What do I need to test my DIY cob build for output/efficiency?

Al Yamoni

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
Hey, I just wanted to know what device(s) if any I would need to test all aspects of my light. I want to know if it's pulling the right amount of power, if the light is as bright as is should be etc.

Sorry for not having the technical terms for all of this stuff down. I want to start on my second light asap but I need assurance that my first one is performing at maximum capability first and foremost.

The first light that I built uses (5) cxa3070 powered by the mean well HLG-185-C1050b. The chips are mounted on Artic 11 cpu coolers using Ideal cob holders. The base construction is made out of PVC pipe.

Here is a bud that she helped grow, it was before I was entirely DIY lighting.

Temple of Larry - Bodhi Seeds
P1090483.JPG
 
D

DocCox

Well-Known Member
NP buddy, essentially if it's turning on its probably working correctly. If you want to know exact readings, look for a spreadsheet thread and somebody's surely done the measurements.
 
Al Yamoni

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
DocCox said:
NP buddy, essentially if it's turning on its probably working correctly. If you want to know exact readings, look for a spreadsheet thread and somebody's surely done the measurements.
Click to expand...
I just have this damn flickering that seems to show itself randomly. Maybe I'm getting paranoid but it seems like maybe its not as bright as before. I am going to test all of the holders and replace any if necessary. I have thought of taking a video of the cobs to see which one is causing the issue.
 
alesh

alesh

Well-Known Member
Al Yamoni said:
Hey, I just wanted to know what device(s) if any I would need to test all aspects of my light. I want to know if it's pulling the right amount of power, if the light is as bright as is should be etc.

Sorry for not having the technical terms for all of this stuff down. I want to start on my second light asap but I need assurance that my first one is performing at maximum capability first and foremost.

The first light that I built uses (5) cxa3070 powered by the mean well HLG-185-C1050b. The chips are mounted on Artic 11 cpu coolers using Ideal cob holders. The base construction is made out of PVC pipe.

Here is a bud that she helped grow, it was before I was entirely DIY lighting.

Temple of Larry - Bodhi Seeds
View attachment 3506858
Click to expand...
A spectroradiometer and an integration sphere. Prepare a few dozen grands and you're good to go :)
 
D

draz

Well-Known Member
Al Yamoni said:
I just have this damn flickering that seems to show itself randomly. Maybe I'm getting paranoid but it seems like maybe its not as bright as before. I am going to test all of the holders and replace any if necessary. I have thought of taking a video of the cobs to see which one is causing the issue.
Click to expand...
Look for a loose connection. That fixed my issues.
 
P

PurpleBuz

Well-Known Member
Al Yamoni said:
Hey, I just wanted to know what device(s) if any I would need to test all aspects of my light. I want to know if it's pulling the right amount of power, if the light is as bright as is should be etc.

Sorry for not having the technical terms for all of this stuff down. I want to start on my second light asap but I need assurance that my first one is performing at maximum capability first and foremost.

The first light that I built uses (5) cxa3070 powered by the mean well HLG-185-C1050b. The chips are mounted on Artic 11 cpu coolers using Ideal cob holders. The base construction is made out of PVC pipe.

Here is a bud that she helped grow, it was before I was entirely DIY lighting.

Temple of Larry - Bodhi Seeds
View attachment 3506858
Click to expand...

all you need is Supra!
 
D

DocCox

Well-Known Member
No bueno bud.
If you dim to like 70% does the flickering stop?
Can you run it without the POT and see if it's either brighter, or not flickering?

Did you ground the DC side of your fixture (interference issues?) Is the driver physically on top of the heatsink?

Can you run your light off of another circuit?
 
SupraSPL

SupraSPL

Well-Known Member
As earlier post mentioned, a power meter is a great way to keep an eye on what the lamp is doing. In this case it should be drawing about 205W, not including fans. You can get a power meter at most Walmarts in the light bulb aisle for ~$15.
 
Al Yamoni

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
DocCox said:
No bueno bud.
If you dim to like 70% does the flickering stop?
Can you run it without the POT and see if it's either brighter, or not flickering?

Did you ground the DC side of your fixture (interference issues?) Is the driver physically on top of the heatsink?

Can you run your light off of another circuit?
Click to expand...
Thank you! I am going to check and re-check all of these things mentioned. A couple Q's, What is the POT? The driver is not near a heatsink. I did connect the ground from the driver to the ground wire on the plug.. If that's what you meant by grounding the DC side. I'm still a total noob.. Thanks again
 
Al Yamoni

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
SupraSPL said:
Flickering can be cause by an overheated COB (air gaps under the COB), intermittent connection particularly with ideal COB holders if stranded wire was used, solder joints shorted to heatsink, and in this case very unlikely but could be caused by a faulty driver.
Click to expand...
No stranded wire here, 18g solid wire. I guess I'll remove and clean all of the cobs and re-apply arctic silver and put it all back together carefully. Wish me luck.. Again. Thanks buddy.
 
Al Yamoni

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
SupraSPL said:
As earlier post mentioned, a power meter is a great way to keep an eye on what the lamp is doing. In this case it should be drawing about 205W, not including fans. You can get a power meter at most Walmarts in the light bulb aisle for ~$15.
Click to expand...
Power meter it is, Thanks to all who recommended I get one.
 
littlejacob

littlejacob

Well-Known Member
Bonjour
Buying a kill a watt gonna help you know how much power you give to your girls and may help you in your grow!
I bought one a while ago on ali cause they are hard to find at decent price in France!
Next thing I will buy it's a little driver for 1 cxb 3590 36V @???? I hope I could find a very low mA one...less than 100mA to be able to watch the dies and check if they all have the same intensity...cause even a 10% of 1400mA so normally 140mA it is impossible to watch the dies...at least for me...and I need my eyes to work...lol
Have a great day ★
 
O

orangeade5

Well-Known Member
When I built my panel, I plugged in the first section as a test run and had some flickering. I used ideal holders on cxb3070 and when I unplugged it I tightened the holders down a bit more snug, making double sure the contacts on the holders were making contact with the chips and everything was golden. Unless it already feels super tight maybe give that a try just don't break the chip!
 
Al Yamoni

Al Yamoni

Well-Known Member
I just removed and re-applied each cob, carefully cleaning and inspecting each one. My arctic silver job was waaay better this time around. All points are snug and all wires are the same. I just plugged it in and she seems to be solid!! I am going to monitor it for a while and pick up a killawatt meter in the morning.

Big thanks to all that provided their insight and suggestions. @orangeade5 @SupraSPL @littlejacob @draz @DocCox
 
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