Fred's Funny Farm

[Fred Lemonjello]

First off.... this was started not too long ago over at the PG boards, but think I'll continue it here in a better atmosphere!

OK... on to the grow, other details about life can be chatted about later.

Basement - Dirt Floor

Room size; 7' wide x 12.5' long x 6.5' ceiling

Flower area; 2' wide x 8.3' long, divided into 6 plots measuring roughly 16" x 24" and are 12" deep. Lighting; 800 watts total. Ten twin tube shoplights divided into two 400 watt banks.

Yields; average 35-40 grams per plot; 210-240 grams perpetual.

Vegetative Cabinet; 2' wide x 4.2' long x 3.5' tall. Lighting; Three twin tubes shoplights.

Clone/ Pre-Flower Cabinet; I can't remember, I'll edit later :)

Strain is a Northern Lights X AK47 cross. Story - I had a AK47 clone go hermie on me, probably from me entering the room while dark 3 times during a week for about 45 minutes to an hour each time.... Ooops my screw up, won't do that again!
That hermie AK pollenated it's self along with a NL plant next to it. I saved the seeds from the NL, trashed the seeds off of the AK plant.
Well as luck would have... I decided to plant these seeds just to see what I had... turned out pretty good, pretty much like the NL.. alittle harsher maybe... I like it!

OK... so now I was in Amsterdam a few months ago.
Before leaving for Europe I did a little reseach on seeds.... well I found a bunch of drama and just wasn't sure which vendor to purchase them from. So I decided to wait until I got to A'dam to make my choice... chat with some folks.
Well, no one could convince me to buy seeds, most said, "Do not buy from here, do not buy from there.... rant about tourist traps. Needless tosay I came home empty handed. Well I did bring a few grams of hash and herb back, lighters and the like... but no seeds.

Anyway.. I took a few months off from the internet when I got back home.... decided to check again for seed vendors on-line, getting lights figured out, ect. Well, I go back to the OG site to see whats up.. say hi to a few friends I met in Amsterdam... not pleased with things at OG I start checking on other sites.... then DRAMA sets in... OH MY!!!! It was 1 week that I was back on the growing forums and BLAM..... man WTF!!!

Some good for me did come out of all of the drama.. I wound up here and I made a seed connection too..... as well as a couple more friends.



More in a bit....... a work in progress... will be editing.. so reload/ refreash for updates.
Adding photos in later posts.



Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2184&stc=1&d=1141174473

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2185&stc=1&d=1141174473

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2182&stc=1&d=1141173579

[dredank]

Man your garden is beautiful:gthumb:

Great setup too;)

ill be following along if ya dont mind:smoke1: :teef:


:peace:

[highonfire420]

Hey Fred,

Yeah I am liking that garden setup. Strain? Will couchlock and bake for the grow.



Keep it green.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Thanks Dre and Hof... updated first posting above with more details.
.... have a ton more to share!


Fred

[Cranky]

yo bro,nice indeed,i have a Q for yas;)

about ya home made troffs,i see there lined with plastic but what about the drainage at the bottom?is the bottom made of wood to???

i guess what I'm wondering is if ya have probs with the bottom rooting or molds due to the drainage...dose the water get in between the plastic and wood if ya gets me.....


looking good pal:cool:

cranky

[Fred Lemonjello]

Good point Cranky... forgot to mention the flowering tubs are lined with plastic sheeting. The wood was also clear coated/ sealed.
Yelp, plenty of drainage... bottom sheeting allows the drainage to run towards the front isle way.
Basically what I have is a bench top with sides built up into 6 different tubs.
The plastic sheeting is wrapped around the two sides and the back... the front is wrapped by it's self with a gap at the bottom.. this is where the water drains to/ from.

The plastic sheeting is also used to keep the dirt from direct contact with the wood.... so water can not penetrate into the wood as easy.... but also allows drainage.


I started off over 2 years ago using the bench top and rubber-maid totes.... but found I needed a little more soil for better rooting... which in-turn, as we all know, helps to produce a healthier and larger plant. ;)

Hell three years ago when I very first started growing I had GOOD bag seed in small pots... moving on to milk jugs with the tops cut off... then onto purchasing some seeds on-line and rubber-maid totes.... then moving the entire operation just over 2 years ago... setting up what you see now.
The whole time I'm expanding the use of shoplights... and a few CFL's.

..... more questions? Ask away friends!

Fred

[gorilla]

Why no HPS or MH, fred? For the price of all those shoplights, it seems to me you could have gone with HID lighting if you wanted to. Any reason?

[Fred Lemonjello]

Why no HPS or MH, fred? For the price of all those shoplights, it seems to me you could have gone with HID lighting if you wanted to. Any reason?

Hoi Gorg -

Average cost of each shoplight was $15.00 (with bulbs) X 10 =$150.00.
So it was pretty cheap to set-up... verses the cost of HPS/ HID.
Now that I'm confident that I'm on the right path with growing, it's time to put the next step in motion.... better lights.

I'm thinking a couple different set-ups now....

1) three 400 watt HPS, which will light the 2' x 8.3' are nicely.

or

2) 600 & 1,000 watt hps's.... that will require a tear down/ re-build of the bud area because of ceiling height issues.... and if I do that, then I'm thinking about getting rid of the soil and doing a nice HYDRO set-up.

Decisions, decisions.....

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2216&stc=1&d=1141243798
Here you see the two banks of flous and the height from the screen to the ceiling.


http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2218&stc=1&d=1141244053
To the back of 3.5' wide isle way is a removable bench-top.
Underthe Flower bench is a "Kickerwall".... very little storage... but enough space if I was to switch to a HYDRO system a could store the reservoirs under there.


http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2217&stc=1&d=1141244053
The heater duct above helps to keep the water jugs and a warm temp.
Jugs are filled outside of the room.


Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2221&stc=1&d=1141244584

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2224&stc=1&d=1141244584

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2225&stc=1&d=1141244584

[Cranky]

cheers bro;)

nice setup indeed...1 more Q for yas....

you thought of useing biggers lights?

all the best

cranky

[Fred Lemonjello]

In the works Cranky.....

[420 o'clock]

Hey Fred. Drama got to be a bit much, huh? I hear ya.

[Cranky]

In the works Cranky.....


that will do me matey;)

grow on bro

cranky

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey 420 O' - yea decided to get back on track, the reason I come to grow boards... to grow!


Yea Cranky in the near future.... but not all at once.. I'll get 2 400 watters or a 600 watter to start.
Eventually I'd like to max out at 1800 to 2000 watts altogether.


Fred

[gorilla]

Big dreams. :gthumb:

Lol, but you definately have the garden for it fred! - Waiting on your next update, keep 'em healthy.

[bonddong]

Nice setup you got there I would love to have something like that. Nice work area to and the plants look like they like it there.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Thanks guys!

“Big Dreams”…. Yes of never having to chase down street swag again… of smoking Kind Buds that I grew myself… sharing with my Brother, and a select few childhood friends. I’m not trying to overgrow the world, nor supply it with herb, just my little corner of it! Hehe


Well I’m on a mission today…. I have 12 plants ready to be transplanted into the flowering area. Fillabong is helping me with a soil regenerating recipe, so when I get that I’ll be dashing to the store for the ingredients and a few other items.
Get those 12 girls all taken care then on to the 24 clones that will be planted into Party Cups…. I’m gunna look for some Blue or Yellow ones… :)
And next on the list will be a little construction on the veg cabinet to increase the height of the vegging plants. The inside shelf will be cut in half, long ways… also add another Flouro light.

Also on the list is a little research on How to Build my own HPS lights from parts.
I’m a Cheap Bastard….. I’m all for saving cash on something I can build or assemble myself.
Future plans are to have three 400 watt HPS lights above the existing flower area, 2’x8’. At the end of the room I’ll remove the bench-top and use this 3.5’ wide area to grow taller more lush plants using a 600 watt HPS.

I’m trying to keep the power usage around 2,000 watts for fear of the “Power Police” monitoring the meter. Also I think 2,000 watts is more then enough power to supply two heavy smokers with plenty of herbs! <don’t ya think!


Well that’s the update…. Will post more later, with pics too!
Fred

[midwestbluntman]

Also on the list is a little research on How to Build my own HPS lights from parts.
I’m a Cheap Bastard….. I’m all for saving cash on something I can build or assemble myself.

hey bro here is alittle something i threw together for another user might come in handy for ya as well.
DIY Wiring Ballast (http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153)

[LITEundrthaDOOR]

very interesting setup. are you letting them stretch on purpose? seems those flo's could go just a little bit lower.:D

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey LuD - actually the pictures are kind of deceiving, yes the light is as close as it needs to be... from 0 to 3 inches off the tops. Kinda hard to do anything with just flouos. Now don't get me wrong either, shop light flouos work wonders! :)


Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

Well I went out yesterday and snagged some soil supplies... spending about $40.00.

5lb Bone Meal
4lb Dried Blood
5lb Garden Lime
1lb Worm Castings
4 – 8 Dry Quart bags Black Magic (All the store had)
5 – 40lb bags Potting Soil
1 – 8 Dry Quart bag Perlite (All they had was Miracle grow stuff)
25 Peat Pellets
40 Blue Party Cups

And by the way, Mice love Bone Meal fer sum reason…. Fokkers ate through the bag in a three hour time period. So now the Bone meal is in a plastic coffee can… let’s see if they’ll eat thru that!

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2338&stc=1&d=1141543389

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2339&stc=1&d=1141543389


http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2340&stc=1&d=1141544754
These are the 12 that will be transplanted to Flower tomorrow.



The other thumbs below are just some random shots I thought you guys would enjoy.


Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

OK... a few more pics and thumbs.....

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2351&stc=1&d=1141545445

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2350&stc=1&d=1141545459
These two shots are of the same two tops.... they were taken about 7 days apart.

