Prerequisites for a DIY LED build?

1. Get a 400W and deal with the shortage in coverage using DIY COBs (which will come at a much later time)
2. Get two 200W and space them out for best coverage (which I'll take a guess and say that its still not enough)
3. Get 3-4 120W and space it evenly - might provide very good coverage but I'm not sure about the performance of the Vero18 vs Vero29 chips and penetration
4. Spend a lot more and get 4x200W - might be perfect for coverage, but NOT an inexpensive solution

Zulu Smoker said:

Yeah, coverage is definitely an issue with the Optic lights from what I've read and heard. I'm having trouble figuring out which lights from their product line that'll cover a 4x4' nicely. I could:

1. Get a 400W and deal with the shortage in coverage using DIY COBs (which will come at a much later time)
2. Get two 200W and space them out for best coverage (which I'll take a guess and say that its still not enough)
3. Get 3-4 120W and space it evenly - might provide very good coverage but I'm not sure about the performance of the Vero18 vs Vero29 chips and penetration
4. Spend a lot more and get 4x200W - might be perfect for coverage, but NOT an inexpensive solution

It seems like a single strong light for a 4'x4' won't work, seeing how most lights at the cheaper end of the spectrum provide little flexibility due to case/chassis size and design. While far from being perfect Optic is still a strong contender due to price (correct me if I'm wrong here) - PayPal financing is also cool, though paying in terms makes me a bit confident and makes me spend a more in the end (which is the case here lol).

So I'm not completely sold on the Optic Lighting solution and is still open to other(JimmyIndica)'s lights. But for now I see them as a viable option to my lighting needs - not perfect, but better than nothing lol.

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testiclees said:

I used the paypal financing and paid it off on due day, no interest.

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JimmyIndica said:

Go 4 200s Vero29 3k flower or 4k full cycle kill it 4x4.

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JimmyIndica said:

I didn't even know they had 400. Since they were sold I havnt been in touch in awhile,but there platform is solid performer.

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Zulu Smoker said:

Yeah, that paypal financing option is really helping me spend more on the Optic lights than what I initially planned on. I'm the kind of guy who hates spending a lot even when I have the cash - but turn it into an installment deal with zero interest and watch the money slip through my fingers.


The most expensive full-blown option but I like it. As I mentioned, financing is helping lessen the initial blow a lot. Not sure if other online sellers offer any similar deals but I suppose it's not isolated to Optic, no?

How would one of those 240W prototype's you're testing compare to the Optic Vero 200W in terms of coverage? Those sweet Stellas might be throwing those photons better than the X3 lenses - and to be honest they simply look badass, really.


Yeah I guess it's a rebranding or a rehash of their 360W version.

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Zulu Smoker said:

The CXB200 is a BEAST! Thanks for sharing Jimmy! That looks like a bitch to ship - but it also looks like no expense has been spared though. Drooling over lights. What a weirdo I am.

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Zulu Smoker said:

I've been trying to find just one reason not to pull the trigger on the four Optic Vero 200W units, but nothing dealbreaking comes up to change my mind. Looks like these will be my starter LEDs

Anyone who wishes to dissuade me from this decision (and yes I have considered DIY but it's not for this LED first-timer) the time is now!

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JimmyIndica said:

If your confident in your ability then 4 200watt optics will surprise you at harvest!
The intensity for an area the optic200 covers is very impressive. Watch that you don't put them to close because of the overlapping output center. I would start at 20inches from canopy and go from there.
4 200s will produce 600 to 800g a run on the reg.
They are very easy to service also.
I don't have an interior pic of 200,but here is 120optic vero18 3500K. Same but 200 uses Vero29 and Meanwell NPF 90 42.Simple and very productive. I am not working withem since they were sold/bought ,but will always let pepes know they are Gen1 legit.
View attachment 3535865
The optic 120 was also 1st of its kind to hit the production lines.
View attachment 3535868

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JimmyIndica said:

4 200s will produce 600 to 800g a run on the reg.

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Zulu Smoker said:

Those are some good numbers Jimmy, I hope I'll be able to hit the lower limit at least lol. I'll see how 20inches work out when I finally get it set up. It's going to be a 1 plant per light setup in the 4x4, using an indoor soil mix since hydro supplies have been sketchy recently. Optic Lighting's been very helpful and they hit all the requirements I've set - price, efficacy, and actual real-world results. Their shortcomings with their short case has actually been a huge bonus for me since international shipping is highly dependent on volume and weight - which their units are both low with, saving me a lot. I just hope their units are robust enough to survive the trip!

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testiclees said:

jimmy how tall are those plants in pic? They look so evenly developed!

nice work. What lamp and spacing do we see in that pic?

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JimmyIndica said:

Thanks I am having a blast showing people these COBs. I have believed for quite awhile that the more people that cans see these? The more people will avoid the rebranded chinamans.

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