Sandy Lynn,
You can, but I'll have the LED stars and wires presoldered. I figured that will save some time at the meeting, but plan to leave a few without solder so you can see every step.
The dimming circuit is purchased separately. Some use a ReefKeeperLite (RKL) to control the LED's. This is not a bad idea since the RKL's can be found just over $100. The dimmer I'm working on is much more archaic, but functional (function before form
). So far, all the parts for the dimmer have been available at Radio Shack (well, the one at Ann St, anyway). I haven't totaled it up, but I'm sure it's no more than $20.
Being DIY, there are a number of caveats, mostly minor, but I'm a nerd. Since the fan is a 12VDC fan and the power supply is 12VDC (actually puts out 15-16VDC), and the dimming circuit can't handle more than 10.5V, I wanted to have a way to use one power supply plug for both the fan and the dimmer, rather than one for each the dimmer and fan. I've got a circuit that should work to bring the voltage down to a controlled 10VDC from whatever the 12VDC power supply puts out (almost never 12V). I'm still working on it, but think I've got it figured out (actual values didn't follow the calculated values and not sure why...). Following the info from various sites (namely from evil66's layout), I should have a max output of 10V with a 1470Ohm resistor across the Adj and Vout legs of a LM317 voltage regulator and a 10K potentiometer. I've got closer to 13VDC at max pot setting, so I'm going to add resistance until I get a max of 10VDC. Can't go over 10.5V on the dimming circuit on the Meanwell ELN 60-48D's. Also need a breadboard (a buck, I think, and I cut them in half), a project box (I used a 2"x3"x1"-$4? at RS), some resistors (still working on this, but calcs say 1430Ohm should work, despite my actual readings), a few capacitors (1microfarad and .1microfarad), and LM317 voltage regulator, and a 10k linear potentiometer. All can purchased at Radio Shack for very little. Let me know if you want to do this and I'll see if I can find enough parts laying around.
You can buy a 9V regulated power supply for low dough, but have to do other things to get the max voltage to the LED's (only going to 9V instead of 10V would run at a lower output), and would need a separate power supply for the fan. One of the online sites (rapidled, I think) has a dimming box they are selling for $30 that will dim two drivers. I think it comes with a 9V regulated power supply (regulated meaning it won't put out more then 9V as is). That's not a bad off the shelf option, if you don't mind running your fan(s) on a separate power supply.
Aside from the dimming circuit, there are a few things needed to finish out the kit for use. A means of attaching the fan and driver (if mounting to top of heatsink-can also do remote by running longer wires), and a means of suspending it over the tank are required. I've got some aluminum bar I plan to bend for the club DIY project. I'll most likely pre bend (at work-if I can get my butt in gear) it for the meeting.
There is also some required equipment for the builds.
You want a decent soldering iron. I got one from Radio Shack for $20. Has four settings.
Also bought the soldering iron stand/spring (another $7-8 at RS).
I bought solder, too (63/37 rosin core), but the club kit came with a spool.
Need 18-20 gauge wire to cut for the connections.
Need a decent wire cutter/stripper (also got one for $20 at RS-I like it a lot better than ole rusty
).
Need a decent multimeter.
I'll have my multimeter with me, so it can be used by all. I'll also have the wire stripper/cutter. I should have some extra wire, but I'll have to see what i can scrounge up. The soldering iron is the main thing that we'd need one for each project, as it is the star of the show.
The kit includes the following.
(6)-Cree XRE Royal blue LED's (3W)
(6)-CRee XRE White LED's (3W)
(1)- 6" x 8.48" heat sink
(1)- 12VDC cooling fan
(1)- Meanwell ELN 60-48D driver (D's and P's are dimmable)
(1 set)- thermal paste to assemble the LED stars to the heat sink
(4)- wire nuts
(1)- 12VDC power supply
(12)- Cree 80 degree optics
I think the shipped price was $157?
If you go without the D at the end of the driver model (60 48D), you will get a driver that cannot be dimmed. This can simplify things (no dimming circuit), but no dimming circuit
.
I hope to get some sort of presentation together that I can send out since I don't talk like a typical southerner
. Be sure to slow me down if I move too fast
.
so please come out and join us. I will have good food to eat. Please pm if you need directions. I am 2 miles off the interstate in Millbrook, and I've very easy to find. 
