DiY LEDs - How to Power Them

Tejashidrow

Tejashidrow

Well-Known Member
Hi
A little help please.
I ordered aQB288.-54v
with a slate heat sink.
I hope to run this at 150watts with 115v input.

This is a single board setup so not too concerned about effiency.
Got in the Meanwell
Elg-150-54b to drive it.
When it arrived I saw on it it takes 200 volts to produce 150watts.
Am I reading this right or misunderstanding it wrong??
If this is the wrong driver suggestions on a 150watt dimmable driver??
Maybe even a 200w dimmable???
Thoughts???ADA76478-5220-4B5A-A5D6-0A4F7EC5FC28.jpeg
 
Boatguy

Boatguy

Well-Known Member
Tejashidrow said:
Hi
A little help please.
I ordered aQB288.-54v
with a slate heat sink.
I hope to run this at 150watts with 115v input.

This is a single board setup so not too concerned about effiency.
Got in the Meanwell
Elg-150-54b to drive it.
When it arrived I saw on it it takes 200 volts to produce 150watts.
Am I reading this right or misunderstanding it wrong??
If this is the wrong driver suggestions on a 150watt dimmable driver??
Maybe even a 200w dimmable???
Thoughts???View attachment 4260737
Click to expand...
You are reading it right. At 115v max watts are 105.
They hide that tidbit down in the static and power characteristic section of the datasheet.
 

Attachments

ANC

ANC

Well-Known Member
Tejashidrow said:
Hi
A little help please.
I ordered aQB288.-54v
with a slate heat sink.
I hope to run this at 150watts with 115v input.

This is a single board setup so not too concerned about effiency.
Got in the Meanwell
Elg-150-54b to drive it.
When it arrived I saw on it it takes 200 volts to produce 150watts.
Am I reading this right or misunderstanding it wrong??
If this is the wrong driver suggestions on a 150watt dimmable driver??
Maybe even a 200w dimmable???
Thoughts???View attachment 4260737
Click to expand...
Yes, you need to be in 220V territory to use those fully.
Unless you are filling a barn with them, pay the few extra bucks and get the higher quality HLG. The ELG series is not for you...
When you are talking about 288 led boards, are those from the Horticulture group or Samsung strips? As they have equal numbers of LEDs but different specs/
 
Tejashidrow

Tejashidrow

Well-Known Member
ANC said:
Yes, you need to be in 220V territory to use those fully.
Unless you are filling a barn with them, pay the few extra bucks and get the higher quality HLG. The ELG series is not for you...
When you are talking about 288 led boards, are those from the Horticulture group or Samsung strips? As they have equal numbers of LEDs but different specs/
Click to expand...
Just got a HLG -150-54a driver.
Got the 288 from horti group.
 
T-Time

T-Time

Well-Known Member
Hi guys I need a bit of help here.

Im thinking to upgrade my current setup 20x cxb3590 3500k driven @1400mA, to something with better coverage with no hot spots in 5x5 space.

Im thinking 20x or 24x of BXEB-L1120Z-30E4000-C-B3 strips and put them on 2x 480h-42a or 320h-42a. Alternatively I was thinking of F-series strips, but im trying to run lights only at 12" (30cm) distance from the conopy and thought EB better fits for that purpose. Thoughts ?

Im happy running my current setup on max and im trying to reach similar PPFD numbers. Unfortunatelly I'm not good at that stuff and dont know how to calculate it , so I could compare it after. Could anyone point a good PPFD calculator or simple formula so I could calculate it myself ?

:peace:
 
Last edited:
T-Time

T-Time

Well-Known Member
Ok , I did some research and I think I've got it calculated somehow . Lets hope its right :P

So for the CXB3590 PPF = 2.3 µmol/J
I've multiplied PPF x W x m2 and got PPFD = 981 µmol/m2/s

For EB Gen2 strips I've fount that PPF = 2.55 umol/J
PPFD for that setup and two different drivers would be 480H = 1088µmol/m2/s vs 320H= 725µmol/m2/s
I think I've answered my own question when it comes to drivers :P

Anyone want to chime in EB Gen2 vs F-Series Gen3 debate ? Both in 4' 3000k version. I'm leaning towards Bridgelux cause the spread would be better.