The rest are just random shots of the garden and what I'm smokin'.


Fred

[LdyLunatic]

you go Fred :high5: (yes...i was just posting so i could use the new high 5 smilie) :high5: haha...i used it twice :p

[Fred Lemonjello]

Well today I'm working on HPS lights and room wiring with the help from 'midwestbluntman'.
The project is to install three 400 watt HPS lights in 240 volt versions that will at least require some changes in the breaker box and maybe to some of the outlets as well.


Ok here we go.
The first pic here is how the room is currently wired. There are two 12-2 lines, one for each side of the room, running on the ceiling. As you can see the flowering area side has two outlets, the work area side has three outlets and a 40 watt Green Light in the center of the room. The switch for this is on the ceiling just as you enter the room, right in the VEE of the heater duct so it’s easy to find in the dark…. just follow the heater duct to the switch.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2401&stc=1&d=1141594910



For now I have each side spliced into a standard 3 prong plug-end which are plugged into this power surge type outlet just outside of the breaker box. This outlet is wired into a 20amp breaker.
The two splices are in a metal electric junction box inside the grow room just on the other side of the breaker box wall.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2404&stc=1&d=1141594910


These pics show the breaker box… you’ll notice two open spots to the bottom right.
You can use these pics for Photoshoping instructions.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2402&stc=1&d=1141594910

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2403&stc=1&d=1141594910



Man this is going to be great to finally add some HPS light to the room!! Yippy!
Thanks for all your help!!!!
Fred

[midwestbluntman]

So your grow is just behind the wall from the breaker box,excellent this is going to be a sinch.Have you gotten your ballast equipment yet?If so there is a lable on the side of the transformer post that lable[pic of-dont remove it].if a pic cant be used look for the amprage used in 240v format.This will tell us how much amprage it takes that particular ballast to lite that lite.Then we will multiply by the number of ballast you plan on running.Then we will need to get a double breaker for about 10 amps more than you need.10 gauge wire will be excellent for this installation.Food for thought here,I dont remember seeing a 240volt timer,not sayin they dont make one i just havent seen one.we may need to construct a control board with relays and such to incorperate a timer,not a biggy,just extra cash.However 240 volts is comman in UK housing i think,so purhaps an online purchase will be in order.Cranky would be good person to answer that,if he dont chime in i'll get with him via messenger to snort :teef: out the details of that.as for as the rooms electric, i would leave all that as is and just add your HID circuit.


Edit:If that GFI recepticle in the top pic is your grow room,then you two have done some homework on this.Its a great idea to emplement a GFI circuit anytime water is present.

[Fred Lemonjello]

MW - No I haven't gotten my lights yet... I wanna make sure the wiring and breaker box are in order first.
I'm wanting to get three 400 watt HPS.... and was thinking the 240v would be the way to go. Unless you think 120v would work easier for what I already have going?

Also I have a nice timer.... it's 120v.....
"EZ CONTROLS" model EZ-701-1, single pole/ throw.
And instructions sheet!
This timer is wired with a 3 prong plug end... but can be wired however....

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2414&stc=1&d=1141601137

Can this timer be used with the 240v system via a control as you mentioned?
Or should I just stick with a total 120v system altogether?


Fred

EDIT to add: In reference to the outlet next to the breaker box:
The outlet that was in the box was just your typical type... I replaced it with the GFI... I couldn't remember what ya called it... GFI, that's it... I said surge type outlet... DOH!
The conduit leads to another outlet that is not in use... I have only the two plugs from the room into that GFI outlet.

Fred

[midwestbluntman]

Thats a cool ass timer,i cant read the instructions ,but if necassary yea we could make it work.but if you want to go 120 then all you would need would be a couple 20 amp breakers and some wire.There is an open breaker in your box top right with a 20 in it so to run 3 lights you'd just need 2 more,wire,and recept's.however ya want to do it bro just let me know when ya got all your goodies gathered.without the lights we will have to just guess at a ampage needed,but i think 15 amps is fairly broad under 120 volt.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Yeah... shitty pic sorry... I have an instructions sheet as well.
I can take a better if you want?

.........

If I was to go with 240v.. I would need to wire with 10 gauge correct?
What size breaker would be needed? And would that breaker go in the bottom right of the box?

If I was to go with 120v I would need to add two more breakers to the bottom right of the box... so each light is running off of a 20 amp breaker.... correct....

[CB]

And by the way, Mice love Bone Meal fer sum reason…. Fokkers ate through the bag in a three hour time period. So now the Bone meal is in a plastic coffee can… let’s see if they’ll eat thru that!

say Fred,

I think them mice can chew threw plastic just fine ;)

if they haven't yet put in down on the floor and poke a pin in it and see what happens :p

gotta say tho i think i lost my title to ya as cheapbastard :mad: thats alot bang for the buck there indeed.....nice one :D

as far as wire'n goes i can do basic stuff so cant help ya with any input on that... one thing i do know is that around these parts the local lighting and hardware type stores carry kit's and or parts to build a ballast (ace hardware,home depot etc.) and they carry 120/240 both. could save on shipping if ya have those kind of stores about.

i have had pretty good luck get'n igniter's for my 250's that way

I'm gonna keep my eye on this as i think i might learn a thing or 3

look'n good Fred

[midwestbluntman]

If I was to go with 240v.. I would need to wire with 10 gauge correct?

correct,12 gauge with ground for 120

What size breaker would be needed?
a double 20 breaker would be more than enough.take the open breaker with you as they make diffrent types if ya get one that is diffrent it wont fit your box


And would that breaker go in the bottom right of the box?
yes thats where it will go.Again take your breaker with you


If I was to go with 120v I would need to add two more breakers to the bottom right of the box... so each light is running off of a 20 amp breaker.... correct....

correct


one thing i do know is that around these parts the local lighting and hardware type stores carry kit's and or parts to build a ballast (ace hardware,home depot etc.) and they carry 120/240 both. could save on shipping if ya have those kind of stores about.

Yes that is a good place to look,but i paid 20 dollars for the mogul base at a local hardware,so that was competitive with online,but i think they saw me comming.so shop around until you'll find the best deal.you were content with what you had so there isnt really a rush.plus it will take a minute or two to assemble 3 ballasts.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Kool... I think I'll go with the 240v... install a couple new outlet boxes... do some re-wiring using 10 gauge... use a double 20amp fuze......
then I think I'll run the exsisting wiring, as you pointed out MW, to the breaker that is not being used.... which will be used for fans, general use, etc...

Yeah... that's the ticket.

Let me do a little pondering.. sketching.... and I'll get back with ya MW.

Thanks for all of your help so far!!!


Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

Ok.... this pic shows how The Farm is currently set-up with 12/2 wire on a 20 amp breaker.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2401&stc=1&d=1141594910


I did a little "Sketching" this morning and came up with an electrical lay-out that should work out nicely for the three 400 watt HPS and the future addition of a 600 watter.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2471&stc=1&d=1141762836


The current 120v 12/2 wire will stay in place with each side running to it's own 20 amp breaker. (Work side & Flower side)
<or maybe wire both sides together in one box, one line coming out of that box going to a 20 amp double breaker?>

In the near future an exhaust system is going to be added. This is going to be a 120v simple set-up using a bathroom style exhaust fan attached to 4" PVC pipe venting down through the sewer.


And an additional 240v line, 8 gauge wire on a 40 amp double breaker with three outlet boxes will be installed above the flower area.




Now MW, maybe you can run down this parts list with me?

Parts List:
40 amp double Pole Breaker < can this be the "thin" style?
8 Gauge wire, 20 feet
Receptacles, 3 prong - typical 15 amp type
Misc wire/ receptacle boxes
20 amp Double Pole Breaker < can all 120v run into this, instead of using two 20 amp breakers???
Wire nuts

Anything else? Or something needs changed?
As soon as the list is ironed out... the parts will be purchased... moving on to the assembly/ construction phase.... with lots of pics of course! hehe
With Proper/ Professional help..... little by little the "Farm" is coming together... Thanks ALL!!!
I'm really looking forward to getting this electrical situation taken care of... next, start saving for the lights!!!
Then move onto Crop Improvement... new strains, methods, etc.

Fred

[LITEundrthaDOOR]

hey, sounds like ya got plenty of help already, but i thought i would throw in my two pennies.

the big thing is AMPS AND WIRE LENGTH. you can run a smaller wire and get same amps with 240 because you are dividing the load between TWO wires (each carrying 120 volts) on a 120 circuit essentially you have 2 ground wires (one is called "neutral") but they both go to GROUND

i would do a google search for "wiring size calculator"
all you have to do is type in any couple of parameters (such as amps, volts, and length of run=wire size) or ( volts, distance and wire size = max amp draw) or(volts, amps, and wire size = length of run)

hope this helped .....LITE

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey LuD - Are you tryin to say I can use a 10 gauge wire instead of the 8 gauge?


I'm just going off the specs for the 40 amp breaker.... using 8 gauge wire.


Fred

[midwestbluntman]

yea bro you can run the 10g as your only running a short distance.Them spec thing are based on a complete circuit say 40 to 75 foot at full load capacity.but if you feel more comforable with 8 there is nothing wrong with use'n it.

second question:can all 120v run into this, instead of using two 20 amp breakers???
That depend on a few things,what do you plan to run on it.seems how youve decided to run your lights on 240v,Then that will free up all your 120 receipts.I notice you wrote work side and flower side.What kind work side are we talkin?You are talking about 5 receipts and a lite on a single 20 amp circuit.if you run more shit then your amped for then you start trippin breakers.seems how ya have space in the box,i would split them to 2.Then you should be powered for just about anything you would want to run in there.Like your timer and fans and such,possible a small ac.

from the list that double 40 is going to give you 80 amps,thats extreme dude.you could light town with that,lol.a double 30 would more than do what your after on the 240 circuit and leave room to expand.and on the 20"s they dont need to be doubles.if ya go with running all 120 off one circuit then you have an open in there you wouldnt need to buy one,but if you make it 2 circuits then you will need another single 20.Other than maybe some wire tacks to hold it all up from drooping and shit,the list looks pretty solid.oh and maybe enough of the clamp lookin things [all the other wire in the box comes threw]to do your installation.dont forget the clamp things for the receipt boxes.

