a digital ballast controls the flow of electricity to the grow lights.

Mini Spy Camera - Smaller Can be Better

By Nahshon Roberts

We buy mansions with rooms that we never enter. We buy SUVs that guzzle more fuel than an armored tank. We buy pizzas big enough for use as manhole covers. But if you think bigger is always better, think again.

In the field of technology, bigger is seldom better. In fact, modern production has focused on miniaturization. Where the first computers once filled up a room, today's versions have shrunk to the size of a matchbox. While telephones were once machines that included two lengthy horns and a large box, today's cell phones fit into pockets. Clearly, technology is one area where smaller is better. Enter the mini spy camera.

How Small Is Mini?
Once upon a time, spy cameras were as big as bags. They had to be to fit the right components for certain features. Today, however, more features are being crammed into tinier phones. The "mini" in mini spy camera refers to a small security camera, which includes several hidden camera types, such as covert, pinhole, or spy. "Mini" does not stand for a particular size standard, however. As a matter of fact, today's cameras are shrinking year after year, innovation by innovation. So the mini spy camera may range in size from a handbag to a wallet.

Fine Or Fineable?
Before you start shopping for a mini spy camera, find out whether or not it is legal to use one in the place you want to put it up on. The general principal is that in areas where the public expects privacy, filming is not permitted. To avoid legal problems, do your homework. to learn if your proposed filming area is good to go, legally speaking.

A Mini for You
It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the endless mini spy cameras that various companies manufacture. These cameras are frequently used as a nanny cam, or for hidden surveillance in a home or retail store. The functions of the cameras are often for hidden or covert surveillance using video, with their size being ideal for such applications. To find the right camera for yourself, make a list of features that you need. Some questions you could ask yourself include:

* Do you need to make adjustment to the camera from a remote location?
* Do you require a wireless camera?
* Do you want to use the Internet to watch the recorded video?

From Theory to Practice
After determining what type of mini spy camera you need, think of how you want your camera to look. Your options are limitless!

Wearable Sunglasses Camera: What you see is what you record with these high-tech shades with UV protection. A tiny camera in the sunglasses records what you view.

Cigarette Lighter Spy Camera: Do you want to play James Bond for a day? This mini spy camera may look like a cigarette lighter, but it's as covert a means for video surveillance as they come. It is so small it fits into a purse or pocket. The camera can store over 100 standard-sized pictures, which can be downloaded to your PC.

CCD Button Lens Camera Set: Spy in style with this mini spy camera that fits into a button the size of a quarter! The features of this model include adjustable focus, low consumption of power, and a 92 degree field of view. If you lose this button, fear not because five replacements are included.

Mini spy cameras are revolutionizing the way we gather information covertly, and if there's anything these mini spy cameras prove, it's this: sometimes, the smaller, the better.

Looking for a mini spy camera ? Visit our site now and spy in style with our diverse collection of security cameras , including spy cameras.