4x2.5 cab outfitted with a diy cxa3070 build

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
So now my board is prepped for the new LEDs. The four duds that I removed were all red.
20141113_123025.jpg
I wonder if there is a connection between the different voltages among the different colored LEDs..

Anyhoo, should I get red ones or can I put other ones on there that can handle closer to 3volts?
 

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
That type of board is pretty easy to repair. To de-solder an led, just apply a small amount of pressure to the top side (lens) of the diode while melting the solder on each lead. The leads on your new diodes will have to be flattened so they will rest evenly on the board. I usually trim the diode leads a bit so they fit perfectly. Once you have the diode on place just touch the leads with a hot iron and a touch of solder. That's all there is to it.
If you want to run softer you can use one like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Driver-Power-Supply-for-36pcs-1W-High-Power-LED-18w-36w-18-36-x1W-LED-/221255343940?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3383d89f44. I have done the same with Chinese 3w lights. It does reduce the amount of light but not by 50%. It's more like a 30% reduction. You are right about the reliability. They don't seem to fail when driven soft.
I just have to say thank you again Mike. This was super easy and a lot of fun too! I can't wait for the next step. I'm getting so close!
 

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
Glad to help! Did you get it working? I see a DIY fixture in your future...
Just need drivers and to solder new LEDs in place of the ones I removed. The only ones that burned out were red.
If the current is too strong for the reds normally, would running the string softer fix this problem?
I just don't know if I should replace them with red or another spectrum.
 

Mechmike

Well-Known Member
Just need drivers and to solder new LEDs in place of the ones I removed. The only ones that burned out were red.
If the current is too strong for the reds normally, would running the string softer fix this problem?
I just don't know if I should replace them with red or another spectrum.
Running softer will definitely be easier on the emitters. Just make sure you get 3 watt replacements. They can handle up to 700ma when cooled well. The "heatsink" used in these lights is really inadequate to run the emitters at full current but they do hold up much better at 350ma. The light I retrofitted with low current drivers has been running for more than a year now without a hiccup. The friend I sold it to is satisfied.
 

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
Anybody have some insight on the best way to attach the cob and holder to the heatsink?

I want to explore every avenue to get the best and cleanest end product.
 

nestor

Well-Known Member
If you have access to either a drill or drill press then drilling and tapping works very well with that chip holder you have.
Pick up something like this:
http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/77277705?CS_010=77277705&item=77277705&CS_003=7867724&src=pla&cid=PLA-Google-PLA - Test

You can most likely find something cheaper from somewhere else, just the first thing that popped up in a quick search.

First mark the holes on the heatsink, then dip the drill bit in cutting oil (vegetable or olive oil will work) and drill your holes. After the holes are drilled use the tap to thread the holes (requires a tap wrench - for 10-32 it needs to be a small one.) This requires oil too. Then its 2 turns in, 1 turn out. Repeat that until you have it threaded all the way down, then get some small screws with a 32 thread pitch and you're set.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, try to find screws that are NOT pointed. If you screw it in too tight it can anchor itself into the bottom of the hole. Same thing can happen with the tap if you're not careful. Through trial and error I learned its best to drill farther down than the threads need to go so that you don't end up snapping the tap off in the hole trying to get it out.

And of course don't forget the thermal grease on the back of the COB!
 
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Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
If you have access to either a drill or drill press then drilling and tapping works very well with that chip holder you have.
Pick up something like this:
http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/77277705?CS_010=77277705&item=77277705&CS_003=7867724&src=pla&cid=PLA-Google-PLA - Test

You can most likely find something cheaper from somewhere else, just the first thing that popped up in a quick search.

First mark the holes on the heatsink, then dip the drill bit in cutting oil (vegetable or olive oil will work) and drill your holes. After the holes are drilled use the tap to thread the holes (requires a tap wrench - for 10-32 it needs to be a small one.) This requires oil too. Then its 2 turns in, 1 turn out. Repeat that until you have it threaded all the way down, then get some small screws with a 32 thread pitch and you're set.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, try to find screws that are NOT pointed. If you screw it in too tight it can anchor itself into the bottom of the hole. Same thing can happen with the tap if you're not careful. Through trial and error I learned its best to drill farther down than the threads need to go so that you don't end up snapping the tap off in the hole trying to get it out.

And of course don't forget the thermal grease on the back of the COB!
Thanks for the details nestor! Much appreciated! I guess it's off to the home depot again..
 

Abiqua

Well-Known Member
I would look for a spiral flute bottom tap or thread form bottom tap. 4/40 and #4 equivalent.

Bottoming taps will cut threads all the way to the bottom of the hole with very little taper and the metal is pushed back and out from the cut. These are the hardest taps to cut with, free hand, but they leave a pristine hole when done right.

Thread forms don't cut but actually shape the metal and are supposedly easier to work with and overall stronger as they are cold formed.

The irwin tap above is a plug tap and not a bottoming tap and really should be used for thru holes and not blind holes. I have a similar Irwin tap set [they are common in the states] and while they work, they are not preferred. They will push metal forward into your hole at times [if you aren't constantly cleaning it out] and this is the #1 way taps, jam and then break.

M3 .4/.5 pitch 6mm machine hardware is a perfect fit for screwing the cob down...:peace:

P1130377.JPG
 

nestor

Well-Known Member
just a heads up, the PVC frame you have is going to block the airflow on your heatsinks almost completely. you may want to cut out some rectangular holes (just a small drill bit all the way through the PVC then move the bit left to right) to open up some air flow making the fans functional. Otherwise you'll have to run the fans harder for less cooling.
 

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
I would look for a spiral flute bottom tap or thread form bottom tap. 4/40 and #4 equivalent.

Bottoming taps will cut threads all the way to the bottom of the hole with very little taper and the metal is pushed back and out from the cut. These are the hardest taps to cut with, free hand, but they leave a pristine hole when done right.

Thread forms don't cut but actually shape the metal and are supposedly easier to work with and overall stronger as they are cold formed.

The irwin tap above is a plug tap and not a bottoming tap and really should be used for thru holes and not blind holes. I have a similar Irwin tap set [they are common in the states] and while they work, they are not preferred. They will push metal forward into your hole at times [if you aren't constantly cleaning it out] and this is the #1 way taps, jam and then break.

M3 .4/.5 pitch 6mm machine hardware is a perfect fit for screwing the cob down...:peace:

View attachment 3327678
Thanks for the detailed input!

What type is this?20150108_162801.jpg
 

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
just a heads up, the PVC frame you have is going to block the airflow on your heatsinks almost completely. you may want to cut out some rectangular holes (just a small drill bit all the way through the PVC then move the bit left to right) to open up some air flow making the fans functional. Otherwise you'll have to run the fans harder for less cooling.
I can't believe I overlooked that.. Good lookin for me!
 
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