@ANC @Randomblame
 
E

exoticcloud

Member
Randomblame said:
Yeah, because you need a programmer and a PC each time you want to dimm the light down. Its not very comfortable. I use my dimmer each time I need to open my tent otherwise one could see the light from outside my house. The programmer has to be connected all the time and I would need a small windows tablet and the corresponding app running all the time so I can make changes without much effort... yeah, in this case it would be okay for me. But to simply turn a dimming knob is still easier and way faster.

And about the heat sinks, I believe the Arctic 64 is rated for 100w CPUs like i7 xx00k. So he should be at least capable to work with 150w COB's for instance with a Vero29c or Citizen clu48-1825. I've used Alpine11's to run Vero29gen4 at 3amps and the heat sinks you could touch anytime without burning your fingers. Maybe 50°C or so.. Current COBs are at least 10-15% more efficient so I expect no issues even if you use the full 2,8amps of the driver.
Click to expand...
Hi I was about to purchase couple of inventronics EUD-480S280DV drivers but I remembered your post, Im not sure if it was you who had them and wanted to trade them, I really digged the sunrise/sunset thing with the programmer, but then I realized how would I dim the lights for about 50% at the start of veg or similar. Do you think is there a easy way to do this ? If I would connect the programmer with my laptop there and just make few clicks then it would not hurt me that much, even trhough additional knob would be much better thank you for help
 
E

exoticcloud

Member
Randomblame said:
If thats really Luxeons they are not too shaby. 145lm/w at 120mA means at least +2,0μMol/J efficiency, maybe 2,1.
Better than CMH(efficiency wise) and far better like most am4zon blurples. I would make a huge DIY heatsink from 2mm alu sheet and a few added U-channels on the backside.

This one has 24x 14" and I've glued eight 10x 20x 10mm u-channels(20") on the backside(thermal tape).


View attachment 4258096

Currently it works with 150w strips + COB's and temps stay stable below 50°C at max. current..
View attachment 4258099

Added 2 side lights last week based on 5k Blux EBgen2 running at 600mA. I will use the little area for the next 12 weeks or so for the party cup competition.
Click to expand...
nice build , do your cups have any holes? any problems with wilting? I lost about 10 strains because of wilting in rockwool and coco , tried the cinnamon powder it did not worked:/
 
E

exoticcloud

Member
Hi guys is there any driver that supports knob dimming when needed + have programmable or at least step sunrise sunset dimming option so the light would start gradually ? thx and have a good one for me :) been smoking fckn mix for years and I just cant handle that shit anymore so even through Im dry for a long time its better than spending bucks for shitty flower. One thing I can say at least was organic and it was outdoor
 
Randomblame

Randomblame

Well-Known Member
exoticcloud said:
nice build , do your cups have any holes? any problems with wilting? I lost about 10 strains because of wilting in rockwool and coco , tried the cinnamon powder it did not worked:/
Click to expand...
Works very well, brother!
Bottom cups have just one hole(don't use them usually, they're for the party cup competition), clear cups have 8 holes around the "bottom edge"(at soil level) to allow a certain gas exchange while keeping RH in a healthy range.
With only 2 or 3 seedlings in this 3sft cab the humidity gets pretty low(<35%) and a too high VPD can kill your seedlings easily because they'll get nutrient issues(Mg lockout) with a too low humidity.
That's the only real downside with strong LED light.
Keep the humidity ~70%(27-28°C) in veg(0,8-1,2kpa) and ~60% in the flowering stage(30°C, 1,2-1,6kpa). Helps a lot and is at least as important like a proper nute level. In the last few week you can lower it to 50-55% and VPD goes up 1,6kpa.
Below is a chart you can use to set the humidity level according to the plant stage but I also recommend to google VPD and/or try youtube to find a few vids about that topic! Its important to know whats going on and how to fix it!
Much luck for the next try, brother!VPD chart.png
 
Randomblame

Randomblame

Well-Known Member
exoticcloud said:
Hi guys is there any driver that supports knob dimming when needed + have programmable or at least step sunrise sunset dimming option so the light would start gradually ? thx and have a good one for me :) been smoking fckn mix for years and I just cant handle that shit anymore so even through Im dry for a long time its better than spending bucks for shitty flower. One thing I can say at least was organic and it was outdoor
Click to expand...
Is it an Inventronics or a Meanwell? Meanwel D1 and D2 need a PC and the according software, those Inventronics need a small extra device to communicate with the driver(~35$). @whytewidow can tell you the exact name and part number and where you can get it.
 