[LITEundrthaDOOR]

the main thing i'm saying is you should check out that wire size calc. search it can give you exact specs according to the NEC ;)

[Fred Lemonjello]

Light the town... you're funny MW!!!! :)

EDIT: For some reason the 'New Room Design Drawing' was'nt attached to the above post properly and was not viewable... doh!! So have a look at that and see what you think.


Let's start with the 120v stuff.... Basically the room is divided in half.
"Work side" is where the bench is North side of room.... 3 outlets and a 40w Lite.
"Flower side" is of course where the buds happen, South side of the room..... 2 outlets and a exhaust fan.
After pondering a little... I think each side will have it's own 20 amp breaker.
Hell I have an empty 20 amp breaker in the box now.... and I can leave one of the sides on the breaker that it's currently on.
I think the 120v stuff is good to go now. THX!!!!!!!


Now on to the 240v stuff.....
A 40 amp breaker and 8 gauge wire is over kill huh? Hehehe I guess that right there tells ya just how much I DON'T know about this Amps, Volts stuff.... like I said, just because my Dad's an Electrician doesn't mean I know how electricity works!
And I'll be damned if I ask him how to wire this stuff.. he'll know right away what I'm doing..... shakes his head from side to side.... damn boy, you ever gunna stop smokin that shit... have a beer instead! HAHAHA


Anyway.... so I can go with 10 gauge wire and 30 amp double breaker then?
Alrightly... that's the way I'll do it!

Next....
Can the digital timer that's pictured above be used with the 240v system, even though it's 120v? You mentioned something about making it work.
Or will I need to get the proper 240v timer?

I think that's about all.... do you see anything that's missing?
What I'm looking at here is having the power set-up ready to go, so all that's needed is to just plug the new HPS lights into a socket... and grow. :)


Fred

[War_n_peace]

good stuff keep on keepin on...your in the right direction...better lights though and the girls would appreciate it:D smoke:bong:till ya choke :peaceman: laters

[Fred Lemonjello]

THX Wnp!!
It's always motivating to have others praise your hard work!
Will keep the updates coming.


Fred

[midwestbluntman]

dude
you'll have 120 over there as well so your timer will just plug in to the 120,you'll have to read threw the timers owner manual,It will tell you if that timer will operate a 240 volt item,if not then we will find a way to make it threw a series of relays or whatever.

Glad you decided to split the 2 120's to seprate breakers,i think ya will like that better in the long run.

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

Hey Fred, very nice garden! :smokin:



Is the 240 volt circuit you are wanting to run going to be dedicated to the lighting? in the flower room?

Where does the power for the veg room come from? are you upgrading this light as well?

What ever you do size the breaker/overload protection properly. Oversized breakers means bigger shocks if you ever do come in contact with the live circuit. you want your actual load to be about 75 % of the breaker's trip current. Any more and you get nusuince trips, any less and you get bigger shocks. Size it correctly and life is good.

I feel as though you are over doing it on your wiring, but will hold off on recomendations until I have a clearer understanding of your situation. We are going to need to do an accurite load calculation and come up with the final plan before you purchase anything, so lets take our time.

[reubeni]

Here in the U.K we have 2 types of breaker the first is the m.c.b this breaker protects your wiring in the case of overload and should be rated to the max amps that the cable can carry if the breaker is overated you risk the cable over heating and fire! it does not protect you from shock.
The other type of breaker is a r.c.d it monitors fault currents in relation to the 3 conductors in the supply cable if in the event of leakage to earth it will disconect all poles of breaker with in 30ms this type of breaker protects you from shock and fire this is the type recormended for cables used outside like lawn mowers ect.
Warning if in doubt consult someone who knows, safety first, most grows are discovered by fire and most household fires, 95% caused by electrical faults and if your home burns down due to your doddgey wiring the inssurence will not pay.:2cents:

[reubeni]

you want your actual load to be about 75 % of the breaker's trip current. Any more and you get nusuince trips, any less and you get bigger shocks. l plan before you purchase anything, so lets take our time.

What causes the nusuince tripping is the wrong type of breaker for the job,the normal ballast's that we use are inductive they draw a lot of transient current at start up so you have to use a breaker not over size but a type that can handle inductive loads such as what is used for motors.
If you use digital ballast this does not apply as they work by high frequency modulation.
Hope this clear's things up:)

[midwestbluntman]

I feel as though you are over doing it on your wiring, but will hold off on recomendations until I have a clearer understanding of your situation. We are going to need to do an accurite load calculation and come up with the final plan before you purchase anything, so lets take our time.

Not to sound defensive or anything,i recomended the 10 gauge wire as i know it will carry anything he is wanting to set up there.We dont know the actual power needed until he purchases his lights.The double 30 breaker,yea prolly is a bit much for dedicated light circuit,but it will allow to expand which is comman among growers.He is wanting 3 400 watt hps,but that could turn to 1000 watters practically overnight,This setup will allow for that.


Warning if in doubt consult someone who knows, safety first, most grows are discovered by fire and most household fires, 95% caused by electrical faults and if your home burns down due to your doddgey wiring the inssurence will not pay.

you are 100% correct,The object here is to stay within code.Each state the code varies a bit and not knowing where he is and what there code states all we can do is guess.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Ok.... Let's do a complete run down of everything running on The Farm.
There are a few things I should of added or forgot to add into the plans.

120v Flower/ Veg Side (South side) on One 20 amp *?? Pole Breaker, 12 gauge wire
Four each - 4' twin tube Fluo shoplights inside Veg Cab #1.
Five each - 40 watt CFL's (Compact Fluorescent), Veg Cab #2.
Two each - Receptacle outlets.
Bathroom type exhaust fan above Flower Area.

(*note: should this be a single or double pole breaker?)



120v Work Bench/ Storage Side (North Side) on One 20 amp Single Pole Breaker, 12 gauge wire
One - Incandescent socket, 40 watt Green Party Lite. < with on/ off switch.
One - 2' twin tube Fluo shoplight.
One - Stereo.
Three each - Receptacle outlets.

{*note for all 120v: the outlets will also run cheap box type fans when the weather is warmer. I have thought about a small AC unit... so maybe we should figure a AC unit in the plans?}



240v Flower Side (South Side) on One 30 amp Double Pole Breaker, 10 gauge wire.
Three each – 400 Watt HPS lights.
*Future Light Use

*Addition to the 240v line will be either a 600 watt or two each 400 watt HPS lights. This addition will not happen for at least another year, if at all, but it would be nice to have the ready ability to expand if needed. This would be a total of 2,000 watts for the 240v line.

Also on the 240v side will be a timer. Now the timer I have is a 120v digital type. “EZ Controls” model 'EZ-701-1' (120v).
This 120v timer will be wired into a 240v 20 amp relay for it to work.


That should just about do it.


THX Guys!
Fred

[midwestbluntman]

120v Flower/ Veg Side (South side) on One 20 amp *?? Pole Breaker, 12 gauge wire
Four each - 4' twin tube Fluo shoplights inside Veg Cab #1.
Five each - 40 watt CFL's (Compact Fluorescent), Veg Cab #2.
Two each - Receptacle outlets.
Bathroom type exhaust fan above Flower Area.

(*note: should this be a single or double pole breaker?)

I would use a single pole 20 amp
look at all your flouros,each one should have a lable on it.most likely under the bulbs,check and see how many amps each fixture uses[amps not watts]add them all together.If that adds up to half of your 20 or less your in there.Thats the only way you can be for sure that you have more power than you need.when ya add your fans and so forth pay attention to the amps pulled.you dont want to exceed your breaker.Also keep in mind you have receipts that will have things plugged in from time to time so you need to kinda know what amprages you have availible to them[the receipts].

*Addition to the 240v line will be either a 600 watt or two each 400 watt HPS lights. This addition will not happen for at least another year, if at all, but it would be nice to have the ready ability to expand if needed. This would be a total of 2,000 watts for the 240v line.
again when ya get your lights you'll know more of what they will pull as far as amprage goes.When ya know what your pulling then you'll know what you got left to pull if ya get me.

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

Here in the U.K we have 2 types of breaker the first is the m.c.b this breaker protects your wiring in the case of overload and should be rated to the max amps that the cable can carry if the breaker is overated you risk the cable over heating and fire! it does not protect you from shock.

Yes its is the same here in the states. However, given the choice of coming in contact with 20 amps potential of current or 30 amps potential of current, I will choose 20 amps every time! There is no need to drastically oversize the circuit protection, even if the wiring can handle it!

What causes the nusuince tripping is the wrong type of breaker for the job,the normal ballast's that we use are inductive they draw a lot of transient current at start up so you have to use a breaker not over size but a type that can handle inductive loads such as what is used for motors.
If you use digital ballast this does not apply as they work by high frequency modulation.
Hope this clear's things up

The inrush current of magnetic core and coil ballasts is so transient (short lived) that it does not trip the common modern day breakers(virtually all double pole breakers are going to be rated for inductive loads), the only common overcurrent circuit protection sensitive enough to open because of this transient current would be fast blow fuses.

Incidentally the inrush current of the electronic ballasts is much higher than magnetic type ballasts. Not vice versa.

Wanna really have nuisance tripping? Then use the ground fault protection on multiple inductive loads. Because of the ground fault interrupters sensitivity to load balance, the induced voltages from multiple ballasts will cause repeated nuisance tripping of the gfci, this is not caused by overcurrent, either inrush or stabilized current draw. Not worth it, and all the more reason to properly size the over current protection.

