DIY Led cool tube with Cree COBs, what do you think?

tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
This is my first real post on RIU, so first i would like to thank the community for making this one of the most resourceful websites on the interweb. I've been lurking for a few years and have gained tons of priceless knowledge from you guys, I now have 3 grows under my belt with HIDs that all turned out impressively dank.

So now I've changed locations and have less room available to grow, planning on a 2x4 or smaller tent. Ive been researching Cree COB tech for a few months and have decided it is the way to go for a small low heat grow. Ive already ordered 4 Meanwell drivers, one for each COB (CXB3070 or 3590), found a really good deal on ebay (check it out).

Now looking through all the DIY forums I have never seen anyone build a cool tube design in order to remove heat from the grow area. It seems like it could be relatively simple to whip up a light with multiple individual heatsinks suspended inside a square PVC fence post (like this) with holes cut out for the COBs, and then put an axial fan at each end in a push-pull setup. I'm still not sure how I would connect ducting to a square tube but I'm sure there is a simple solution.

I would like to know what RIU thinks about this idea, any suggestions or input would be appreciated. I also need someone to point me in the direction of a supplier for the Cree CXB3070 or 3590, they seem pretty elusive right now.
 
D

doz

Well-Known Member
Its legit, but its super slow shipping and COULD take longer than he states.

Jerry has CXB3070 for $32.50 and shipping via super slow method would be cheaper than whats being sold through that link. Plus, Jerry is very reputable.

**Nevermind
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
Apologies if this is a noob question, but what is the best way to get in contact with the one they call Jerry?
 
dandyrandy

dandyrandy

Well-Known Member
Check out the avatar. 8 Vero 29's @100w each. I used 5". I also reinforced the corners with thin aluminum L. I have 2 approx 42" long. The 4" adaptor for the suction side goes to a 4" Y (I have 2 lights) with a sail switch, no air no lights. I can post a pic if you like.
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
The sail switch sounds like an ideal solution, I also saw people using manual reset temp switches that cut power at a certain temp. A picture would be great though, thanks bud.
 
resinhead

resinhead

Well-Known Member
Why not use regular pvc tube, so it's circular like the fan/ducting? It would be a rushed durable fixture...Would the drivers and diodes fit in a 6" tube?
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
I was thinking the same thing resinhead, i already have a 4" inline 140cfm fan. Only tricky thing would be keeping the COBs flush with the outside while mounting inside a curved tube. These are the heatsinks I'm considering right now. I Could put drivers in the tube as well or keep them outside the tent, is it not recommended to extend the driver output leads?
 
Waiks

Waiks

Well-Known Member
Run them thangs outside. They get pretty hot. Besides, fitting 1 driver per cob will be tricky to get inside the post I imagine.

I didnt order from him, but I'm pretty sure you need to call or skype or email him directly. I suggest doing that as soon as possible. The things come from China and he isn't always in stock, so it takes a gooood while to get to you.

Sounds like you're well on your way already! Good luck
 
dandyrandy

dandyrandy

Well-Known Member
Waiks said:
Run them thangs outside. They get pretty hot. Besides, fitting 1 driver per cob will be tricky to get inside the post I imagine.

I didnt order from him, but I'm pretty sure you need to call or skype or email him directly. I suggest doing that as soon as possible. The things come from China and he isn't always in stock, so it takes a gooood while to get to you.

Sounds like you're well on your way already! Good luck
Click to expand...
I run 1 cob per driver. 4 cobs and drivers and relays, 24,v supply all fit in my 5" frame 42" long. All cooled by hood flow. It runs cool even at 800w with 80 to 100 cfm flow on 2 rails.
 
