It is a big deal to me @dbrn32! It will be even a bigger deal once I get all the components for my DIY QB board put together and start the grow and even better after that when I hopefully get to reap the rewards of your assistance …
did you clean the bench off just for the occasion ??
Ha, you remember seeing it prior then huh? I definitely needed a little bit of room to work.
that’s like putting a suit and tie on! lol
I do that once or twice a year too, so ya. Pretty much same thing haha!
That’s just mean! Hahaha!
Nice build, dude. I’m surprised at the low heatsink temps with such a dense installation. Where did you acquire the aluminum? And how much was it?
The only thing I’d note is to do something different with the mounting screws for the driver. That’s a recipe for disaster 3 years from now lol. I’d either replace with correct length or cut some down.
This is my DIY build using 3,000K gen 1 EB strips, 22" (560? mm)
Left over 1/8" wall 6061 T6 aluminum 1 1/2" X 6" cut to 23".
1 1/2" spacers cut to spread out the 4 heatsinks. Footprint of 30" X 23".
After sanding (outside, dust mask, Makita D/A 120 grit then assembled. This one used short bolts; the last two I used threaded rod.
Prep and mask for paint. I used white paint except where the strips and drivers will reside. I know it cuts down on efficiency but I’m a bit over built.
And…white!
Strips installed
And wired
And running. 245 watts at my kill a watt. 3 of these in my grow space. Currently set to 200 watts per panel.
HThe 280mm strips are half the rated current of your strips. So it’s quite a bit less power than attempting same thing with your setup.
The bolts are flush. I used those bushings and a flat washer to shim them extending beyond the plane of sheet. I did put a dab of loctite on tip of bolts to help secure. Not sure if it was needed, was pretty snug. But not a lot of material there, so thought it would help. That’s kind of why I mentioned the remote mounting option. Average joe may not have tap or feel comfortable doing so, and light will work as good or better with s reasonable remote run.
I got aluminum from local fab shop $10. They have done some work for me before at good price, so I generally check with them first. Same sheet was available on ebay for $6 with $7 shipping and $.10 for each additional piece.
Brilliant idea to post this. Perfect instructions on how to do this along with great pics too. You’re gonna be a lighting legend in this forum!
Thanks young lady!
Thanks for posting the awesome pics too! Good to have another example of more powerful version.
He already is. It’s always “illuminating” to talk to him lol.
Ha, good one!
My friend… I can’t wait
@dbrn32
Very nice. I always read your posts on diy leds but to be honest, when you start talking efficacy, umols, par readings and such, I sorta glaze over. Lol. By no means is this a knock on you, it just isn’t quite sinking in for me. So if you’ll entertain my elementary questions.
This unit is 12"x12", how large an area is this designed for?
What’s the draw from this unit and what would it compare to?
Is it designed for flower, veg, or both?
Sorry if these basic questions but I love these builds, just don’t know much about them.
Something around a 2’x2’. Probably not blowing that size space out with light, but should be able to grow healthy plants start to finish without being fluff anyway.
Power consumption is around 105 watts. I’m not really sure what people are pulling out of the same sized space with say the typical 130ish watt panel? But I would hope this light to be capable of gram per yield in the hands of a seasoned grower with a full canopy. Obviously, some consideration needs to be taken for strain and growing style. But in terms of light energy, it’s essentially a 100 watt quantum board.
The color temp is 3000k. Should pretty good for seed to harvest grow. They are available in colder temps that may suit a veg only like better.
@dbrn32
Thanks for the clarification. Sorry I can’t chat more about it. Work time😢
I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have when you have more time. Thanks for coming by!
Thanks so much for this thread @dbrn32! Like silent hippie you sometimes melt my brain with the lingo but I am amazed that my light works just as you said it would. I’m ready for the next build and this info is perfect - plus you’re so right - I have the wire, the Wago thingies, the heat tape, I even have wire strippers now! So I just need more strips and a bigger driver! Nice work on yours @Myfriendis410 are your strips 24" or longer?
@MattyBear what are you building?
The exact light in this thread is what I’m replicating… with @dbrn32 help of course