Hope this clears things up. :smokin:


Not to sound defensive or anything,i recomended the 10 gauge wire as i know it will carry anything he is wanting to set up there.We dont know the actual power needed until he purchases his lights.The double 30 breaker,yea prolly is a bit much for dedicated light circuit,but it will allow to expand which is comman among growers.He is wanting 3 400 watt hps,but that could turn to 1000 watters practically overnight,This setup will allow for that.

I didn’t mean to make you defensive man, I just want to size it all accordingly. The 10 awg non-metalic cable is a good recommendation, it will handle all his lighting desires and air conditioning, should he need it. But he should still not dramatically oversize the over current protection just for future additions.

I base all my recommendations on the National Electric Code, which is the basis for all municiple or state codes.

(*note: should this be a single or double pole breaker?)

All 120 volt breakers are single pole.

I would agree with midwestbluntman regarding the separation of the two 120 volt circuits, just so the veg area has its own dedicated circuit. This prevents overloading the circuit by you plugging in something outside the grow room.

So with a 10 awg circuit, run with nm-b cable, you have a max of 30 amps at 240 volts ( recommend not going over 75% capacity with know loads). With 2000 watts of HID lighting you have just under 10 amps ( watts/volts+15% for ballast losses). unless you live in the arctic, you will need air conditioning to control the heat during the summer, so we can expect an additional 10 amps at 240 volts for 10,000 Btu of air conditioning. So we have a known load of 20 amps. Taking into account the 75% rule, the overcurrent protection should be 30 amps.
1200 watts of light and half the a/c capability would reduce the load to approximately 12 amps. Taking the 75% rule into account a 15 amp breaker would be best. However it can be difficult at times to locate a 15 amp 240 volt breaker, so a 20 amp breaker may have to be used.

If you are serious about the 1800-2000 watts, it would not be unreasonable to go ahead with the 30 amp breaker even though it may be a while until you reach full load. Wire it all according to code( proper use of electrical boxes and strain relief and the likes) and chances are you will have no problems. I just got a little un easy when you started throwing around the idea of a 50 amp breaker.


Here is a wiring diagram for the 120 volt timer and the 240 volt lighting load.

[BluntBOY]

WTF??! dude 40 bucks of soil shit:eek: ?? yo i just bought some regular potting soil for my plants and they did just fine. oh yea and some peters 20-20-20.

[Fred Lemonjello]

WTF??! dude 40 bucks of soil shit:eek: ?? yo i just bought some regular potting soil for my plants and they did just fine. oh yea and some peters 20-20-20.


Will that's all good Bluntboy... how much soil did you buy? How many plants do you grow... how big are your plots, pots, tubes? Got any pics to share?
And you're also using a chemical type nute, Peters 20-20-20, which I am not wanting to use!
Each one of my plots takes approx 22 gallons of soil, approx 110 dry pounds, each plot holds 6 plants ranging from 16 to 18 inches tall when turned to flower.
You’ll also take notice that some of the products purchased were to re-generate old soil…. Which is cheaper then buying new soil. ;)


Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

Sorry I didn’t mean to cause a heated discussion on this… but it’s nice to get knowledgeable opinions especially when we all know the dangers of what could happen if this is not done correctly. Safety First!

I understand more now of what you guys are taking about amps verses watts, the amount of amps and breaker needed to safely run 1,200 to 2,000 watts of lights, the wire type, but I still have just a couple more questions.

Q?) On the 120v timer I currently have and am wanting use on the 240v line, – I’m not fully understanding this contactor/ coil/ switch set-up… Could you walk me through this step and the parts needed please? I’m sorry but the diagram is confusing…

And yes everything will be installed to code and to professional standards…… Wire, boxes, breakers, staples and restraints…. No wires will be attached to the breaker until it has the “Smokers Stamp of Approval”! I plan to take a few of pics of this project to share here as well as for you guys to double check my work. You guys can be my “On-line Inspectors” since it really wouldn’t be a grand idea to invite the City Inspector over for a cup of coffee and a look see at ALL of my handy work.


THX again all!!
Fred

[midwestbluntman]

My plan was to come off the plug end[the place you plug whatever is being timed into]run threw a relay suitable for the volts/amps needed to power the lights.which im guessing will be a 120 volt input to the relay and the relay would then trip the internal switch and supply a leg of the 240 volt circuit,which would complete that circuit thus lighting the lights.
Now i have never done this in this format,so some input from william is in need here.My relay experiance is with my ventifan,I have it setup on a thermostat.when set point is acheived it throws 12vdc power to the relay which turns on a 120 volt line to the fans.after setpoint it interupts the 12vdc turning the fans off.In my mind set, this can be converted to your lights,altho i have not dealt with it in a 240 volt format,The principals should be the same.

Now maybe william will come in and shed some light on this for ya,and possible correct me if im wrong on the whole thing.Im not an electrician but i can get by,always room to learn something new.

we may be able to do this with a low voltage relay like mine.then you would need a low voltage transformer[lets use 12 volt for this]you would plug the transformer into the timer and when your on time came around it would power up the relay which would complete the circuit.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Here's the wire diagram sheet that came with the timer.....

Is this the right diagram for my needs, I have the model 'EZ-701-1'? (highlighted in yellow with blue writing.)

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2531&stc=1&d=1142094703



Fred

[reubeni]

Here's the wire diagram sheet that came with the timer.....
Is this the right diagram for my needs, I have the model 'EZ-701-1'? (highlighted in yellow with blue writing.)


Yep that is the right circuit Fred spot on.

[Fred Lemonjello]

I’ve been waiting to update the GJ until I get the 240 volt stuff squared away… but since I’m really not doing much today… thought I’d give a little up date on what’s been growin’.

Well about 4 nights ago I transplanted 11 of the 12 clones from one shoebox into fresh new potting soil. One of the clones had to be placed on Emergency Life Support because of the loss of most all of her life giving leaves except for the very top. It’s going to take a little time to get her back in shape again but I think she’ll come along just fine.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2539&stc=1&d=1142101156


I’ve decided to go with larger pots this time around instead of smaller plastic cups to save from shocking the plants on a second transplant. They will stay in these pots until they get to about 16 to 18 inches then turned to 12/12.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2532&stc=1&d=1142101156


The next night 12 clones from the second shoebox were transplanted into fresh new potting soil, again using larger pots.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2538&stc=1&d=1142101156


Next night, twelve plants ranging in height between 17 & 18 inches were transplanted into the flowering area, 6 plants each in two plots.
I’m using two different soil mixes in these two plots… a little Test if you will.
The first plot has used soil mixed with Blood meal, Bone meal, and fresh perlite. I did a soil test and found it to be around 6.8 so no Lime was added.

Used soil plot consists of:
40 lb potting soil (roughly 8 gallons)
8 Dry Quarts Black Magic potting soil
1 lb coffee can measure of perlite

To Regenerate this old mixture the addition of, per 10 gallons:
6 Table Spoons Dried Blood
6 Table Spoons Bone Meal
1 lb coffee can measure of perlite
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2536&stc=1&d=1142101156

…………………………………………………….

The second plot has a soil mix of:
40 lb potting soil (roughly 8 gallons)
8 dry Quarts Black Magic
1 lb coffee can measure of Perlite
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2537&stc=1&d=1142101156

*by the way, each of the plots holds between 22 –24 gallons of soil mix.



And of course my other plots have used soil in them that has not been re-generated for three flower cycles now, so this is going to be an interesting 3 way “Test” to see what is what with each soil mix….. differences in taste, growth and final harvest weights.

One of the more vigorious plants was transplanted into a 2 gallon pot with fresh potting soil and had it's branches tied down to the sides.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2540&stc=1&d=1142101156

This one will be allowed to veg another week or so then turned to 12/12 inside of the small cabinet using two 40w & two 75w CFL's.... (Listed wattage is 15w & 27w respectfully)
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2541&stc=1&d=1142101156

Fred

[Dibbz]

Look at the dedication into this setup!!

Ive not read the whole thread but i will and catch up on things but i would like to say a big well done on laying that garden out dude! very serious heart you have put into this!!

RESPECT AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!:D

[Fred Lemonjello]

I keep forgetting to bring these Stickers down to the room that were brought home from my trip to Europe.... next to find a good spot!
Hell, there's anything on the walls... think it's about time to do some decorating... what else do I have?.... hehehe

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2544&stc=1&d=1142103582


Fred

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

Good Growing Fred!:gthumb: :gthumb:

Regarding the Timer/contactor circuit, parts needed are a normally open, double pole single throw (dpst) definite purpose contactor rated for 20 amps with a 120 volt coil. Also an electrical box big enough to mount it in, suitable strain relief for the wire and enough wire to do the job.

A contactor is just an electrically controlled switch, meaning that when power is applied to the coil a magnetic field is generated pulling the switch contacts closed. So by runing the 120 volts through the timer, when the timer comes on it passes the 120 volts through to the contactor coil , closeing the switch.So the 240 volts has two hot leads, connect them to the contactors switch contacs. We want a doulble pole, two sets of switch contacts, so that we can completely interrupt the power (240V) to the lights. Basically we use the timer to turn on the contactor, and the contactor to turn on the lights.

[reubeni]

1. There is no need to drastically oversize the circuit protection, even if the wiring can handle it!


2. The inrush current of magnetic core and coil ballasts is so transient (short lived) that it does not trip the common modern day breakers(virtually all double pole breakers are going to be rated for inductive loads), the only common overcurrent circuit protection sensitive enough to open because of this transient current would be fast blow fuses.

3. Incidentally the inrush current of the electronic ballasts is much higher than magnetic type ballasts. Not vice versa.

