Grims diy LED build!

Yet another diy LED build! This is my first time to try this. I have been avoiding it because I was worried about my ability to get it right.. but I know if I start it, then I WILL finish it lol.




Ok, got my total order together. Let me know if anyone notices I'm missing something.

From LEDgroupbuy:
30 True Violet 420 NM Cree LEDs w/ 60degree optics
18 XML Warm White 3200k Cree LEDs T3 Group
18 XML 60 degree optics

From RapidLED:
1.1" x 60" Aluminum Heatsink
3 Mean Well ELN-60-48D dimmable drivers
50 Thermal Pads
LED Tester
3 Power cords
20 ft each wiring: red, blue, white, and black
2 10K Ohm Linear Potentiometer - (did I even need these?)



I plan to use 14 of the XMLs and 28 of the UVs, then cluster them in groups of 3s. I want to control the dimming through my apex. I have an Apex powerbar 4 in the Canopy and can move my Variable dimming module to the canopy easily.

Anyone see anything I'm missing?

 

If you're using the Apex to control dimming then you don't need the pots.

But I think that if you get higher than 14 LED's per driver in series you are going to have power draw issues that will eventually effect the life of the driver(s).

 

You also don't need the tester. Mike will send one with your order from rapid.

Never mind I see you aren't getting LED's from rapid. My bad.

 

interested in seeing your build

 

Thanks everyone!

I have a lot to figure out between now and it getting finished. All those parts are ordered though!

I really hope the warm white gives me the red punch I'm hoping for. I know the UV will be money at least!!


I'm wondering if the Mean Well ELN-60-48D dimmable driver is the right driver for an XML led.. That driver is only a max of 1300ma... Anyone have any input on this? XML can run up to 3000ma.

 

Very interested in how this turns out!

Why not add a few red LED's if you were looking for "red punch"?

The XM-L's will probably work fine with that driver but they're output won't be anywhere near what their potential is being that they can handle double that 1.3A driven rate.

 

I was worried about how it would mix with my current lighting (the AIs). I got scared of the "disco" effect. The warm whites are safer from that perspective.

 

The ELN-60-24D can run up to 2800ma

 

/shrug

The only thing I have seen that is supposedly for XMLS was a 1750ma constant driver. I really don't think I care though. Even with 1300ma I'll be dimming them down.

 

Yes; this one: Mean Well HLG-185-42B dimmable Driver - Rapid LED

And that's something I'd recommend for you, or the ELN-60-27(X) which can do 2.4A.

However, if you're going to run those at 3A, you're not going to have enough heat sink to properly cool them. A 1" wide strip doesn't offer much capacity. Even running them at 1.3A might make them a bit too hot.

You might want to consider a 2" (or 4" if you've got the room). Extruded Aluminum Heatsinks from HeatSinkUSA