Mars Aqua vs ViparSpectra- need help

[DracoKat]

I am having trouble finding comparisons between the two black boxes.

Mars Aqua vs Vipar Spectra, 165W

I am looking for personal opinions on which to get, any notable differences between the two

Please and thank you. Looking to purchase one ASAP

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

As you probably already know, I have a ViparSpectra and am partial to that light.

One thing I would consider is that it looks like the Mars Aqua only has adjustable knobs for setting intensity. I have another black box (a Galaxy Hydro) that has the knobs too, and it's more difficult to set intensity than it is to choose an exact percentage on the ViparSpectra. While I don't really need the built-in timer of the ViparSpectra, I do like the ability to pick an exact intensity and move it up or down by percentage point. The Galaxy Hydro in particular seems to offer very poor control from 0% to 10%. You basically have off (0% intensity) then 10% intensity, and not much in between. The knobs just seem much more difficult to adjust too. It's easier to look at a display and choose an exact percentage than it is trying to line up the little line on the knob with the % sticker on the light (at least I feel that way).

It's possible the Mars Aqua uses better potentiometers in their lights than the Galaxy Hydro. It also looks like the LED layout is pretty similar between these two lights, so it's unlikely that either produces significantly more or better light than the other. Just something I would personally consider.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

@reeferfoxx May know the difference. She mods BBs.

I’m an SBreeflight guy. It’s a couple bucks more. Visually it’s a bit more purple royal blue on the blue only channel and a tiny bit magenta with a 1:1 ratio. The standard no frills box is a few buck more than the mars or vipar.

 

[reeferfoxx]

It's possible the Mars Aqua uses better potentiometers in their lights than the Galaxy Hydro.

It could be that they use better potentiometers or Mars aqua is more consistent with hardware. Unlike Mars aqua, the Galaxy hydro, popular grow, and viparspectra will change up designs ever so slightly and might switch hardware manufacturers on the driver and potentiometer side. Mars Aqua and Evergrow always seem to stick with whats good for them.

As far as the accuracy of intensity adjustments I would lean towards the specific driver used. Otherwise, could be a quality control issue on the potentiometer side

 

[reeferfoxx]

The Galaxy Hydro in particular seems to offer very poor control from 0% to 10%. You basically have off (0% intensity) then 10% intensity, and not much in between. The knobs just seem much more difficult to adjust too.

This is consistent with most if not all black boxes. The drivers typically won't allow a 0% to 10% as the current isn't consistent. The mars aqua is actually set around 30% for the on position. In comparison my populargrow is more like 15-20% in the on position.

If for example they did set a 0-10% intensity, you would see light flickering.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

This is consistent with most if not all black boxes. The drivers typically won't allow a 0% to 10% as the current isn't consistent. The mars aqua is actually set around 30% for the on position. In comparison my populargrow is more like 15-20% in the on position.

If for example they did set a 0-10% intensity, you would see light flickering.

Fwiw, my SB basics will do 1% on the potentiometer. At 1% at a 1:1 W/B ratio I get about 225 par when measeued at 12in. At 100% I get about 650+. No flicker ever.
I have not run a test to see if the 1-100 % was a smooth intensity curve
Done with a lux an a par meter.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Fwiw, my SB basics will do 1% on the potentiometer. At 1% at a 1:1 W/B ratio I get about 225 par when measeued at 12in. At 100% I get about 650+. No flicker ever.
I have not run a test to see if the 1-100 % was a smooth intensity curve
Done with a lux an a par meter.

I just mean 30% of max par intensity. So, 1% would equal 1 par. Where as your 225 could be 30% of 1100 par. Bad math, dont judge :P

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I just mean 30% of max par intensity. So, 1% would equal 1 par. Where as your 225 could be 30% of 1100 par. Bad math, dont judge :p

No worries.we shall fit discuss my mathing. .
:eek:
Mine was mostly a commentary on the SB not flickering. Good drivers.
And idea of the par of a B.B. off the shelf for the op.

Although red fish blue fish did get an SB with all 120s in it and cut his output 30%. Chinese QC prob. Good thing he had a lux meter and R2r.