Whats the cost to build a badass led setup?

Be warned, it's kind of lime buying a computer. There will always be a later greater model, butg by building it yourself you get the best possible value.

With COB's you can adjust them and balance them out to whatever shape you grow in

Thanks much so far

Heres a parts list and suppliers for diy cob builds.

http://rollitup.org/t/popular-diy-led-cob-kits-parts-list-suppliers.953959/

Parts list for the framework. (Angle is fine but do it properly is what i say)

http://rollitup.org/t/universal-diy-led-20-20-framework.953961/

@key4 thanks
Especially the frame material .

Makes it look too easy as i work with aluminum for a living lol

Im thinking about what cobkits had to say

I have an 8x8 but in reality its like 7x8

I have one gavita 750 and its doing a BADASS job at lighting the room just on 600.


I designed this room to run gavitas so i have about 9 foot ceilings

So was thinking of building an array for each side that way the gavita does most of the work.
But i just want to make sure everything got enough.

Im also trying to stay under 1500w total for light

Just cause i have personal goals lol.

So if i build two sets of cob kits @ 400 watts or so each that would be perfect.

Can leds be dimmed for brightness like a digi ballast?

Cold$moke said:

Can leds be dimmed for brightness like a digi ballast?

Click to expand...

Of course. @CobKits suggested you to go for 3x hlg-185-48A drivers, these Meanwell drivers come in A or B version:
A, driver has a built in screw that let you go from 50% to 100% power.
B version has 3 ways to be dimmed, the easiest is to use a 10k potentiometer attached to the 2 addiotional dim+ and dim- wires. from10% to100% power

Cold$moke said:

Ideally id only want to spend 500 or so

And would like the flexibility to build it to.my rooms dimensions aka i have my gavita up high
Would like leds for evening out the sides .

But another gavita is around 450 $ and 750 watts

So if i could build an equal for the same or less that would be ideal

Or like i saidn2 smaller arrays for the sides

Click to expand...

$50 more for a super light set up with efficiency.....give me a break !!!!

Dave455 said:

$50 more for a super light set up with efficiency.....give me a break !!!!

Click to expand...

Oh no im not sweating it
Just looking too add to it is all thanks though

dtl420 said:

@1212ham could you lend us your knowledge?
I would like to know if the cobs are better than the leds with multiple lower wattage diodes?

Click to expand...

Probably. We should know room/tent dimensions. I think the best are cobs, boards and Samsung/Bridgelux strips. cobkits.com can definitely set you up. A Meanwell HLG-600 what driver would save money compared to the 3 hlg-185-48A drivers cobkits suggested, but you would have more versatility with 2-3 drivers or lights.

1212ham said:

Probably. We should know room/tent dimensions. I think the best are cobs, boards and Samsung/Bridgelux strips. cobkits.com can definitely set you up. A Meanwell HLG-600 what driver would save money compared to the 3 hlg-185-48A drivers cobkits suggested, but you would have more versatility with 2-3 drivers or lights.

Click to expand...

My dimensions are a few posts above lol

Roughly 7x8 with valted ceilings at 9 or so feet to the peak

Im going to do more research before I get serious with this.

Plus i want to see what i can do with one light on this run

Cold$moke said:

Can leds be dimmed for brightness like a digi ballast?

Click to expand...

they are infinitely dimmable, and the more you dim them, the more efficient they are (HID is the opposite)

Nutria said:

Of course. @CobKits suggested you to go for 3x hlg-185-48A drivers, these Meanwell drivers come in A or B version:
A, driver has a built in screw that let you go from 50% to 100% power.
B version has 3 ways to be dimmed, the easiest is to use a 10k potentiometer attached to the 2 addiotional dim+ and dim- wires. from10% to100% power

Click to expand...

100k pot for Meanwell's. A 10k resistor is usually put in series since many pots are actually a little under 100K. Cobkits can throw one in if you buy the pot from him. 100k or more is needed for Meanwell's to reach 100% power.

dtl420 said:

I would imagine that a grand could build you several very good grow lights. The Meanwell 600watt driver is only ~$180, or MW 320watt for ~$150, vero 29's are around 25/piece or the cheaper citizen chips look pretty damn decent for only $9 from www.cobkits.com

From what I've read, 35watts/sq ft of led will be good.

Click to expand...

Fact!

Cold$moke said:

I accidentally posted this then looked and saw there are a few threads already.

If you could spend close to say a grand tops
What would it be and why

Click to expand...

i got less than a grand in this

you need @Randomblame in here.

he is the resident DIY LED guru...

The grand number was just a number as i have no idea.
What im looking for.

Thanks @CobKits i need to do some more reading as this stuff is going over my head atm lol

I while hit u up when i have a good list of questions

Thanks guys give me a lot to consider

Nutria said:

Of course. @CobKits suggested you to go for 3x hlg-185-48A drivers, these Meanwell drivers come in A or B version:
A, driver has a built in screw that let you go from 50% to 100% power.
B version has 3 ways to be dimmed, the easiest is to use a 10k potentiometer attached to the 2 addiotional dim+ and dim- wires. from10% to100% power

Click to expand...

should say "100K pot"

Sour Wreck said:

you need @Randomblame in here.

he is the resident DIY LED guru...

Click to expand...

Too much honor, mate!