Best cree set up for tiny, micro grow :)

[Will Thayer]

Hey Shiva71,
I like your cabinet. Made with interesting recycled materials as well. I look forward to seeing your grow. Sounds like you are getting ready to pull the trigger on your DIY fixture. Have you in mind what strain you are going to grow? It is cool to see folks doing different things. That mask looks brilliant as well.

Cheers,
Will

 

[shiva71]

Hey Will
Thanks for stopping by again, and thanks again for the help, some great links you posted there. Cheers!
I have some Raspberry Cough from Nirvana im gonna have a go with. I suffer from terribly Lazyitis, and im hoping a nice Sativa might help me get off my butt a bit more and get the creative juices flowing. Hopefully if I can get the grow dialled look at some other sativas...Jack Herrer, some Hazes that kinda stuff.
What about you, what do you grow?
Trying to get these 4 extra leds sorted. I think the CXA1507 might be useful. To be honest, i think theres better ways to increase the light but I kinda like the challenge of building such a set up. I knocked up a model of a possible fitting for them, im trying to come up with something that looks a bit funky!
Do you have anything up and running at the moment?
Cheers!

 

[dionysus4]

strange nobody has mentioned the APC meanwell drivers

cheap as too


in ur case i would use 4 of the cxa2530s from fastech

options which id recomend is to grab

2 cobs

2x https://www.fasttech.com/products/1734701 and run driver per cob
and
2x https://www.fasttech.com/p/1348407

44watts/ 800 ppfd


or better
4 cobs
4x https://www.fasttech.com/products/1739207
2x https://www.fasttech.com/p/1348407 2 per sink

42w/ 950 ppfd

in both cases you will be near the upper limits for those heatsinks so will need a fan on them/ blowing around nearby

can attacth with

https://www.fasttech.com/products/1195401

and thermal grease from ur hardware store

I currently have a version of this with a 4000K cxa2530

 

[Will Thayer]

Hey Will
Thanks for stopping by again, and thanks again for the help, some great links you posted there. Cheers!
I have some Raspberry Cough from Nirvana im gonna have a go with. I suffer from terribly Lazyitis, and im hoping a nice Sativa might help me get off my butt a bit more and get the creative juices flowing. Hopefully if I can get the grow dialled look at some other sativas...Jack Herrer, some Hazes that kinda stuff.
What about you, what do you grow?
Trying to get these 4 extra leds sorted. I think the CXA1507 might be useful. To be honest, i think theres better ways to increase the light but I kinda like the challenge of building such a set up. I knocked up a model of a possible fitting for them, im trying to come up with something that looks a bit funky!
Do you have anything up and running at the moment?
Cheers!

Your mock up model looks very "Sci Fi". If you could create that as your fixture it would be the dog's dangly bits for sure. You will learn a lot growing a sativa dominant strain in such a small space. I would imagine some creative expletives as you wrestle the sativa beast.

I have a few strains on the go at the moment:

Blue Dream
Pineapple Express
Holy Grail Kush
Girl Scout Cookies
Super Lemon Haze
Frozen Tangerines
Medical Glue
I have loads to try out but I need to keep my plant count down. I would like to pheno hunt the frozen tangerine and find a keeper male. Unfortunately that is on hold until I shift a few of these ladies to pastures new.

Just gave them all a spray down with neem oil and dusted the soil with diatomaceous earth. After that I super cropped the larger ones. Them I gave them all a nice barley and alfalfa SST.


Cheers,
Will

 

[Will Thayer]

Yesterday I had a chance to test the fixture for my friend's little grow. I already gave him the tent (90cm x 60cm x 90cm). So I had to test the fixture in a slightly larger tent (120cm x 70cm x 70cm) so the PPFD should be higher once it is in the smaller tent. The quantum sensor I used is a Apogee SQ 420. I assume that dividing the footprint into equal squares then testing each in centre of squares then take the average to obtain PPFD. If this is indeed the correct procedure then light gives a PPFD of around 740 at 20cm. Not exactly sure if this is correct but should grow my Mate some nice smoke all the same. If there is a flaw in my test I would be interested in how to do it correctly from other Members. Either way my Compadre is getting the fixture gratis so beggars can't be choosers. I also tested the temperature of the heatsinks after leaving the fixture running for a few hours with no fans. I would imagine 36c(98f) should improve with extractor and circulation fans running.


