Best passive components according to Reddit
Reddit mentions of EX ELECTRONIX EXPRESS Variable Transformer, 300 VAC Max, 0-130V Output, 3 Amp
Sentiment score: 15
Reddit mentions: 32
We found 32 Reddit mentions of EX ELECTRONIX EXPRESS Variable Transformer, 300 VAC Max, 0-130V Output, 3 Amp. Here are the top ones.
- Input: 120 volt AC, Output: 0~130 volt AC, 3 Amp Slow Blow Fuse
- Max VA: 300VA, 3 Amp. Max (surge)
- A rating of 300VA means that at 100volt, the unit can sustain at maximum 3amp. If at 120 volt the unit can sustain at 2. 5amp
- WARNING: Most devices have a surge amperage (when first turned on) that is much higher than the device's operating amp rating.
- EXAMPLE: A motor with a 3 amp rating may have over 5 amp surge, and you will need a 5 amp variable transformer
Features:
Specs:
Height | 6 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 6.3 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
▼ More
#1 of 286
First grow.
This took 2-3 months. Seems like I ran into a number of first-timer pitfalls along the way. Good learning experience though.
Can't wait. So god damn tired of shady, undependable hook ups.
Edit 2:
Photos of my setup.
Edit 1:
Some have asked about my setup. This is about everything. This is my first grow so take my suggestions with a cup of salt but this stuff has worked well for me.
Tent:
Zero complains. Very happy with this. It just fits perfectly into a closet (had to remove the hanger bar though).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004U6WCMY
Air
Carbon filter:
The inside of my tent stinks. I smell absolutely nothing outside. Don't get caught. Get a good carbon filter. Maybe not this one, but something.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FVJK60
Inline fan:
I hand this outside the tent. No need to take up any space or add any heat inside the tent.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JQ14F8
Variable xformer for fan control:
This allows me to control the noise and airflow. Every other fan controller made the fan buzz. This thing is quality built. I keep it around 50v.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NGI8VS
Circulation fans:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RTMD8C
DWC
Bucket top net pots:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049XIIGC
Air pump:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JPEVMC
Airline:
The black just prevents light from getting into my res.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D4XTUU
Air stones:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050HJ7Q6
Check valves:
You NEED these. Many airlines are thin enough that if the power goes out or a hose becomes disconnected, capillary action might permit water to back-flow into your electrical air pump and/or just flood your room. Don't take chances when a .50 cent valve will protect you. There are some horror stories in the aquarium hobby about this. Note, even if the air pump is higher than your res, capillary action can pull the water up through the air hose. This is the same principle that allows 100ft trees carry water from the roots to the canopy.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00977J508
Lighting
Lights:
Word of warning. Start off a good distance between the lights and your canopy. These product more light than you think and I have burned and cooked plants from keeping these too close. They don't product a ton of heat or anything. I think it's just too much light if they aren't a good foot or so away from the canopy. I assumed I could practically lay LEDs on top of my canopy. Not so.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FGFLCXS
Adjustable ropes for lights:
Chains work, these are just faster/easier to adjust.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098R0600
Tools
Temp/humidity sensors:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013BKDO8
pH pen:
I used to do chemical reagent tests (I have tons of aquariums so I had it laying around). Never again. A pen is fucking awesome for dialing in pH every morning. Get one!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQISYQO
Pruning snips:
These are great. Sharp as fuck and solid.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SD76
Training wire:
What I use for my scrog screen and early training before the screen goes in. Also good for random shit that's temporary enough I don't want to waste a zip tie.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EXJ652
Nutes/Water changes
Pond pump:
This is another must have! I've been using these for a while now to handle water changes in my aquariums. It's also awesome for mixing nutes before they go into your DWC. I drop one in a bucket without a hose attached and then just dump all my nutes and such in. The pump does all the mixing. Then I adjust the pH a little. Give the pump about 10-20 seconds to mix my pH up or down in and test again. I don't have to worry my pH adjustment isn't probably mixed yet. I makes the mixing process so easy and fast. I also use these to pump out my res once the scrog screen is in place.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006M6MSL0
Root protectant:
One of my early problems was with brown algae. This cleared it right up after a week.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IGFH3FG
Syringes:
No guess work. I know exactly how many ml I'm adding.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RB3CV6
Cal-mag:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J2CUPW
pH control:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BNKWZY
Nutes:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COBT54
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CO7U02
If it could be used everyone here would use one and save that money. I don't like spending $25 on a fan speed controller either but it needs to be done. The $20 one sucks by the way, it makes your fan hum, get the active air brand it runs quieter or if you really want the quietest get a variac. But that's more money and you're looking to spend less lol. I can help you spend more but not less.
