How do your builds compare to the HLG-260w xl? I’m getting ready to build some more lighting and I really like the way your light looks. I’m interested in lighting a 4x4 with two lights like you are planning. What are your plans for the driver?
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Honestly don’t know that much about building lights. I currently have 260w series2 Rspec led boards from BudgetLed.I had originally intended on building the PLC PHOTO Boost strip lights back in July. But PLC sales out of strips as fast as they can build them. I got on their alert list for presales and ordered them August 27. I received strips on Oct 6. Just now had time to actually build. @dbrn32 turned me on to YouTube video from PLC . The light I built following this video cost around $400 . It is pretty simple build. Check out this YouTube link.
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@dbrn32 what kind of driver do I need for these?
Sunbar-3FT+New Heatsink, Aluminum Board Sepc 900352mm, HASL, 2oz copper foil,2.0w/m.k,150xSamsung301B/3000k/SK,CRI:80, 5xSamsung LH351H-660nm, Input: 43~48V/1800mA ,with 2pcs Double pin connectors, with heatsink@80watt
I’ve got a plc build. 10 strips, pulling 400w, in a 30”x46” build, lighting a 36”x48” space.
I’ve got 2 hlg v2 boards right next to it
The bud density and trichome production is far superior in the plc build.
It’s not a real comparison though unless you include hlgs new r-spec lights.
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Do you know if 1800ma is max current or the the current they intend you to run them at? And how many boards?
The manufacture got back with me and said 1900 but reccommended 1750ma. I’ve ordered that but am looking into getting a custom strip made. My idea is
96 Samsung 301B
(32 at 2700, 32 at 3000, 32 at 3500)
-4 CREE XP-G3 Photo Red
Heatsinks rated for 1900ma built in.
If the numbers are good I will distribute them and give 15% off to ilgm members. This is born from the photoboost constantly being unavailable. Critique the design please.
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That is pretty much a photo boost strip. The key is to make sure you’re getting authentic top bin leds. Cree also had a competitive white led that is supposedly going to be cheaper, but I haven’t seen pricing or availability.
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Very true.
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I’m considering having an upgrade mate. I know bugger all about lights, I’m got 2 viparspectra 600wLEDs in a 4x4 at present. The Glueberry OG I just harvested had beautiful buds & normally I’d be happy to continue as is. The temperatures are getting to a point where foxtail or hermaphroditie could occur if I don’t lower tent temps. I’ve heard & read that the Quantum boards are better in every way possible. They weigh less, use less power, have more penetration and are capable of way denser buds. Could you recommend something I could buy please! I would be forever grateful! thank you @dbrn32 my friend! I appreciate your time & effort mate. Take your time, I’m in no rush. Again, thank you! Have an absolute wonderful day mate. Regards Peck 
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Cutter electronics is right in your backyard, and they have products pretty much identical to hlg. I’m not super familiar with what kids current offerings are though. I would give Mark there a call or email and see what he has. May save you a lot of money in shipping and duties.
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Thank you for your speedy & direct reply @dbrn32 mate! That sounds awesome, I’ll get onto it ASAP. Cheers mate, Peck 
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No problem! Once you get an idea from him we can see if anything from here is comparable.
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That sounds like a very Cool plan my man! I’ll be looking forward to updating & growing better weed! Not2sureYet was spot on,- Your a top bloke @dbrn32 thank you 
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So im getting ready to build another light as i am selling my platinums to my friend, now you helped me build my r spec board light i was wondering if i should use that as my flowering light and build a veg light or use the r spec as veg and if there’s better out there for flowering. Don’t know if those hlg blue boards are worth waiting for, price really isnt an issue, I found these on eBay but not sure if they are good or worth price, going with about 5×4 or 4×4
They have the crew 450nm built into Samsung 301b but 3 rows and 60$ a strip 4 ft only found on eBay so far, just not sure what to go with
Hello all, I’m new to the forum and had a couple questions about replacing 315 cmh’s with quantum boards I would like to ask the group. The space I am growing in is a 10’x10’ tent that is sectioned off to be three rooms (2) 5x5 grow rooms with 6 plants each 3 on each side with a space down the middle and (1) 5x10 work area that is kept temp and humidity controlled and feeds air to the 5x5’s. Currently I am using (2) 315’s in each 5x5 for flower and am tired of replacing bulbs and ballasts so I have decided to make the jump to quantum boards. I’m going to go with a HLG kit went back and forth between (2) 260W XL QB V2 Rspec kits or (4) 135W QB V2 Rspec kits in each 5x5. I am leaning towards the (4) 135W QB V2 Rspec kits because i like the idea of being able to move/dim them independantly. My main question is what kind of heat am I looking at for this set up? And if I am correct most of the heat comes from the driver would I be able to remote mount the driver in my 5x10 area using longer wire 18g wire? If so would i need a SJO style cable?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
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I run my driver to the outside of my 4×4 by just running longer 18g wire I also run an extra ground just because it’s not bolted to fixture
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2 260 will not light a 5x5, and if you are talking about HLG QB132X 4, that won’t work either. You will need 30W sqft. for veg alone. You are on the right track though! when dbrn32 gets here he will find strips or boards or something good. The heat with QBs is not bad, and the length of wire for remote driver location is dependent on amp draw.
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If you’re growing in a 5x5 you could easily get away with 2 260’s for veg. But, if you’re filling the entire tent you’ll need more wattage for flowering. Closer to 750 watts.
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I’m not filling the whole 5x5 space, I grow 3 plant on the left and 3 on the right with about a foot of open space in the middle to get to the back to defoliate. I really only need coverage for 2 2’x4.5’ in each 5x5 which is why I was looking at the 132x kits. Two covering the left side two for the right and then duplicate that in the other 5x5.
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I have a question for the experts. I have been doing some reading and learning. I know enough now to be dangerous. I want to upgrade to a 4x4 tent. Originally I was looking at 2, HLG-260 xl kits for that space. Reading this thread I see some are using PLC and setting up 2 lights each using 8 boards. In my eraser he the specifications on the two fixtures look about even. Can someone confirm my belief? My second question is due to the design of the PLC fixture does it reduce or eliminate “hotspots” (my term) where the PPFD is higher? The HLG product usually has high PPFD in the middle and it declines as you work your way from the center.
@drinkhorn64 @Bulldognuts. I know you both have these fixtures. Do you find the light “more even” across the canopy?
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