E

exoticcloud

Member
Randomblame said:
Is it an Inventronics or a Meanwell? Meanwel D1 and D2 need a PC and the according software, those Inventronics need a small extra device to communicate with the driver(~35$). @whytewidow can tell you the exact name and part number and where you can get it.
Click to expand...
I wanted to buy originally the programmable inventronics, but now Im wondering if there is a possibility to get drivers with that goodness of both of sunrise/sunset settings and dimming knob. Not sure if its possible thats why I asked, hope @whytewidow can share some wisdom about it. I know the part nr. for that inventronics programmer. Just wondering if its achievable :)
Randomblame said:
Works very well, brother!
Bottom cups have just one hole(don't use them usually, they're for the party cup competition), clear cups have 8 holes around the "bottom edge"(at soil level) to allow a certain gas exchange while keeping RH in a healthy range.
With only 2 or 3 seedlings in this 3sft cab the humidity gets pretty low(<35%) and a too high VPD can kill your seedlings easily because they'll get nutrient issues(Mg lockout) with a too low humidity.
That's the only real downside with strong LED light.
Keep the humidity ~70%(27-28°C) in veg(0,8-1,2kpa) and ~60% in the flowering stage(30°C, 1,2-1,6kpa). Helps a lot and is at least as important like a proper nute level. In the last few week you can lower it to 50-55% and VPD goes up 1,6kpa.
Below is a chart you can use to set the humidity level according to the plant stage but I also recommend to google VPD and/or try youtube to find a few vids about that topic! Its important to know whats going on and how to fix it!
Much luck for the next try, brother!View attachment 4275634
Click to expand...
Thank you for this, helps much, but I need to know, what do you keep your seedlings in? what substrate or medium?:) Man I must saw it was painful to watch 80% of my seedcollection go dead by wilting, but sometimes you just gotta learn :) one more question, how do you measure that kpa value and is it important ? I remember when I first heard about vpd chart, it was is in Berners marijuana mania l.a episode where jungle boys showed their grow op. Im wondering if it is also important when you going soil. I have not decided yet, can go both ways. Soil is in my opinion better when it comes to pest and terps but it can be pain in the ass to get all the things to build a quality soil when Im not in us. Wanted to try build the clackamas coot soil :
Thank you and I wish a beautiful day to everyone reading this ! :)
 
whytewidow

whytewidow

Well-Known Member
exoticcloud said:
I wanted to buy originally the programmable inventronics, but now Im wondering if there is a possibility to get drivers with that goodness of both of sunrise/sunset settings and dimming knob. Not sure if its possible thats why I asked, hope @whytewidow can share some wisdom about it. I know the part nr. for that inventronics programmer. Just wondering if its achievable :)

Thank you for this, helps much, but I need to know, what do you keep your seedlings in? what substrate or medium?:) Man I must saw it was painful to watch 80% of my seedcollection go dead by wilting, but sometimes you just gotta learn :) one more question, how do you measure that kpa value and is it important ? I remember when I first heard about vpd chart, it was is in Berners marijuana mania l.a episode where jungle boys showed their grow op. Im wondering if it is also important when you going soil. I have not decided yet, can go both ways. Soil is in my opinion better when it comes to pest and terps but it can be pain in the ass to get all the things to build a quality soil when Im not in us. Wanted to try build the clackamas coot soil :
Thank you and I wish a beautiful day to everyone reading this ! :)
Click to expand...

The inventronics driver once setup up through the programmer cant be dimmed by hand. You can set the sunset/sunrise setting. But only certain models with a dimmer at the same time. I'm pretty sure the new meanwells can be set for sunrise/sunset anddimmed by a pot. But the model of inventronics driver I have once you set the dimming options through the driver. It kicks out the resistance pot for dimming with a knob.
 
Randomblame

Randomblame

Well-Known Member
exoticcloud said:
I wanted to buy originally the programmable inventronics, but now Im wondering if there is a possibility to get drivers with that goodness of both of sunrise/sunset settings and dimming knob. Not sure if its possible thats why I asked, hope @whytewidow can share some wisdom about it. I know the part nr. for that inventronics programmer. Just wondering if its achievable :)

Thank you for this, helps much, but I need to know, what do you keep your seedlings in? what substrate or medium?:) Man I must saw it was painful to watch 80% of my seedcollection go dead by wilting, but sometimes you just gotta learn :) one more question, how do you measure that kpa value and is it important ? I remember when I first heard about vpd chart, it was is in Berners marijuana mania l.a episode where jungle boys showed their grow op. Im wondering if it is also important when you going soil. I have not decided yet, can go both ways. Soil is in my opinion better when it comes to pest and terps but it can be pain in the ass to get all the things to build a quality soil when Im not in us. Wanted to try build the clackamas coot soil :
Thank you and I wish a beautiful day to everyone reading this ! :)
Click to expand...

