DiY LEDs - How to Power Them

ANC

Well-Known Member
They did take the 25 piece discount out!
You are correct as the difference is minimal between the 2 but the H-influx are 24mm wide would require more than a standard u-channel size for mounting and cooling. Also the H-influx thermal design is running at 55c compared to 65c for the f-series, so if you drop the thermal of the f-series to 55c the difference in lumen output becomes even closer. Then if you compare the output the h-influx puts out 4000 lumens over the f-series 4,400 lumens. Multiply that by 10 strips per fixture and you have a 10% increase in available light just from the strips for around $30 less, then you add the price difference of the aluminum required for mounting and cooling and the cost goes down more.

I am not trying to tell anybody what to buy or use, just explaining my thought process as far as value per cost.
That being said, you get pretty cheap 25mm aluminium square stock, with matching endcaps...
I have access to 1.2mm thick 24mm U channel too.
 

ANC

Well-Known Member
I don't understand why you would get these over the eb series gen 2 when their far far more cost effective

Am I missing something ?

Should I get the the f series ??
For one, Digikey has 0 EB2 in 3000K in stock

You need 4 x single EB2 112cm to roughly equal 1 double row F series. the price of the strips alone comes to within 0.0021% . That is before factoring in the frame.
 
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weedistoosick

Active Member
For one, Digikey has 0 EB2 in 3000K in stock

You need 4 x single EB2 112cm to roughly equal 1 double row F series. the price of the strips alone comes to within 0.0021% . That is before factoring in the frame.
Ah ok

No expert at all just about to attempt a led strip journey my self

I was looking at getting 7x eb 2 2ft strips

Would it be nominal to go to a f series ,is that what your stating ?
And using less ?
 

ANC

Well-Known Member
Double row 112cm is the most lumens you can throw for the price in current-gen strips.
More so when you factor in the frame.
The driver of choice would be the 320W, as they are pretty cost-effective from a dollar per Watt stance.
I forgot what size area you are covering.
 

weedistoosick

Active Member
Double row 112cm is the most lumens you can throw for the price in current-gen strips.
More so when you factor in the frame.
The driver of choice would be the 320W, as they are pretty cost-effective from a dollar per Watt stance.
I forgot what size area you are covering.
My area will be 1.4mx0.7m with a 1.4m height

I thought 8 X eb2s as recommended by a extremely helpful member on here(coreywebster ) was a good idea due to the height ?

I'm up for any help the full cost of set up was working out at like £120 including the heatsink and frame etc
 

ANC

Well-Known Member
8 EBs is only like 200W, that can never be enough for that size, can it ? I mean I use 320s in free space on a 2x4

The height factor is an issue though that changes things.

I be quite OK with covering the area with a turned down 320W on 4xFseries.
You'd have enough spread and you would have reserves left on that driver for going to a larger space by just turning up the potentiometer for only a few dollars more. for the driver.

It is mainly how you approach the frames that will make the cost decision for you.
My frames are quite costly as I use IP67 connectors on both sides of the driver
 
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weedistoosick

Active Member
This is what I've been recommended...

Get a hlg-240-20a or b (a doesn't need a pot as it has dimmer built in) £60
8x 2ft strips @ £4 each. =£32

The aluminium
https://www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk/1-in-x-1-2-in-x-1-8-in-x-1-8-in-aluminium-channel
cut to 4 lengths of 1200mm = £18 plus vat and delivery.
You can get any L shape to connect the 4 bars, 1/2inch is £4 for 2500mm.
you only need two bits of 60cm each end.

You would need 8-10x 5way wagos, but you can buy 3 way and fit multiple wires in each hole. Ebay or possibly screwfix will sell them.

chain cost a couple of quid from hardware store.

That would give you a 240w light which would light 60cm x 1.2m


This is for 8xeb gen2 3500k strips

Do you think I could save money by using the f series or is this close enough ?

Thank you
 

coreywebster

Well-Known Member
8 EBs is only like 200W, that can never be enough for that size, can it ? I mean I use 320s in free space on a 2x4

The height factor is an issue though that changes things.

I be quite OK with covering the area with a turned down 320W on 4xFseries.
You'd have enough spread and you would have reserves left on that driver for going to a larger space by just turning up the potentiometer for only a few dollars more. for the driver.

It is mainly how you approach the frames that will make the cost decision for you.
My frames are quite costly as I use IP67 connectors on both sides of the driver
Shit you are right, I had it calculated for 10 strips to start giving them 1.2amp each on the 12amp 240-20a
Max current on the 2ft strips is 1.4mA and 8 would push it past that and its to cover a 2x4 of his space until he can afford to add to it and light the whole space.

@weedistoosick you need 10 strips and 5 lengths of U aluminium not 4.
 
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ANC

Well-Known Member
112x56x3240320.jpg If you leave it another week you'll make another 7 changes... it is the nature of the beast.
Pick something and commit. if you can pay without it destroying your finances, the expense is quickly forgotten.

Then you get to spend money on more gear.. dehumidifier, carbon filters, extraction fans, etc etc...

I sometimes envy the outdoor guys.

My goto if someone wants a lot of light for little money is always, 3 double 4fters on a 320W. produces the most lumen per dollar after a 4 bar 480W.
 
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weedistoosick

Active Member
I'm very limited on space hence why I don't mind forking a little out for the lights

I'm.actually putting mine outside ,passive air should be fine

Going for the eb2s so can avoid fans due to noise

Yeah bit ideal but literally the only choice I have

If I can get 1-2 ok batch out of it then tbh that's all I need then happy to upgrade

Prob be even more goodies out then ?

Interesting
I doubt I could fit 4 ft but deff good info
 

Cannademik

Active Member
Does anyone know what I have to buy to extend the ground wire longer (homedepot, lowes) ? Its so short and I dont want to mount my driver onto the aluminum sheet. Rather have it sit outside my tent, it gets pretty hot. Tha ks
 

ChiefRunningPhist

Well-Known Member
Wouldn't i need some kind of connector piece?
Lol yes! You are correct! My bad, there are lots of ways to connect. If you're cheap you can just twist the wires together, fold over and then tape up. You can solder the wires together. I've used wire nuts, lots of ppl use WAGOs. You can use pretty much anything. It's a ground wire so it's not going to have juice running through it unless something is grounding out.

Wire nuts have tapered screw threads so as you twist it tightens the bond...
Screenshot_2019-08-11-13-22-16~2.png
Screenshot_2019-08-11-13-24-39~2.png


2 hole WAGO...
wago-2-way-lever-connector-grey-500x500.jpg

Multiple hole WAGOs...
221_vars.jpg
 
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