This is what I have. There is no motor hum at any speed. The only thing to hear is the air that's being moved.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NGI8VS
getya one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-300va-Output/dp/B006NGI8VS
those cheap ones will make the fan hum. this makes it super quiet
I have a speed controller like that, it makes the fan louder actually. This one is worth it if loud fans annoy you https://www.amazon.com/PHC-Enterprise-Variac-Variable-Transformer/dp/B006NGI8VS
3 plants is absolute max for 2x4 and 3 gal pots are prob enough for that. my 3 plants have filled my 2x4 halfway through flower, 2 is a better number if you want good light coverage, 2 plants with 5 gal pots
> AFAIK most fans with speed regulators won't actually be much quieter on the lower setting as it just uses a variable resistor (a rheostat) to control the fan speed. Often they even have an extra buzzing noise. The only good way to alter a fan speed is to alter the AC voltage it receives. To do this you need a variac (variable AC), You can find them for 50 quid but you have to wire them up yourself.
I agree. My rig got much quieter with this variac https://www.amazon.com/PHC-Enterprise-Variac-Variable-Transformer/dp/B006NGI8VS
Or if the thing is delicate or expensive (let's not over-volt that old unregulated tube power supply), use a variac.
When air is moving we dont think that there is an electric motor turning it but not getting the benefit of the air since we redirect it. A little noise to make sure there isnt a fire is a fine exchange. If it is too loud this way try moving it in the attic away from any walls.
This is the fan set up I use and once its mounted it stays quiet.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Z1JLY4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NGI8VS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The transformer made all of the difference. I keep it set at about 75% of maximum.
https://www.amazon.com/PHC-Enterprise-Variac-Variable-Transformer/dp/B006NGI8VS/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478102838&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=variatic+amp+controller#customerReviews
Well you say that, but you just obliterated a resistor by hooking it up to the mains...in any case, I won't lecture you.
A dimmer could work yes. The reason they work without blowing up or dissipating tons of power is AC magic, and we can leave it at that. You could also use a variable transformer such as a variac.
You'll need a fan speed controller, without a doubt.
I have a 6" hurricane fan with a Can 33 filter in a 3x3x6. I have to run it pretty low to keep from sucking the sides in too much. I'd rather have too much capacity than too little when it comes to ventilation.
I bought the cheap Speedster controller and it makes my fan hum. It's really annoying. I just ordered this controller, which is supposed to be much quieter. It's larger, heavier, and more expensive, but it's worth it if it gets rid of this humming!
I'm on my first grow and haven't flowered yet, so take my advice and info with a grain of salt.
Start small. It'll save you money, let you get your feet wet, and help you learn how to grow better, and then you can buy bigger.
My "starter package" is:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SWGYYWO
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I4NY8KW
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8ZQYHA
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098R0600
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q2ER5C/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NGI8VS
https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Pots-5-Gallon-Soft-Sided-Container/dp/B002JUOWB2
https://www.amazon.com/FoxFarm-FX14053-12-Quart-Organic-Potting/dp/B001I49Q98
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Treasures-15-31-in-Rust-Plastic-Plant-Saucer/50445000
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PS4B08
So for about $420 (heh), you can get your foot in the door and start growing. This is a nice setup too, you can probably save $100 by shopping around, buying used, or doing-it-yourself. I've left off a few odds and ends like dryer duct, Fiskers for trimming, weed fabric pins for low-stress training, pitcher for watering, Mason jars for storage, but you can likely find those or suitable replacements around the house without spending money.
I also have a Raspberry Pi 3 ($43) with Sense Hat ($37) and metal case ($15) in each of my grow tents to log temperature/humidity and other things. I'm interested in eventually using the GPIO functionality to water my plants too. Not critical, but definitely a nice thing to have, especially if you're the hacker type. If you go this route, you might look at raspiviv.com too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C6FFNY4
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014HDG74S
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722L338Q
I'm glad I bought a good intro setup because I still use it now that I've upgraded. I now have a 3' x 3' GG Shorty tent with HLG 300 LED for flower, a 2' x 2.5' GG Shorty tent with two 400W Roleadro COB's for veg, and my "intro package" is now my germination/cloning tent (and drying tent too since several people suggested that too). Being able to have three tents (germination -> veg -> flower) working simultaneously is increasing my output quite sharply. I'm doing this to help a relative with cancer, so you may not need to go quite as crazy as I did.