4. Wanna really have nuisance tripping? Then use the ground fault protection on multiple inductive loads. Because of the ground fault interrupters sensitivity to load balance, the induced voltages from multiple ballasts will cause repeated nuisance tripping of the gfci, this is not caused by overcurrent, either inrush or stabilized current draw. Not worth it, and all the more reason to properly size the over current protection.

5. I base all my recommendations on the National Electric Code, which is the basis for all municiple or state codes.


Well old bean keep your hair on! I felt obliged to answer your:blah:
1. no one sugested to do that.
2. As a electriician I was taught never to assume anything.
3. check this video http://www.rom-light.com/demo/video/demo_large.wvx
its all to do with the soft start circuit.
4. Never said I wanted to torture myself:flog:
5. I hope you do.

Sorry Fred he baited me peace.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Here's few shots taken of the daily smokables.... screwing around with the camera this morning. :drool:

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2624&stc=1&d=1142439006

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2625&stc=1&d=1142439075

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2626&stc=1&d=1142439075

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2627&stc=1&d=1142439075

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2628&stc=1&d=1142439075


Fred

[War_n_peace]

and liking:D coming along very nicely...great set up..to bad no seeds from the dam but you had fun anyways right?i mean you had everything planned out in detail, i remember talking to you about it i believe...how was the rest of your trip man?i bet it was awesome:D fred seems to me like you got your shit together..keep on keppin on:cool:

[Cranky]

looks bloody nice that fred...whats that you say???oh right ...sure ill skin up...nice of yas to offer bro;)

well,theres alot of good info in here(ALL INFO IS WELCOME) ....what the fuck it all means is another thing :D never toke an intrest in electrics.....now i know why lol:D

looking good fred...

grow on

cranky

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey w-n-p..... THX for the Atta Boy!!!
You bet I had a great time!
Well I don't know if I had the trip planned out in great detail..... but I did see and do a few things that were on the list, some that weren't on the list :D ... others had to be saved for the return VISITS!! Hehe
Sorry I don't recognize you..... I was chatting with a few folks on two forums back in Fall of '05 that were going over for the CC and yaking about my upcoming trip. I was also using a different handle up until all this "Drama" started after the first of the year.
But things change.... New home... new name.... but still the same guy!
Besides, I like "Fred" better then "Archy" anyway, it's easier to type... fred... all the letters are right there in a box!! Hahaha

.................................................. .....................................

Hey Cranky...
Well I'm not sure if I comprehend all of it either.... :teef:... especially what I've written! :hmmmm:

Nah... I understand what needs to be done as far as the power goes.... just don't ask me to logically explain it someone else. :)

We'll find out here in a couple of days..... after I purchase the lot of supplies for the job.... and a few more postings to the Electrical Wizards on HGB to make sure I'm going about this safely and with the correct parts.

THX again everyone for all of the encouragement and help!!
Fred


Oh yea... here's a few shots taken the other day.. this is 2.5 of 6 plants chopped which weighed in WET at 2.2 onces... altogether we took 4.5 wet OZ from 6 plants... my Bro went home with half.
I'll post some better shots of the drying buds this evening.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2658&stc=1&d=1142611571

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2659&stc=1&d=1142611571

[Fred Lemonjello]

Splif!

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2688&stc=1&d=1142646119

Shitty pics, but you get the meaning... Right!

Fred

Now where am I from?

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2690&stc=1&d=1142648781

[Fred Lemonjello]

Soil mix update – It’s been 10 days since flowering, the 12 plants have had ample time to adjust after transplanting and seem to like the fresh soil as they’ve all grown about 2.5 inches. At this stage I’m really not seeing a difference between the two plots, Regenerated Soil Mix vs. New Soil Mix, but am seeing about ¾ of an inch more growth on these 12 vs. the plants in the old used soil mix.
However the plants in the fresh soil seem to be healthier looking verses plants in the old soil mix which is really what I’m looking forward to seeing a difference in!

I’ll give them another week then report back on their progress.

The 24 plants in the veg cabinet are also doing just fine, growing leeps and bounds… so much so a couple of them got their leaves burnt by the flouro lights… OUCH!!! Ya turn your back on em and they grow an inch… blam… just like that!!! :eek:
Even the tiny clone that lost most of it’s leaves during rooting is coming alone nice She’s still small but has pulled through and will grow on… to be enjoyed in the coming months! ;)

What else…. Next week-end it’ll be time to harvest another 6 plants…. been practicing with the camera so there’ll be better pics this time around.
Oh the girl in the small cabinet under CFL’s… she’s getting bushy! Tied down three more branches making a total of six…. Think it’s about time she gave up some fruit, so tonight she goes on the 12/12 timer. There are also 4 other plants ready to be turned, they’ll go into the plot vacated earlier this week.

On the electrical side…. :)

Thanks to the help from a few of the “Sparky’s” on HGB I think it’s time to tackle this project. And on that note I’m off to the hardware store… look for project updates over the next few days.


Fred

[reubeni]

Big Big Kharma to you Fred, and the grow "give us a toke of that spliff" inhale, inhale sweeet!:)

[CB]

it’s time to tackle this project. And on that note I’m off to the hardware store… look for project updates over the next few days.

Fred

standing by for updates fred......

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2716&stc=1&d=1142706581

[Fred Lemonjello]

While I’m waiting for the mechanic to return my Jimmy… new plugs, wires, oil(s) change, fuel filter, etc… I thought I’d post a few bud shots.
This group shot is from the recent harvest so they’re about 4 days into drying… about 11 grams.

Later today I’ll post pics of the electrical parts/ supplies and tools that’ll be used for the room.




Anyway....

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2735&stc=1&d=1142794821




http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2737&stc=1&d=1142794821

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2739&stc=1&d=1142794821

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2736&stc=1&d=1142794821


http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2741&stc=1&d=1142794821


Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

Well here's the stuff for the 240v.... not pictured, a 10' pieces of 1/2" gray conduit. Also picked up a 20amp breaker for one of the 120v sides.
I'll have to get the contactor for the timer at the local electrical supply store.... this store didn't have them.

Tools and such.....

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2743&stc=1&d=1142809280

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2744&stc=1&d=1142809280

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2745&stc=1&d=1142811033



Will be getting things in order this evening..... More pics to come.


Fred

Edit 20 March 2006 19:35 to add these pics.....

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2784&stc=1&d=1142904729

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2785&stc=1&d=1142904729

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2786&stc=1&d=1142904729



Fred

[midwestbluntman]

Now..... the guy who sold me this.... said to hook the 120v into the top front points and the 240v to the back and bottom points.
I asked to double check with him while looking at the devide as well....
And he said yes the 120v goes into the top coil, the 240v out of the bottom to the load... and then the 240v from the breaker box goes to the top back.

But looking at it it looks to me like the 120v should go to the points at the top back....?
The 240v goes top front and the bottom.
I mean the connection points on the top front and the bottom are the same... and the connection to the top back is different then those two points... looking like 120v 12 gauge wire is supposed to be there.

let me get back to ya on this its late.

[CB]

say fred,

shape'n up real nice in here indeed

was just check'n out your tools needed for the job and thought i would share this with ya.....

wally world 50 buck's..... come's with all the bells.... 2 batt's charger, keyless chuck, blah blah.....

kick's ass tho for the money........

my work bought it for me but they dont know hehe (gift card) :p

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2787&stc=1&d=1142914042

so how much ya into so far on this?.....

peace

[Fred Lemonjello]

Kool MWB....


CB - I have 3 drills around here... corded though... but hey same same right, it drills a hole and/ or screws the screw.

Let's see for the electrical I have about $75 into what I've been doing recently... grand total for electrical is about $85 for the entire project.
Some wire and boxes were scrounged.

A grand total for the entire room?
Some wood was scrounged.... lights too.... other parts...
I'd say there's about $250 - $300 into it so far. Wood, screws, soil, tubs, light fixtures, bulbs, etc.


Fred

[reubeni]

Hey Fred the 2 points without screws and the wire wraped around the bottom of them is the 120v from timer, the other 2 on that side with screws is the 240v feed and on the otherside is the 240v load.
P.S its best to whistle while you work:D

[midwestbluntman]

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2785&d=1142904711




Hey Fred the 2 points without screws and the wire wraped around the bottom of them is the 120v from timer, the other 2 on that side with screws is the 240v feed and on the otherside is the 240v load.


That is what i think also,is that close to what the supplier said?Im not sure if there is a differeance on the load and feed.The contactors is basically a switch,regardless of the direction the current is going threw it it should work,As long one side goes to your light and the other goes to the power supply[panelbox]and your timer is hooked to the coil terminals,It should work.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey Fred the 2 points without screws and the wire wraped around the bottom of them is the 120v from timer, the other 2 on that side with screws is the 240v feed and on the otherside is the 240v load.
P.S its best to whistle while you work:D
Whistle, Humm, and sing.... sumtimes I may even dance a little jig as stereo's on 24/7/365. The girls like the local rock station, especially the DJ's in the afternoon/ evening... their so funny!


So... is this how this contactor device is supposed to be wired?
I just wanna make sure I get the 120v to the right contact points.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2792&stc=1&d=1142955236


I hear ya Midwest.... feed > load - or - load > feed...either way.

Man I can't thank you guys enough for helpin' me out with this project!!!
As soon as I can get this part down.... it'll be time to set the boxes, run the wire, receptacles, etc.
I won't be installing the breakers until last.... I may have a question or two about that part... maybe.
I think that parts pretty self explanitory... being sure to shut main breaker OFF before installing!


Fred

[reubeni]

Yea Fred spot on thats the way to wire it the contacts with the wire around them are the 120v well done:D

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

HOLD UP!!

I've wired in a few of these here contactor thingy ma jigs before and ALWAYS the coil terminals are the two seperate, this avoids confusion. I'll attach an edited pictue for clarification. If you wire the 120 volt coil to a 240 volt source , you will not be happy.