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Waiks

Waiks

Well-Known Member
dandyrandy said:
I run 1 cob per driver. 4 cobs and drivers and relays, 24,v supply all fit in my 5" frame 42" going. All cooled by hood flow. It runs cool even at 800w with 80 to 100 cfm flow on 2 rails.
Click to expand...
I imagined wrong lol
I couldn't find your build thread, link?
 
dandyrandy

dandyrandy

Well-Known Member
Waiks said:
I imagined wrong lol
I couldn't find your build thread, link?
Click to expand...
Never really had a build thread. I just kind of follow along. In a bible belt state. I can snap a pic. I use CPU coolers and screwed some veros and glued some. Using lpf-90 series drivers. I tried reflectors and the lenses. I found for my situation in my small area with a high plant count I blast it with light. Cxb3590's would really be great. I came from Chinese led units where I had to repair 1 about every 4 month cycle. That's why I went with separate cc supplies. A mistake. More cost and weight. But I was used to high failure Chinese 3 w LEDs. I will eventually switch to a passive cooled 3590 setup when I retire in ONE MORE YEAR if everybody would stop buying them so I could get in line! Seriously that's a good old man project in retirement.
 
Waiks

Waiks

Well-Known Member
dandyrandy said:
Never really had a build thread. I just kind of follow along. In a bible belt state. I can snap a pic. I use CPU coolers and screwed some veros and glued some. Using lpf-90 series drivers. I tried reflectors and the lenses. I found for my situation in my small area with a high plant count I blast it with light. Cxb3590's would really be great. I came from Chinese led units where I had to repair 1 about every 4 month cycle. That's why I went with separate cc supplies. A mistake. More cost and weight. But I was used to high failure Chinese 3 w LEDs. I will eventually switch to a passive cooled 3590 setup when I retire in ONE MORE YEAR if everybody would stop buying them so I could get in line! Seriously that's a good old man project in retirement.
Click to expand...
Nice man! Congrats on retirement. Well deserved
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
Just got in contact with Jerry at Kingbrite, I'm trying to order 4 of 3000k and 1 in 4000k for a single light. Shipping seems steep but it averages to about the same price as digikey but Jerry offers AD bins instead of the lowest AB bins available from digikey.
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
Thanks for the input fellers. So is it general consensus nowadays to use as few drivers as possible vs. one driver per COB?

DandyRandy, I've been looking into sail switches for use as a failsafe, I found THESE switches that are relatively cheap but only designed for 1A. You said you use relays Randy, could you explain your configuration, or suggest any specific components?
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
No sinks yet Waiks, I have a few laying around to experiment with so I'm going to figure out the tube design first. Earlier I was considering water cooling, You can buy CPU waterblocks on ebay dirt cheap, then find a generic Heater core or transmission cooler ($25), a small pump and a res. Hahah sounds like a lot of work but its a cool concept.
 
Waiks

Waiks

Well-Known Member
Fewer drivers simplify the build, and is easier to dim.
Multiple drivers can be swapped out easily if one fails.
Like everything, it depends on the situation and personal needs.

I have seen water cooling being discussed here and there and I believe most people will say keep it simple with regular cpu coolers.
Something about humidity or condensation being so close to the cobs and wires or something like that. Something like that... lol don't quote me! Arctic alpine 11 plus and 64's are proven, cheap, and easily available

:peace:
 
tsharp513

tsharp513

Active Member
Waiks said:
Fewer drivers simplify the build, and is easier to dim.
Multiple drivers can be swapped out easily if one fails.
Like everything, it depends on the situation and personal needs.

I have seen water cooling being discussed here and there and I believe most people will say keep it simple with regular cpu coolers.
Something about humidity or condensation being so close to the cobs and wires or something like that. Something like that... lol don't quote me! Arctic alpine 11 plus and 64's are proven, cheap, and easily available

:peace:
Click to expand...
I plan on just air cooling for now, It would be fun to try though.

So I've ordered myself 5 of the CXB3070, Jerry even let me get one in 4000K, so ill have a bit wider spectrum. Ideal holders are on the way too. Im gettin hyped for this project now!

Also I jumped on a super good deal on one of THESE Cree CXB high bay fixtures, 240W and 24000 Lumens in 4000K. I figured if nothing else I can use the COBs and driver in a different frame and still save quite a bit of cash. I think it will make a pretty solid veg light.​
 
Y

youngbotanist355

Active Member
The bin on those high bays must be horrible 12 of the for 240w so they are driven at 20w's a piece and only producing 100 lm/w either the bin is horrible or the heatsink isnt near good enough to keep Tj down
 
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