You mentioned using 35+ gs (~1.25 oz) a month. You probably aren't going to be able to grow that much given the constraints of tent size and light wattage (plus being a first-time grower! You'll learn a lot!). So once you get used to it, you'll probably want to buy more stuff. Marijuana isn't addictive, but growing marijuana absolutely is.
Once you've got your hardware, the variable cost is seed (~$10), soil (~$5), nutrients (~$20), and electricity (~$30). From that, I'm going to estimate you can grow ~1.5 ozs (you can do more as you learn more though). So you're looking at ~$40/oz after you've made the initial hardware investment.
Hope this helps. Depression, cancer, and everything else can just go suck it.
Personally I got a 301 and wish I would have gotten a 304... wish I would have made my ET a probe and not a dial gauge. I run it with artisan, but it’s nice knowing if something happens with the comp you can still roast if you want to. I also feel like there is a little lag in the computer so I glance at the thermometer from time to time.
I got an extra motor without the case as a backup ($20)
And https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XKDEVIQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Works like a charm
I went to 3 hardware stores before I realized there are inside and outside threads on the regulator to the propane tank... so you’re good there, I’m just dumb I guess
Lastly I highly recommend getting one of these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006NGI8VS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Happy roasting :)
I'm not a fan of those cheap speed controllers. They make inline fans hum and aren't actually fully adjustable. Something like this is much better. But unfortunately they're chinese knockoffs of the real deal, so they may have QC issues. Mine works perfectly. I opened it up to make sure everything was kosher, but a lot of people would not be comfortable with that. They're also more than triple the cost of a cheapo speed controller.
I soldered my ergodox PCBs with my hakko set to 650 F (about 340-350 C). Just don't keep the iron on the switch solder posts any longer than necessary. Basically, if you don't have a perfect joint in 3 seconds, you did something wrong. The traces are small enough on keyboard PCBs that you probably don't even need that high of a temp, but I think it helped to make nice shiny joints when using lead-free solder.
The same temps worked with a separate de-soldering pump that I have that is similar to this one. I haven't used the integrated kind that you linked to before. Over 400C, you are risking burning up small traces and delicate components, but you are probably okay if you work fast. If you really wanted to control temp on that cheap desoldering iron, you could plug it in through a variable transformer.
Soldering components to a huge, thick PCB ground plane on my tesla coil kit, on the other hand... that was more of a challenge. I dialed it up to 750F (400C), and should have been using extra flux.
I think you're right. Would this model be compatible with my 120V, 1000W bulb? What would happen if I went up to 130V on the variac?
Damn yeah that must be loud. I have that fan as well. Highly recommend. Get a variac controller to run it as well. So you can turn it down.
PHC Enterprise SC-3M Variac Variable Transformer, 300 VAC Max, 0-130V Output, 3 Amp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NGI8VS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l3Gjzb63MZW1C
Get a variac or step-transformer based fan speed controller, use with a voltage controllable fan like a ruck.
No extra sound, no increased wear.
Something like This.
Anything less will probably still cause the humming and the fan damage.
Ig the initial investment will be worth in the future. I scoped this one but I'm not sure how many amps that td-100 pulls
This was in the recommended item list too
Aside from the recommendation to shuck the drives (I'd transfer data off them one at a time before doing so), you could just put a box fan in front of all of them and run it on low. Or, any smaller "desktop" fan you might find in a local store or online. Anything like that should provide sufficient airflow to keep them cool enough as long as it's right in front of them.
It would follow the KISS principle, and it would only cost ~$15-ish
Oh, and if you want to be able to smoothly dial the speed of a box fan down to any arbitrary point (if "low" is still louder/faster than you want, which has sometimes been the case for me in the past), then what you want is a variac transformer between the box fan and the outlet. A little pricey to pair with a cheap box fan, I know, but I use that with one and it's quite nice since the box fan moves air while being almost totally silent, with no coil whine. You could do the same with a smaller turbine-style fan if you wanted something smaller.