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2808&stc=1&d=1142988398

And please do not use the quick connect terminals, put the wire under the screws. Especially on the 240 volt connections.

:smokin:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Q - In your updated drawing... that's the way I thought it was supposed to be wired. It just seems more logical that the 4 identical connections points be 240v as they appear to be made for heavier gauged wire.

Also there's a sticker marked "110/ 120v" on the top rear next to the connection points that appear to be for 120v lighter gauged wire.

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2786&stc=1&d=1142904729



So to connect this device up properly....
1.) The 240 volt 10 gauge wire is connected to the top front and bottom points.
2.) The 120 volt 12 gauge wire is connected to the top rear points.

Correct?

And yes I plan to "Hook" the wire under the screws.

Fred

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

Sorry bro, but what is front and top? When you mount it, or like it is in the picture currently? Cause that could be two different things.

If you set it on a table the 30 amp/underwriters lab sticker on the side will be upside down. The top four terminals( with hex head screws) in this case will be the 240 volt switch connections. The botoom two (with the round head screws) will be the 120 volt coil connections (like that sticker says).

To be proper with it the 240 volt source should be connected on the same side as the coil connections, so all the inputs are on the same side. Not relevant to operation but is kind of an unwritten code. Kinda like up is "on" with regards to a light switch.

I think you got it figured correctly. :smokin:


edit: Whats the single pole, 30 amp, 120 volt circuit breaker for? You need a double pole for your 240 volt circuit. Cause here in the states 240 volts is delivered by two out of phase 120 volt hot legs. Even though the single pole is rated for 240 volts its not what you need.

[reubeni]

Ok Fred to save any problems get yourself a continuity tester put it across any pair of contacs the pair that conducts is the pair that has the coil,the 120v, thats the way I would check it and I have wired in heavy duty 3phase contactors in the past.

[Fred Lemonjello]

OK guys… for something I thought was going to be a relatively simple project has turned into udder madness! I’m bailing-out of this crazy game of Twister… scraping everything and starting new!
Sorry if this sounds like I’m being a Dick….. but you guys have me so lost I’m afraid to hook anything up for fear of fire and/ or damage to parts do to melt downs, explosions or what ever electrical things do when it’s not hooked up properly.
My confidence level with electricity was low when this project first started… and is now at this point unchanged.

I havta say though… I did learn about amps.

I have a vision of how the room is to operate when all of this is done so am going to march on until that goal is reached. But from my evaluation it would appear that I need to get all of the facts, specs, codes, details, pics, drawings and other research gathered to formulate a new plan. I’m also going to hunt down a couple “Sparky” … I.B.E.W, Journeyman Wireman… Buddies of mine for a little one on one chat, which will cost me a FEW beers. No security problems though… I have a cover story all lined out of a need to wire up a 240v air-compressor & air-conditioner, 120v air-compressor, lighting, ventilation … it even includes the Contactor device.


Thanks guys, no hard feelings I hope.
Fred

[midwestbluntman]

hey cant say that i blame ya,but you got a little chunk of change invested in this.If your not comfortable with doing it then dont man,peace of mind is priceless.What parts is it that you are unsure of?do some reseach and get familar with the peices your installing and the rest will fall rite into place.When your ready to tackle it again,we'll still be here to watch and throw some tips and advise around.It sounds alot more intimadating then it really is,I wish i was close enough to ya man to be there we could have ya hps'n it im no time for real.

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

sorry bro

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

Terminals designated L1 and L2 are the input or line connections for the 240 volt source. Terminals designated T1 and T2 are the load or output 240 volts to the ballasts. The terminals for the coil are the only two left over. http://www.geindustrial.com/publibrary/checkout/38652.30055.9490.59367/PDF/DEH-40445.pdf

here is a picture of the circuit breaker you need,( except it needs to be a 30 amp instead of the pictured 15 amp.)
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2830&stc=1&d=1143075003


Hope this helps you feel more confident. You seemed to me to have a pretty good handle on the situation. Keep it up. :smokin:

[reubeni]

Terminals designated L1 and L2 are the input or line connections for the 240 volt source. Terminals designated T1 and T2 are the load or output 240 volts to the ballasts. The terminals for the coil are the only two left over. http://www.geindustrial.com/publibrary/checkout/38652.30055.9490.59367/PDF/DEH-40445.pdf
Hope this helps you feel more confident. You seemed to me to have a pretty good handle on the situation. Keep it up. :smokin:

Hi Fred took a look at the wiring diagram above and its as WCQ says L1/L2 INPUT 240V T1/T2 OUTPUT 240 that leaves the last 2 for the coil good work WCQ:gthumb:
So as long as you see the markings on the contactor you cant go wrong all has been revealed.
peace :share:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Ok Peeps... Over the past few days I've did a complete re-thinking of the grow room electrical needs... also a little research on electricity and how it works. <atleast I get the just of it anyway :)

So here it is... My cunning *Plan*.... is to place all of the ballasts, Fluorescent & HPS, inside of a cabinet. This "Ballast Cabinet" will be built under the small veg/ clone cabinet and have it's own vent/ exhaust to keep things nice and cool inside.

Using a cabinet to store all of the ballasts will for one simplifiy the electrical needs to just one spot.... reduce BUZZ noise.... and allow better cooling of both the ballast itself as well as taking the heat generating ballasts out of the growing areas, leaving only the bulbs as the heat source making it a little easier to keep the areas cool.

~ How far away are the lights from the Ballast Cabinet?
The HPS wiring will have to travel a max of 16 feet from the Ballast Cab to the Flower Area.... max wiring travel to the Veg Cab is 5 feet.


I still havta draw up the plans for the Ballast Cabinet.... as I've been working on the 240 volt electrical plans first.

So here they are... updated 240v wiring diagrams and layout... let me know what you guys think.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2895&stc=1&d=1143323594

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2896&stc=1&d=1143323594

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2897&stc=1&d=1143323594

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2898&stc=1&d=1143323594


Am working on the 120 Volt lay-out, will be posting that shortly.


Fred

[midwestbluntman]

hey bro you got it,
thats the way it should look glad to see ya didnt abort.what kinda draw program did you use for these diagrams.sweet what ever it is.the last 2 pix is fantastic,we didnt even get into talkin about running the wires parallel so you did do some homework.It nice to have abit of information under the belt before tackling exspeacially electrical projects but any project for that matter.Great job

It will deffinitly be a proud moment when the timmer clicks and all them hps bulbs spring to life.
I like the idea of the ballast cab,excellent thinkin on your part.

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

Beautiful! Good Growing ! :smokin:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Thanks guys!.... All of the drawings were done using PhotoShop 7.0

Here's couple lay-outs for the 120 volt stuff.
Each leg will run off of it's own 20 amp single pole breaker.

Nah I didn't abort the thing MW... just hadta re-evaluate the situation...
as with most plans.... the first couple never really work so you move on to 'Plan ?'<insert number or letter here.... in my case that would be 'Plan C'.... er is it 'D' now... I can't remember... DOH!

Anyway... these drawings here and in the post above cover everything electrical.... I think?.... I hope! hehehe

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2901&stc=1&d=1143336445

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2902&stc=1&d=1143336445




Fred

[midwestbluntman]

looks good man,now come all the fun,and the grand prize at the end.keep us posted with updates

[Fred Lemonjello]

Wow it's been 20 days since my last grow update and you can really tell the difference between these pics and the pics in post #55!
I decided to wait a few more until turning the big girl.... wanted the branches to fill just a tad more. She was finaly turned to 12/12 on 3-20 along with six others in the main flowewr area.

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2972&stc=1&d=1143754177

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2974&stc=1&d=1143754177


http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2976&stc=1&d=1143754169


http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2977&stc=1&d=1143754177


And these 6 were turned to flower on 3-20.
http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2979&stc=1&d=1143754177



Fred

[midwestbluntman]

looking great fred,im about to take mine down.one looks really bad like death.i think air pump failure but i havent got to really investagate yet.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Man that's a bummer MW.... let us know what's happen with that!

I have bad problems with letting the plants get too close to the bulbs... burn the leaves every time! Just trying to pull as much from the fluors as I can.


Well here's what my Bro and I cut Saturday.... 12 plants from two plots.
Wet weight is 3.6 OZ of the larger budz and 1.1 worth of Popcorn budz.
Shown in these pics are half of the Popcorns, I gave half the other half to my nephew with instructions to dry it over the heater vent slowly.
I'm down to the last few dried budz for myself and Bro.... enough to last until next Sunday/ Monday, so I couldn't give any of those up to him.

These are really wet so I'm probably looking at just under 2 dried OZ.

Enjoy!
Fred

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_c.jpg


http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_d.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_f%7E0.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_e.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_h.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_g.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_b.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/cut_4_1_i.jpg

[LdyLunatic]

nice stuff Fred!!! :high5: hows she smoke man??? are you gonna put any away to cure for a while?? or just smoke her all up :p :D

[CB]

say fred,

got a light :p

nice harvest bro and nice one on you for share'n it ;)

grow on brother

[dredank]

nice harvest man:D I like the lighter too;) , i tried to bring one back from amsterdam, a dampkring lighter, it didnt even light, and i made it thru the dutch airport fine but damn JFK airport took it away:mad:

Enjoy your smoke, looks damn good!

