DIY LEDs - The write-up

[der_wille_zur_macht]

This led (hahah) me to ponder: If I run them at 500mA, can I light up 13 or 14 in series per meanwell?

Depends on the characteristics of the LEDs and how much you want to push the envelope. You'll need to look up the Vf of the specific LED model and color you're using at 500mA, then multiply by the number you want, and hope it falls under 48v.

 

[captstinky]

Using the Crees discussed here on this thread- equal number of white to RB seems to look good (at least on the pilot of 12 LEDS) My old man is the electronics brain - he suggested it, I figured I'd bounce the idea on y'all before blowing anything up.

Thank you!

 

[hllywd]

Dimming Question

Will the apex be able to dim 12 meanwell drivers? 6 on different channels ?

Best info I've found is here. Pretty sure you're limited to 4 total channels. No info on the capacity for devices per channel. There is a group buy on Nano-Reef right now for $400 for and Apex if anybody is interested. I think DWZM (and others) have me convinced I can build a fading Arduino based controller for a fraction of that!

Tim

 

[Jepjep13]

Cool found the eln 6048d in stock at powergatellc for 31.43 ea if anyone is looking

 

[akindbro4u]

Hey just an FYI I just got off the phone with the guy at cdiweb about the eln6048d drivers I ordered last night as there website showed a back order of 5 days, although I read here it would be more like mid may. He said meanwell just confirmed with them yesterday they will not arrive In there Denver warehouse till 7/7/10. As these are purchased from in stock vendors they may quickly become are to come by. Looks like I may have to cancel this order and pay an extra 20 each to get in a reasonable time.

James

Thanks for the fyi. I will have to contact my rep, and see if my shipment is effected.

 

[laverda]

The Apex can dim the D Meanwells. You may have to buy an additional component (aquasurf), if you want to dim all 6 channels separately. I do not have an Apex yet, so I am not sure if it can dim 2 or 4 channels with the basic setup. I think it can handle 4.

What I meant was does the apex have enought power in the dimming chanels to make 6 meanwells dim at the same time. I thougjt I saw somewhere that the apex could only handle 4 meanwells. But then it could have been another controller.

You will have to contact Aqua controller to see how many amps it can handle. I bet it would handle it if you put 3 Meanwells on two different channels

 

[F35-Joint Strike Fighter]

has anyone tried Cree XLamp MC-E LED yet? seems very product.

 

[tahiriqbal]

has anyone tried Cree XLamp MC-E LED yet? seems very product.

Yes...

http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=321434

 

[tahiriqbal]

Anyone? The Carlo web site doesn't have much in terms of tech papers.

Drop an email to Jonathan Marzetti


Jonathan.Marzetti@carclo-optics.com

He should be able to help you out with your requested information. I got 45 various optics for the XP-G and XP-E LEDs. Non seems to interest me as the clear ones were very narrow tight beam aound 20 degree and rest were frosted,ripple and elliptical format which does effect the efficency. I wish they did something in clear format for the 60 degree lenses.

 

[HndMafia]

Need to ask you guys for a little advice--

I have 48 Cree XRE's mounted on 16" of the 10.080 profile from heatsinkusa and 72 Cree XRE's mounted on 20" of the same heatsink. I'm finally putting this light fixture together and was wondering if I am going to need active cooling (fans) on these units? My gut says no, these heatsinks are massive, but looking for those more experienced to voice their opinions

 

[wfournier]

Need to ask you guys for a little advice--

I have 48 Cree XRE's mounted on 16" of the 10.080 profile from heatsinkusa and 72 Cree XRE's mounted on 20" of the same heatsink. I'm finally putting this light fixture together and was wondering if I am going to need active cooling (fans) on these units? My gut says no, these heatsinks are massive, but looking for those more experienced to voice their opinions

I think fans would be a good idea.

 

[adova]

I had been hearing no when i was investigating, but who knows... Then again, mine are in an open room - I think inside a canopy might be tougher...

 

[therman]

Since this seems to be the biggest gathering place for larger LED array builds...

How many people here are/have been running 8 or more Meanwells? Can I get a show of hands and how many you're running? Thanks!!!

-Tim

 

[HndMafia]

I had been hearing no when i was investigating, but who knows... Then again, mine are in an open room - I think inside a canopy might be tougher...

I decided to do away with my canopy when I switch over to the new led lighting for ease of tank access, so these will be in an open room as well. BTW-love your sig line!

 

[adova]

Therman -

hehe - I need to remove that, actually - see my first post in my new tank build and you will understand: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1836519

HndMafia -

I am going to be running 12 on mine...

 

[Neogenocide]

I decided to do away with my canopy when I switch over to the new led lighting for ease of tank access, so these will be in an open room as well. BTW-love your sig line!

I think you may be borderline on fans, but without testing, it's hard to tell. For comparison purposes....Ive got 17 Led's on a 10x10 Heatsinkusa.com heatsink, and with my tank in the basement with cooler ambient temperatures, I don't even come close to needing a fan. These are hanging in the open, not enclosed in any way.

Scott

 

[akindbro4u]

Since this seems to be the biggest gathering place for larger LED array builds...

How many people here are/have been running 8 or more Meanwells? Can I get a show of hands and how many you're running? Thanks!!!

-Tim

9 not counting the fuge, and frag tank.

 

[rcgates]

Need to ask you guys for a little advice--

I have 48 Cree XRE's mounted on 16" of the 10.080 profile from heatsinkusa and 72 Cree XRE's mounted on 20" of the same heatsink. I'm finally putting this light fixture together and was wondering if I am going to need active cooling (fans) on these units? My gut says no, these heatsinks are massive, but looking for those more experienced to voice their opinions

You would be amazed at what the temps really are.

I have 12 LED's, 6 XRE white ant 6 RB's on a 7.25x12 heatsink. My room temp is about 66-68F right now, and my fan kicks on when the trapped air between the fins hit 85, which is frequent ;-)

 

[shackscs]

Question about Solaris LEDS. I read that they are Luxeon K2's depending when the until was manufactured. I believe that mine are K2's.

I am re-working my old Solaris using Cree LEDS.

Like everything else with this fixture, the quality is read pretty bad. The thin copper film that the LEDS are mounted to on the PCB is coming up off of the board so getting the LEDS off is pretty easy.

My question is:

How easy it is to mount the Solaris LEDS to starboards once I get them off?



I just don't want to toss these if I can find another use for them even if it is not aquarium related.

 

[F35-Joint Strike Fighter]

Yes...

http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=321434

Thank you! That is a heck of DIY project....