Yes I actually just ordered the fan and filter so I actually dont have it running yet but this fan will be cooling my hood. Im planning on setting it up like this. Ill have the filter hung up in the corner top of my tent, then Ill attach the fan to it, then the hood, then have ducting taking the exhaust outside of my tent. This fan has a low and high speed., 239/333 cfm I believe. You can also get one of these that can help you control your speed as well. Im planning on getting a 4in filter (thats all i need, its cheaper and lighter too) and getting a 4 to 6 in duct converter (just a few buck at home depot)
http://www.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-300va-Output/dp/B006NGI8VS
Don't forget a speed controller! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NGI8VS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
this one's highly recommended and people say it helps reduce the humming on the inline fan compaerd to cheaper speed controllers.
I'm sure the apollo tents are fine, I've heard slightly better reviews for the vivosun tents. This one's about $12 more than yours i think. https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Horticulture-Hydroponic-Obeservation-Growing/dp/B01DXYMQ9M/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1478889774&sr=1-2&keywords=vivosun+48
The Mars 300 is chill for the price, you probably want to want to get a second one if you're going to have multiple plants in that tent. People say 1 mars 300 per plant should get you good results, almost pushing it with two full plants under a single mars 300.
Also if and when possible, try to invest in a good pH meter. everyone recommends bluelabs! https://www.amazon.com/Bluelab-Ultimate-Solution-Measuring-Temperature/dp/B008R7OWJS/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1478889906&sr=1-3&keywords=bluelabs+ph+pen
I didn't PH at first and my plants were dying on me... turns out my tap PH was above 7.0 ph. the PH pen saved grow!
The iPower fans seem to be junk. Here's the one I bought: a 6" Hydrofarm, 400CFM (actually an ActiveAir brand fan). Much better than the 175 the ipower 6" was pushing.
It's loud at full blast, and probably more than you need. This is good though, because you can get a speed controller to turn it down. The fan gets much quieter even at 75%, and I run mine at less than 50% to cool my small cab w/aircooled 400w HPS. You can get this speed controller if you don't mind a slightly annoying electric hum from your fan (I have this and sleep in the room with it at night), or you could get the more expensive variac controller that eliminates this hum (and probably helps your fan last longer too).
The centrifugal inline fans are much more powerful than the axial booster fans, and will force air through a carbon filter easily, so get one that is sized correctly for the fan. (heres mine, sized for that hydrofarm/activeair fan)
I keep a steady 78º-79ºF in the cabinet (2.5'x1.5'x4' grow space) with 75º-77ºF ambient room temps, and the air exhausted right back into the room (central air keeping the room at 76ºF helps).
Most any dimmer that works on "chopping" the AC cycle can cause buzzing. You'd have to go with a pretty fancy and more expensive one that could generate a cleaner signal if it bothers you.
Something like a variac would give you clean power with no possibility of buzzing.
http://www.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-300va-Output/dp/B006NGI8VS
It would be pushing this one right to it's full rating, but this one should work.
Edit- Here's a 5 amp with a little more capacity to be safe:
http://www.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-500va-Output/dp/B006NGI2RS/
if the sound is caused by the speed controller, switching to a variac will solve that issue
https://www.amazon.com/PHC-Enterprise-Variac-Variable-Transformer/dp/B006NGI8VS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482124376&sr=8-1&keywords=variac
If your grow space is small, get a variac controller and turn down the fan speed. I have mine at 30%-ish and it’s nearly silent.
Cheaper fan speed controllers are noisy. You get what you pay for.
If you want ultimate silence, do NOT get a fan controller - get a variac instead.
congrats OP! I really enjoyed mine but just had too many amps and ended up selling it.
Grab a variac for some really great vintage chunk (very very different than the actual variac mode on the amp BTW)
This one I made using the variac mode on the amp but an actual variac will soften/loosen everything even more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ea9KKuA_y0
I got this one
https://www.amazon.com/PHC-Enterprise-Variac-Variable-Transformer/dp/B006NGI8VS
I see. Then you might consider looking for a variac like this. I only bought one once so other redditors may know better about brands.
That is my exact setup for my veg tent, other than I use a 400w MH. It was my first tent, but I wanted a continuous cycle, so I got a bigger tent for flowering.
The actual draw on that 700w model is 334w so that would probably be the one to go with, and probably won't need any supplemental lighting.
After buying the fan speed controller, while it does work, I found out that apparently it isn't the right kind for the type of motor the fans use. This is a little more expensive, but is supposed to be better on your fan motors.
Electronix Express Variac Variable Transformer, 300 VAC Max, 0-130V Output, 3 Amp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NGI8VS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rxDcAb0C6JSJD
I️ used this for my vortex 6in.
Would you recommend having an electrician come and do this capacitor switch?
Also, would this transformer not work for this? Thanks!