:peace:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hell Dre.... I brought back a FEW lighters... matches... used baggies... couple grams of hash.... couple pre-rolls of my own rolling inside store bought containers.... even a well used bowl. Souvineers don't ya know. :teef:
Also brought back 6 t-shirts, some of that White & Blue ceramic stuff.... and other things for the family and friends.


http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/trinkets.jpg



Fred

[dredank]

Great souvenires fred thanks for sharin em:D

Yeah i got some of those joint cases too, they are great:D but im pissed they took the damn lighter. Lol i got some of those heineken coasters too:p . Also won some 30 euros on my last 50 cent piece in those slots in the dutch airport:D i was very happy with that:D Nice job on bringin back some hash i thought of bringing some but that wasnt till i was on the plane:rolleyes:

:peace:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Thanks Lady,CB, MW.... and everyone for the Atta Boy!
Ya Lady... we'll probably end up smoking most of this before the next batch is ready.... I'm gunna try to put 6 or 8 grams back to cure out.... we'll see how it goes.
In another month or so I should be able to start giving the budz a good cure.... it's taking me a bit longer then thought it would to get back up to full production.... and with the work season fast approuching I won't be smoking as much.


Thanks again you guys for all of the encouragement!
Fred

[Cranky]

nice harvest man:D I like the lighter too;) , i tried to bring one back from amsterdam, a dampkring lighter, it didnt even light, and i made it thru the dutch airport fine but damn JFK airport took it away:mad:

Enjoy your smoke, looks damn good!

:peace:

thats chuffin pants bro.:mad:

aye up fred also looking good in here,i smelt that shit from way down the road so i just followed the smell and here i am.wheres that bowl:D

and for peeps using that chicken wire....has does it cut into the plants when training them under it?from the plants trying to grow up if ya gets me?

just curious:rolleyes:

take care

cranky

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey cranky.... nah I haven't had one bit of trouble with plants wanting to cut into the wire.... I move em every few days... they do however raise the wire slightly... maybe even an inch upwards.
I wouldn't think there would be sufficent time for a plant to become fully in-grown into a wire for any serious damage to happen before harvesting... unless you're just totally neglicting your grow.

And again... yes the plants do put a nice upward pressure on the wire... but the wire will "Stretch" a little too.

My method is...
Whenthe plants are first turned to 12/12 the top is pointed to the closest open section and she bends upwards towards the light... fluff up the fan leaves the next day.
As she grows n stretches... I keep moving the top to the next space in the wire... I use the 'Nods' sometimes for a 'Hook'.... and it still does not cut in.
After a few weeks they stop stretching...they're just left to grow... moving them around every few days for inspection, etc.

I would havta say also... that because there are soooo many diff branches appling pressure to the wire it doesn't give one branch time enough to dig in and become in-grown.

Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

Well here's a few shots of the recent harvest.
As guessed the dried weight is going just at 2 ounces. It's really fluffy so there's less then it appears.

Enjoy!
Fred


http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/harv4.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/harv5.jpg

http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/harv6.jpg


PS. There's a few more shots in my Photo Gallery
http://www.homegrownbud.com/cm/cpg144/thumbnails.php?album=lastupby&uid=8

[dredank]

looks delicious fred:mmmm:
:gthumb:
happy smoking:smoke1:

[ZenLunatic]

Holy moly brother Fredo, that's some damn fine looking buddage my friend...

:gthumb:

[LdyLunatic]

WOW!!! :eek: now its about time you be fillin that staffbowl Fredo :greatjob:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Let’s see…. Where was I?

Well the last harvest is tasting really good right now….. also diminishing quickly.
Never fear another two plots are quickly approaching their completion!

On 4/20 ten girls measuring 10 – 12 inches were turned to flower in two plots of five each.

On 4/15 six girls measuring about 10 inches and I went for a short walk-about. I’m really not anticipating anything from these as they will probably be gotten by Critters.
They’ve been scattered over a 100 acres so maybe 1 or 2 will make it.
Am thinking of taking another batch to the area in the coming weeks… I spied another spot.

On the HPS lighting….
I’m looking at having the first one or two 400 watters fired up by the end of May…. Putting the first HPS harvest in the time frame of the end of July first part of August.
Wiring and construction of the ballast cabinet will begin as time permits in the coming weeks.
I’m going to go ahead and start those “Arch Stanton” Sativa seeds that were gifted to me by a lovely couple. By starting these now they’ll be ready to go under the New HPS lights.




Fred

[gorilla]

I'm liking all of those symetrical looking buds fred. Lol.

I can't wait till you get the 400 watters, I think you're just going to get so much more out of it!

Good luck with your little walkabout experiment. I keep wanting to do the same thing but i'd have to go kinda far away from home just to do it.

And.. BTW. Why are you calling 'em Arch Stanton again? I forget. :D

[Fred Lemonjello]

Well here's a few shots....
the stuff on the right was jus cut bout 20 minutes ago.... on the left bout 5 days ago.
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/ba1.jpg


https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/ba2.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/ba3.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/ba4.jpg



Fred

[midwestbluntman]

sweet harvest freddy,glad to hear the hps lighting is still on the table.I think you will be so impressed when they are in full swing.I know when i switched from MH to HPS i was awe,it was a diffrence like night and day.

[Cranky]

yep...get that hps up bro;) you'll double your yeild for sure i say!

nice nugz :)

cranky

[LdyLunatic]

Good stuff Fred!!! :cool: I must say i have never seen anyone with the great results you get from these lights ;)

Grow On Fredo :high5:

[ZenLunatic]

Damn brother.... I think we need to change your user title to FLORO WIZARD or some such... Pretty much the best results I've seen from a floro grow...

Righteous work my friend...

Cheers, and good green mojo flyin atcha.

zL

[ShadowYeti]

Ya know I'm not a big fan of floro grows. It reminds me of the crap showing at CC these days, totaly lame noob grows but yours my friend is primo. By far the best results I EVER seen from a floro grow. Well done and using Scrog to maximise your potential just makes it that much better. Trust me when I say this because I rarely compliment floro grows but yours could stand toe to toe to some new HID growers I know. Awsome job. Your gonna do awsome when you move up to HID's. Some sweet looking buds:D

[tHEaNIMICnEEDLE]

YEAH FRED!


those CFLS are great for flowering

The tubes are good for seedlings and clones

I put a few tubes on the wall of my cab and it keeps them nice and bushy

the CFLS are on top!

very nice harvest ya got there too!!!

[AzGrowa]

Hey bro thanks for the tour of yer garden.
defa whole bunch more lighting than I can run, but then again I don't have a basement either.:D

gonna have to stick around and see how those sativas turn out.

yer invited when I get my poop inna group.
about a month an a couple a days.
just gonna extend my floro grownin knowledge a bit. Maybe I can get a complement from Shadow Yeti. Just have to wait and see.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Well folks it's been awhile since I've updated this GJ.... not too many different things going on as yet. Have dun a few updates to the growroom in preparation for the HPS and new strains.
With much discussion and thought, I've decided to go with a 1,000 watt HPS set-up which will be ordered by the time I go to bed tonite. The seeds have now been germinating for 24 hrs.

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ4.jpg

From left to right; K2 (5), WR (5), BB (5), SK#1 (6), GWL (5).
As of 0600 this morning 4 of the SK#1 and 3 of the GWL have popped!

The plastic container is setting about 6" off the top of the PC monitor and the napkin is kept jus slightly damp.... also a damp napkin is placed on top.
Once I get more batteries fer the camera I'll post more pics of a buncha diff thangs I've been wanting to share. Damned kids take all the batts fer their CD players!
Until then here's a couple pics from a couple dayz ago....

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/me33hb.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/harv1%7E0.jpg


Fred

[WilliamClarkeQuantrill]

nice cross stitch:p

toke it easy :smokin:

[gorilla]

Judging by that picture fred, maybe your name should be Gorilla.


:D Hahaha just busting ya pal. :rotf:

[RedEyezzzzz]

That's a great looking harvest Fred. Wait till you see the cola's with the 1k hps. That's what I've been using for the past couple years & you'll be getting some thick ass candles popping out.

Btw: I was surprised to see your pic. For some reason since your first post I pictured you to look like a bigger version of boss hog! lol, no offence bro!

[gorilla]

pictured you to look like a bigger version of boss hog! lol, no offence bro!

so wait..

this http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5050&stc=1&d=1153160033 or this ? http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5051&stc=1&d=1153160033

:rolleyes: :p

(results courtesy of google)

[Fred Lemonjello]

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!


Like that cross-stitch do ya Q.... Mom did that years ago....
The frame measures 16" X 12.5"

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/dragon_pic.jpg

Fred

[bigsmoker420]

i like that fredo

[Fred Lemonjello]

Man it was FREAKIN HOT outside taday!!

So here's the beans after about 56 hours.... all but one K2 and one SK#1 popped. :)

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ5.jpg

If you put you beans in dry soi then water afterwards sumtimes those lil sneeks will float to the top.... gotta watch that!... and if you can avoid it.. try not to water for a couple days so the roots can take hold.

So the first thing I did was wet the soil really good... mix it round with your finger a lil.

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ7.jpg

So now I have a few readt for action, I'll use tweezers to place the seedlings into pre-drilled holes....

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ6.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ8.jpg


And here they are all dun!
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ9.jpg

Under the lights.....
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/germ10%7E0.jpg


Fred

[gorilla]

Looking good fred. Real nice line up there pal.

All the best with this grow!

[Fred Lemonjello]

Oh.... so ya want MORE huh....
well then, here take this!

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f2.jpg


Some pics from the current grow.... only one side goin....
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f1.jpg


K... time ta burn.... cuz I'm freakin BURNT... did I mention it was FREAKIN HOT taday? And we got em fer 10.5 hrs too....

Fred

[bigsmoker420]

lookin good i need to get some more seeds cause both my plants ended up male

[CB]

nice germ % bro.... perhapes the last 2 are just late bloomers like ;)

so what is this GWL you speek off :p

gonna hit the skeet range this weekend care to join me as you seem to have plenty of clay's like

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5053&stc=1&d=1153186789


grow on

:share:

[drumin]

I noticed the clay pigeons too... reminds me I've been wanting to do some shooting.

Nice job germing those Fred! :gthumb:

[Fred Lemonjello]

PULL! *shotgun*.... *shotgun*..... *shotgun*... Damn!
Lemme try that again... PULL! *machinegun*... HA!..... got it that time!


