Varidrive

Maxibright Varidrive is a segmented LED light fitting that combines the performance of HPS with the efficiency and cool operation of modern LED. The whole range shares the same logic - you can smoothly dim the output, so one light fitting can handle propagation, growth and flowering without the need to buy again.

What makes Varidrive different

• Efficiency of up to 2.9 µmol/J - you get more usable light from every watt, which shows on the electricity bill.
• Full spectrum with an extra share of red light for the whole cycle, from seedling to flowering.
• Foldable, lightweight construction - you can fold and hang the fitting without help from a second person.
• Dimmable ballast that you can attach directly to the body of the fitting, or place outside the tent.

How to choose the right model

The deciding factor is the area you want to cover and the corresponding amount of light. Varidrive 360W with an integrated driver fully replaces a 600W HPS lamp and covers an area of up to 1.2 x 1.2 m - it is the most affordable model in the range and the ideal choice for a smaller tent, where you will appreciate completely silent operation without a fan. Varidrive 720W is designed for areas from 1.2 x 1.2 to 1.5 x 1.5 m and dims in steps from 250 to 720 W; it is supplied as a boxed kit with a ballast. For those who want the most flexibility, the flagship Varidrive 1000W can be split into two separate 500W units and positioned exactly according to the shape of the grow room - it delivers up to 2,700 µmol/s (PPF) at an efficiency of 2.7 µmol/J.

How much light the model delivers

In addition to the area, also monitor the total light output. While the 360W version is aimed at a smaller tent with one to two plants, the 720W model sends around 2,000 µmol/s into the crop and the 1000W version up to 2,700 µmol/s - that is why the recommended area also increases. A simple rule: the larger the footprint and the more demanding the flowering stage, the higher the PPF you will want in reserve. The dimmer gives you headroom both ways - reduce it for young seedlings so they do not get scorched, and increase it to full power at the peak of flowering.

Frequently asked questions

Will Varidrive replace an HPS lamp? Yes. The 360W model fully replaces a 600W HPS and, thanks to LED technology, produces less heat and uses less energy. For growers switching from a discharge lamp, it is usually the first step, which is first noticed in the temperature inside the tent and then on the electricity bill.

What does efficiency of 2.9 µmol/J mean? It is the amount of usable light (PPF) per watt of input power. The higher the number, the more light the plants get from the same input power - with a value of 2.9 µmol/J, Varidrive is among the more efficient light fittings in its class. For comparison, standard HPS is significantly lower, so the difference in running costs is not negligible.

Can I dim the light during the cycle? Yes, that is the point. Set lower output during propagation and for young seedlings, then full power during flowering. One light fitting therefore covers the whole growth cycle and you do not need to buy a separate lamp for vegetative growth and another for flowering.

Do I need a separate ballast for the fitting? It depends on the model - 360W and 1000W have an integrated driver, while the 720W range is supplied separately with a ballast, or it can be bought as a spare part. The dimmable ballast is also compatible with HPS lamps, so you will not lose it even if you replace the fitting later.

Not sure which model suits your area and budget? Contact us at info@higarden.cz or visit us in our Prague store - we will go through it with you.

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