Icecap 430 - Dimmable?

[tingram]

Not sure if the 430 I have is dimmable at all... I have 2 of them, each connected to 2 - 6' VHO T12's...

Was wondering if the Solar Dimmers work in that configuration at all or willI have to upgrade to a 660...

I'm thinking maybe upgrade one of the ballasts and use that with the dimmer...

What do you think?

Thank,

Tony.

[misskimi]

Originally posted by tingram
Not sure if the 430 I have is dimmable at all... I have 2 of them, each connected to 2 - 6' VHO T12's...

Was wondering if the Solar Dimmers work in that configuration at all or willI have to upgrade to a 660...

I'm thinking maybe upgrade one of the ballasts and use that with the dimmer...

What do you think?

Thank,

Tony.

You will have to upgrade to the 660 if you want to dim your current setup. See the URL below for the compatibility table. Make sure whatever Icecap ballast you use is sent back to Icecap for a free dim modification, this will ensure a much smoother dimming experience.

http://www.bluelineaquatics.com/Dimmers/dimmers.html (BlueLine Aquatics Solar Dimmer Page)

[IceCap Service]

If running 2 X 6 foot lamps you will need a 660. You could go to 4 foot lamps and they will dim with the 430.

Note - the model 430 does not need the dimmer modification. This only applies to the 660 model.

The dimmer modification is not to make the ballast dimmable but to smooth out the dimming only. All stock 660 models are dimmable as is. With out the modification the dimming may be uneven such as a stair step rise not a ramp.

[ASH]

Re any rumors of Model 430's not being dimmable -
For a period between 1995 and 1996 Model 430's had their dimming potential clipped by the shortsighted prior owners of IceCap. That was remedied long ago.
Clipped 430's can be easily made whole.

Andy

[tingram]

Andy,

Not sure if I understand your response very clearly... Does that mean that you think my 430 will work with a dimmer when running 2 x 6 foot lamps?

[IceCap Service]

All dimmers are approved by IceCap for use with all their ballasts.
Solar dimmers were approved well over a year before any other system.


Combination
IceCap 660*
IceCap 430*

2 x 24"
YES 660
YES 430

3 x 24"
YES 660
YES 430

4 x 24"
YES 660
NO 430

2 x 36"
YES 660
YES 430

3 x 36"
YES 660
NO 430

4 x 36
YES 660
---

2 x 48"
YES 660
NO 430

3 x 48"
YES 660
---

4 x 48"
YES 660
---

2 x 60"
YES 660
NO 430

3 x 60"
NO
---

2 x 72"
YES 660
NO 430



*Ballast may require dimmer modification. Contact IceCap first.

[tingram]

Hmmm...

Does Icecap have any sort of "trade-in" program to upgrade from 430 to 660?

I doubt it, but thought it was worth asking :)

Tony.

[IceCap Service]

Sorry, we can not convert from a 430 to a 660.