THX alot you guys!!

GWL... well I was told it ment Great White Lightening, Other then that, tis a new seed fer me.


Fred

[CB]

GWL... well I was told it ment Great White Lightening, other then that, tis a new seed fer me.

GWL is WW Female X NL male

enjoy:p

[drumin]

Let us know how that smokes, WW x NL sounds interesting.

[Fred Lemonjello]

Welp... here they are jus startin ta pop outa the soil..... :wrings_hands: :p

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/sdl1.jpg

And a view of the garden from this evening.
So far, so good!

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f3a.jpg


Fred

[gorilla]

congrats fred.

good luck with them this time.

[Fred Lemonjello]

sumore pics....

No it's not the best grow, but then these clones of clones of clones er runnin on 2.5 years old and recent PH issues... freakin water company upped the PH fer sum reason, prolly fer swimming pools er sum such thang. Was holding steady at 7.0 -7.2ish.... now it's up to 8.0+-.
Oh well, have it under control sumwhat now.

Fred

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f9.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f6.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f8.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f7.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f5.jpg

https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/cm/cpg144/albums/userpics/10008/f11.jpg

[high2dsky]

when those bad bitches are full blown its gonna be a gorgeous site. fo sho. :cool:

[slater]

just looking over this thread....i didnt read all of it...just kinda scanned thru it and it still took me a half hour.
from what i gathered you are gonna add some high intensity discharge (hid's) soon. you are gonna be happy with the results when you do that.
love the boxes you are growin in...did you get the idea from soma? if not i think you would love that book...somas way. when you get the hid's you may want to get rid of the scrog fencing...mebee not...

my first grow was set up like yers with boxes built to plant right in and floros screwed to a piece of plywood and connected to pulleys....did very well for a floro grow...the secert then was we topped the shite outt them before we induced flowering.

happy growing and you may want to look into that book i was telling you about or check out this thread. (link removed, Fred) i love that thread....i am not doing this atm but by this winter i will be building a couple 4x4's to plop clones in . good luck and happy growing....ps dont electricute yerself with all that wiring...

[Fred Lemonjello]

Hey Slater - THX fer the positive comments and input!
Sorry but I hadta remove the link above, Treating Yourself, as we don't allow other grow site links... we kinda like ta keep a low profile here at HGB, and all links do is attract more attention. Please hope you understand, THX.

Well the boxes came into play... instead of 10 gallon tubs, build boxes.
Yea, I'm not sure what ta do bout the ScrOG with the new lites.... I'd like to keep this system, but we'll see. The basic plan is to cut back on the numbers of plants/ clones, yet maintain the perpetual harvest. We'll see how it works out in the coming months.

Fred

[slater]

no problem...i hope ya at least checked it out or know what i was talking about...that soma way looks to be a great way to get a fast turn a round.

happy growing....and sorry about breaking rules the first day....

[Fred Lemonjello]

No Problems at all Slater :)..... you bet I checked it ;)

Fred

[AzGrowa]

hey Bro, just thought I stop by and take a peek, good-lookin SCroG ya got goin on there.
I assume yer gonna dedicate part of the garden to maintaining moms/cloners while the rest get vegged out and bloomed?
HPS will really fatten those buds, and depending on the size of the flower room 400-800 watts should do the trick.
But hell I don't havta tell ya that U prolly arlerady knew any way...
Don't mind me I'm jus' flappin my gums....

[Fred Lemonjello]

THX fer stoppin Az..... and THX fer the Atta Boy.

Well I'll tell ya.... this is a pretty basic set-up.... nothing special.... lights, growing medium, nutes.... nothing special at all. Buts this set-up has dun me good for a few years now, which has convinced me that I can grow good smoke if I put my mind to it and have the proper equipment.

Expansion is slow coming... but it's coming! I'm jus one of those Cheap Bastards that doesn't like to part with his money.... I'll talk myself outa buying sumthin jus so I can keep the cash in my pocket! *shrugs*
To date I have $350 saved up for the Grow Room.... but parting with that cash is gunna be like pullin teeth! Eventhough its for the best and will improve my grow and everything that goes along it... I still can't part with the cash jus yet.
New HPS light... new nutes, new grow medium... all needed!!!

I figured though by getting these gifted beans started it would lite a fire under my ass to get the New thangs needed.

Fred

Edit: >>> Pic was taken Friday evening 28 July 2006
Oh yea.... the Blue Berry's are all gone.... freakin caught a cricket thrashing on em one evening las week.... I killed him right off... WANKER!!!

Edit 2: But there are 5 more BB beans sitting right here next to me... I'll get em in the ground later.

Fred

[gorilla]

Am I to understand that the new seeds you've got growing are going to grow under the new lights, and in the new mediums, fred?

Sorry if I missed this.:o

[AzGrowa]

K Fred it's been 2 months......

Waddup pup?

[reubeni]

K Fred it's been 2 months......

Waddup pup?

Yea wazup m8:share:

[high2dsky]

K Fred it's been 2 months......

Waddup pup?



what he said.:cool:

[Fred Lemonjello]

Your Order Has Been Processed!

Your order has been successfully processed.

Please notify me of updates to the products I have selected below:
* 1000W Hortilux HPS Mogul Base Grow Bulb
* 1000W HPS Quad-Tap Ballast
* 5KV Mogul Base Socket w/12 inch leads
* Fox Farm Grow Big 12-7-7 Nutrient Quart
* Fox Farm Tiger Bloom 2-8-4 Organic Nutrient Quart

Thanks for shopping with us online!


Welp, it's taken me like forever ta get the stuff ordered..... but finally the above listed items er on their way!
I had the Fox Farm Big Bloom added to the purchase as well.. but they wanted to gig me another $15.00 additional shipping! WOW I says.... what a bargin, a $9.00 bottle of nutes for $24 buks shipped... NOT!

A couple weeks back I tried ta make it to the closest hydro shop to pick up some Fox Farm soil.... 2 hr round trip.... but they're outta business. The next nearest store is like a 3.5 hr round trip... soooo the Ocean Forest soil will havta wait til I can get over that way. Until then I got some 'hardware store' organic soil to keep things going on the right path.

I had shitty luck with those gifted beans.... :cry: dunno WTF.... but the local critters sure did take a dis-liking to them.... and now I'm having a problem with a mouse digging up the larger plants! :mad3: How's that movie title go.....?..... "I'm Gunna Get You Suck'a"........ *machinegun*
I do have more of those beans... my work season is shortly coming to an end and will be able to watch after the seedlings a lil closer so look for a second attempt to be made in the coming weeks

So after the bean failure I decide ta jus keep some of the 'same Ol' stock' in veg fer a while... also take a few clones every now and again. Right off the top of my head I think I have about 36 clones in veg and a dozen girlz in flower.
The main flowering area, all 10 shoplights, have been taken down in preparation of the coming 1k HPS.
But becuz of my procrastenation in ordering the HPS I hadta hook up 4 of those shoplites again... a few of the girlz could no longer wait. Oh yea... I'ma doin another CFL flower in the small cabinet again.

Basically as it stands right now the grow room is going thru major changes in design and function. I'll post up some updated pics next week after the wife gets back from Holiday at Dizney.

Fred

[drumin]

Like CB says "grow on"! :mmmm:

[gorilla]

Sucks to feel like copier saying it, doesn't it drumin?

Grow on fred. :D

[CB]

grow on ©2006bc-2006ad CB

[high2dsky]

good luck with the new arrangements in your grow area and looking forward to seeing your clones flower. grow on mate. peace.

high2dsky

[AzGrowa]

grow on ©2006bc-2006ad CB

OK CB U win.......;) :winneris:
according to the dating it "offically" makes U and yer qoute older than dirt
And Fred...... glad to see ya getting that garden in shape....Like I should talk.....

[Fred Lemonjello]

YIPPY! It works! It works!!
So Saturday I spent making a Batwing Reflector and assembling the 1,000 watt HPS ballast kit....... and it works!

Sure the Batwing doesn't look so great, but all it cost me was a couple hours time and $8.00 fer parts - (6' All-Thread, Wingnuts, and Metal Electrical box with cover plate). I've had the Sheet Metal for years now, been holding onto it for just the right project.
The socket end of the Batwing had to be reinforce with thin plyboard to keep the bulb from sagging.

The 1k Ballast kit was eazy smeezy ta assemble... a 25' extention cord and a few wire nuts.... In Like Flint.
Now in the pics nothing is grounded yet, dunt fret nun bout it..... when I get the lite in "Work Mode" she'll be fully grounded you can count on it.

Fred

[Fred Lemonjello]

OK here's a few shots of the room.. or atleast whats left of it. As you can see it's Under Construction... gett'n thangs lined out for the 1k HPS.
The plots are gone, Tyvek walls/ ceiling have been torn down, and today the bench that the lite and the nutes are currently sitting on will be dismantled to make way for a floor platform.


So to start out heres a shot standing in the doorway........
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6137&d=1160316242


And a shot standing at the room door looking left down where the old back wall was at......
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6138&d=1160316242


Where the plots used ta be.......
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6139&stc=1&d=1160316528

This bench will be removed to make way for a floor platform.......
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6140&d=1160316242


Some girls that'er going into their 2nd & 3rd week of flower...........
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6141&stc=1&d=1160316703

Doing another CFL cabinet grow.........
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6142&d=1160316242

And inside the veg cabinet........
https://svr52.ehostpros.com/%7Ehomegr52/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6143&stc=1&d=1160316882



Stll lotsa work to be done..... hope you guys enjoyed this lil update.
Fred

[drumin]

Nice work there McGyver! :greatjob:

[Fred Lemonjello]

So it looks like a need to Improve a couple things with the 1k lite.
One is the plyboard back end support... I jus couldn't find any thick gauge metal round the house here...... so snagged a piece at