Cheers,
Will

 

[shiva71]

Hey Will
That looks like a sweet grow! The two words that struck me were 'super' and 'haze' I think GH seeds do a good haze but i also have the impression that their seeds arent the best. To be honest, i think we are truly spoiled for choice these days.
The guy that posted the very good post about using the CXA2530s has got me changing my plans...again!
I like the idea of using them, or a combi of CXA2530 or 1507...
Do you have any experience of using a dimmer switch (potentiameter)? I cant imagine its thats difficult to wire into a chain of leds? some of these leds can be driven quite hard without losing too much output, i like the idea of being able pump the lights and then reduce it as and when.
I had an awesome night last night in the local woods prepping sites for an outdoor grow. I often thought how we are trying to create these perfect artificial environments, but as i was hacking through thorns, nettles, getting bitten and stung and generally getting my ass kicked - we are dealing with a living thing. When you go out to its natural habitat, i think thats a good thing to keep in mind. Mother nature will always hold the cards!
Dionysus - that sounds like a good plan. Really. I use fasttech for all my vaping stuff. when they realise that everyone wants 3590s and 3070s...they will make lots of money. I like these places.
OK chaps im done
Take care y'all
Om Nama Shiva

 

[Will Thayer]

Hello Shiva71,
The photos I posted is just my little Veg tent illuminated by 10 x CXA2530s 7 in 4600K (oddball K that fasttech had) and 3 in 2700K. I used the MW HLG-185-500B driver. The B series HLGs have a dimming "tail" that you solder a 100K pot to. The A series HLGs have internal dimming under a rubber plug on the driver that you use a small screwdriver to dim. For my flowering fixture I use the HLG-185-700A because I do not dim them.
As far as seed banks go, they are overpriced. In the 1990s I lived in the Netherlands and was a member of a seed swap club. Folks were swapping genetics from all over the world to each other for free. I imagine a lot of the strains we see today are a result of those swaps. The Dutch seed banks had a monopoly back then and they set the tone of ridiculous pricing that sadly still exists today. When money is involved ethics tend to take a back seat.
It takes time and effort to stabilize a new strain, growing out hundreds of seeds to find what your looking for. A breeder who does that with diligence deserves reward but unfortunately short cuts are taken to supply the demand. Middle man seed banks want their percentage as well.
Everybody involved is chasing that all mighty coin.
I like what is going on in the USA right now. There are some breeders over there doing some great things and to be honest there always has been. Now it is just more public. I have grown great plants from genetics people have slagged off and crap plants from genetics that were glorified and hyped up. Until I have grown a strain first hand I reserve my judgement. The relationship between the gardener and the plants they grow is the only antidote for hyperbole and marketing strategies.

Gorilla growing in the U.K. is defiantly a challenge. The weather here can be a cruel mistress. If I were to attempt it (too lazy) I think short fast autos with good mold/mite resistance would be the way to go. I would stagger the start times and try get a few harvests in. The window for success is finite here.

Cheers,
Will

 

[shiva71]

Thats a very astute call about the auto Will, cheers. I was going to use 10 freebies from Nirvana but no guarantee of females and id feel a bit peeved if I went to the effort of an outdoor grow only to end up with a bunch of males! Nirvana do a autofem Jack Herrer, €30 for 5 beans, ill probably give them a go.
That must have been pretty cool handling all those strains and yes its pretty amazing what these guys are doing - especially for medical uses. The pharma industry is shocking on virtually every level so i think its great there is an alternative medical option. I put 4 plants outside last year, 3 got absolutely trashed by bugs and slugs but the 4th one was fine! Pretty cool to see genetics in action like that. They were actually seeds i picked myself in the Himalayas, and yeah i was hoping id discover some amazing new strain but they were kinda rubbish
Urghh I wish i hadnt got it into my head to use a dimmable driver. The MW HLG60 is kinda steep, €40 from mouser. I had a look at potentiometers there, they seem to have a voltage rating which im guessing should be as close to the voltage of your led circuit...? I need to look into a bit more I think. You mentioned a 100k pot, woud that work on a 4 x cxa2530 set up?
Bye for now!

