DIY LEDs - The write-up

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How or what do I wire to my meanwell dimmable drive so I can dim my array? I thought it would have a knob on the driver itself that I could turn and dim the LEDs.
 
Maybe I missed it but how are you guys adding the fans to your builds? I'm currently running without and it seems ok but I did notice the water pushing 81 f (degrees) last night so may add a fan.

I have a old P4 cpu fan laying that I could mod easy and add it. Just not sure how to wire it in. Thinking it would just go in series with the leds, huh?
 
It CANNOT go on the drive side of your LED driver. You need to give it a plain old DC voltage around 12v (less if you want slower operation and less noise, though some fans get picky below 7 or 8 v).

If you are using a buckpuck-style DC-DC driver and have an AC-DC power supply powering the driver, then you can put the fan on the AC-DC power supply, assuming the voltage is correct and it has the current handling capability.

If you are using a meanwell-style AC-DC driver, you'll need an AC-DC power supply for the fan. At that point, it would be just like wiring a fan on any other lighting project. A cheapo 12v DC wall wart with enough current capability would be fine.

For mounting the fans themselves, my technique so far has been to drill holes in a few heatsink fins, then ziptie the fans on. I'm sure there are more elegant methods but this works fine. As with the wiring to and from the LEDs, make sure you provide for proper stress relief on the wiring to the fan.

Oh, and PS - don't think about the fan saving your tank from heat. That's secondary IMHO. The real reason to use a fan is to save the LEDs from heat. Depending on how robust your heatsink is, you may or may not need it.
 
saf1 said:
Maybe I missed it but how are you guys adding the fans to your builds? I'm currently running without and it seems ok but I did notice the water pushing 81 f (degrees) last night so may add a fan.

I have a old P4 cpu fan laying that I could mod easy and add it. Just not sure how to wire it in. Thinking it would just go in series with the leds, huh?
Click to expand...

personally, i think the easiest way is one of THESE power supplies for just the fan(s). it has the 4-pin molex plug end so it will just plug right into a pc case fan & you can daisy-chain more from there. i have personally put it on (6) fans & it ran them no problem
 
Thanks James and Der - appreciate the info. This is actually good info for the next project I'm planning so it won't go to waste. I think Der said it - I think the heat sink is doing well with the 4 led's so far but I'll continue to check throughout the day to be sure. If it continues to stay hot then I will look at the fans.

The Link James was good - thanks :)

Both of you.
 
for my mini application, i intend to use PC cpu heat sinks, the fist size ones i have should handle 40+ watts each, each w/ fan.
 
Alternative to a heatsink

Alternative to a heatsink

How much heat do these LEDs put out?

If I bought a couple of Aluminum U channels mounted them parallel to each other and put fans on both ends would that be sufficient enough cooling for the LEDs?

Here is what I was looking at:

http://www.brunnerent.com/Tools/Por...ize=0&lngDisplay=0&jPageNumber=21&strMetaTag=

You can get a 6 foot section for 12 dollars. That's enough for three 2 foot sections. If I am only mounting them every ~3 inches would that be enough heat dissipation?
 
I have a mean well eln 60-48P what do I need to dim my array? how do I wire it? I just to to be able to dim the brightness I will driving 12 LEDs 6 white and 6 blue.
 
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I may have to try this. Was thinking about upgrading to a Metal Halide but I might have to try LED's instead.

Nice tank.

John
 
AFWX,

"If I bought a couple of Aluminum U channels mounted them parallel to each other and put fans on both ends would that be sufficient enough cooling for the LEDs?"

Yes that is exactly how I build mine.

However, I would not use the anodized aluminum, it will not transfer heat as well as bare Al.

Stu
 
stugray said:
AFWX,

"If I bought a couple of Aluminum U channels mounted them parallel to each other and put fans on both ends would that be sufficient enough cooling for the LEDs?"

Yes that is exactly how I build mine.

However, I would not use the anodized aluminum, it will not transfer heat as well as bare Al.

Stu
Click to expand...

Stu,

I don't recall if you posted dimensions on the stock you used - I see the link posted above has 1/16" U's and 1/8".
 
stugray said:
AFWX,

"If I bought a couple of Aluminum U channels mounted them parallel to each other and put fans on both ends would that be sufficient enough cooling for the LEDs?"

Yes that is exactly how I build mine.

However, I would not use the anodized aluminum, it will not transfer heat as well as bare Al.

Stu
Click to expand...

My understanding was that anodization provides for better heat transfer than bare metal?
 
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