You need to get a grow bible, bro!
Here is the LED area and I'm pretty sure no one is willing to spoon feed you everything.

There are a few free ones you can download and we also have a thread..

https://www.rollitup.org/t/the-cannabis-grow-bible-download.12028/
 
Mad Hamish

Mad Hamish

Well-Known Member
Randomblame said:
You need to get a grow bible, bro!
Here is the LED area and I'm pretty sure no one is willing to spoon feed you everything.

There are a few free ones you can download and we also have a thread..

https://www.rollitup.org/t/the-cannabis-grow-bible-download.12028/
Click to expand...
May I point out that firstly this thread is a sticky so it is going to be a go-to for noobs. Second, title reads DIY LED, How To Power Them, so dont you think having a gatekeeper attitude is a little contradictory to the actual purpose of the thread. Some people enjoy learning from other people, if you are not keen on helping you can just shut up its actually easier than being condescending
 
Randomblame

Randomblame

Well-Known Member
Mad Hamish said:
May I point out that firstly this thread is a sticky so it is going to be a go-to for noobs. Second, title reads DIY LED, How To Power Them, so dont you think having a gatekeeper attitude is a little contradictory to the actual purpose of the thread. Some people enjoy learning from other people, if you are not keen on helping you can just shut up its actually easier than being condescending
Click to expand...

Hah! May I point out that 1) I've answered his question already on the last page and
2) his problem with the seedlings has definately nothing to do with LED's and how to power them.

I'm always trying to be helpful but these seedling questions are better off in a corresponding thread. Here he will receive little attention about germination because here are more electronic questions answered.
And if you did not notice ... I also offered a link for a complete and free grow bible so he can learn anything he wants.

Many things can cause the seedlings death. Maybe the soil EC or PH, maybe a fungal infect, maybe a too high VPD, or its just overwatering. Who knows?
But believe me, here is not the right place to figure out whats wrong with the soil.
 
E

exoticcloud

Member
whytewidow said:
The inventronics driver once setup up through the programmer cant be dimmed by hand. You can set the sunset/sunrise setting. But only certain models with a dimmer at the same time. I'm pretty sure the new meanwells can be set for sunrise/sunset anddimmed by a pot. But the model of inventronics driver I have once you set the dimming options through the driver. It kicks out the resistance pot for dimming with a knob.
Click to expand...
so If I get it right, it will not work out with inventronics(you can only have one option, either programmed setting or knob), but that it will work with meanwell, I already have a feeling which MW type driver would be able to do it, but rather that I would like to ask, to be more sure. I would appreciate you sharing :)
Mad Hamish said:
May I point out that firstly this thread is a sticky so it is going to be a go-to for noobs. Second, title reads DIY LED, How To Power Them, so dont you think having a gatekeeper attitude is a little contradictory to the actual purpose of the thread. Some people enjoy learning from other people, if you are not keen on helping you can just shut up its actually easier than being condescending
Click to expand...
I agree I love to learn by talking with other people, just wanted to know his experience
Randomblame said:
Hah! May I point out that 1) I've answered his question already on the last page and
2) his problem with the seedlings has definately nothing to do with LED's and how to power them.

I'm always trying to be helpful but these seedling questions are better off in a corresponding thread. Here he will receive little attention about germination because here are more electronic questions answered.
And if you did not notice ... I also offered a link for a complete and free grow bible so he can learn anything he wants.

Many things can cause the seedlings death. Maybe the soil EC or PH, maybe a fungal infect, maybe a too high VPD, or its just overwatering. Who knows?
But believe me, here is not the right place to figure out whats wrong with the soil.
Click to expand...
It was not in soil, rockwool, everything was well, but suddenly all went very quickly to death. It was some kind of lichen/fungus. I think it is related to this thread since I think it was caused by the light. Checked out the grow bible but there was no mention of covering the top rockwool. That helped second time, maybe boiling off the water would help, it happened to me both rockwool and coco.
Im wondering if anyone experienced this issue and thinks it was caused by the lighting
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top