 

[Mazer]

Hello Shiva71,
The photos I posted is just my little Veg tent illuminated by 10 x CXA2530s 7 in 4600K (oddball K that fasttech had) and 3 in 2700K. I used the MW HLG-185-500B driver. The B series HLGs have a dimming "tail" that you solder a 100K pot to. The A series HLGs have internal dimming under a rubber plug on the driver that you use a small screwdriver to dim. For my flowering fixture I use the HLG-185-700A because I do not dim them.
As far as seed banks go, they are overpriced. In the 1990s I lived in the Netherlands and was a member of a seed swap club. Folks were swapping genetics from all over the world to each other for free. I imagine a lot of the strains we see today are a result of those swaps. The Dutch seed banks had a monopoly back then and they set the tone of ridiculous pricing that sadly still exists today. When money is involved ethics tend to take a back seat.
It takes time and effort to stabilize a new strain, growing out hundreds of seeds to find what your looking for. A breeder who does that with diligence deserves reward but unfortunately short cuts are taken to supply the demand. Middle man seed banks want their percentage as well.
Everybody involved is chasing that all mighty coin.
I like what is going on in the USA right now. There are some breeders over there doing some great things and to be honest there always has been. Now it is just more public. I have grown great plants from genetics people have slagged off and crap plants from genetics that were glorified and hyped up. Until I have grown a strain first hand I reserve my judgement. The relationship between the gardener and the plants they grow is the only antidote for hyperbole and marketing strategies.

Gorilla growing in the U.K. is defiantly a challenge. The weather here can be a cruel mistress. If I were to attempt it (too lazy) I think short fast autos with good mold/mite resistance would be the way to go. I would stagger the start times and try get a few harvests in. The window for success is finite here.

Cheers,
Will

View attachment 3679589

I am yet to find out how to like posts so until then:" I just like what you said. "

 

[Will Thayer]

Amazon, Ebay or any electronic store for the 100k Pot. I use a 100k pot in the veg fitting I described earlier. Check TME.eu as well.

Go to Attitude Seeds and research autos with fast finishing times and resistance to mold and spider mites. Something indica dominant should be fast short and hardy. Get female seeds so your not expending energy on a potential male.

Thats a very astute call about the auto Will, cheers. I was going to use 10 freebies from Nirvana but no guarantee of females and id feel a bit peeved if I went to the effort of an outdoor grow only to end up with a bunch of males! Nirvana do a autofem Jack Herrer, €30 for 5 beans, ill probably give them a go.
That must have been pretty cool handling all those strains and yes its pretty amazing what these guys are doing - especially for medical uses. The pharma industry is shocking on virtually every level so i think its great there is an alternative medical option. I put 4 plants outside last year, 3 got absolutely trashed by bugs and slugs but the 4th one was fine! Pretty cool to see genetics in action like that. They were actually seeds i picked myself in the Himalayas, and yeah i was hoping id discover some amazing new strain but they were kinda rubbish
Urghh I wish i hadnt got it into my head to use a dimmable driver. The MW HLG60 is kinda steep, €40 from mouser. I had a look at potentiometers there, they seem to have a voltage rating which im guessing should be as close to the voltage of your led circuit...? I need to look into a bit more I think. You mentioned a 100k pot, woud that work on a 4 x cxa2530 set up?
Bye for now!

Wow Himalayan seeds you picked yourself. That sounds awesome. You just might have good genetics on your hands but bad environment to get the best out of them. Maybe try one indoors.
The hardest part of DIY is settling on what parts to use. 100k pots can be found cheaper on ebay, amazon etc. You will get there Buddy, your real close now. What materials are you thinking for the fixture itself?

Cheers,
Will

 

[Will Thayer]

I am yet to find out how to like posts so until then:" I just like what you said. "

I think the "like" button on the bottom right of a post is clickable maybe only after you have become an active member. I may be wrong.
Your sentiment is enough for me anyways friend, Thank you. I hope you are getting the information you need to help build your fixture. It is always nice to see new faces with an interest in DIY. I am by no means an expert on the subject but I can say it is as easy as you make it for yourself. I started with cheaper parts like the CXA2530s and when nothing caught fire or failed my confidence grew.

Cheers,
Will

 

[Mazer]

Thanks will, this is my general plan. I have a strong holticultural background and much love for the Plant. I was practicing today on my soderingt skills by playing around will some led strips that I have on my backsplash. I am motivated and your support is a blast! Thanks again

 

[shiva71]

Hiya
Yes Will im pretty close to finally starting but im just absolutely broke at the moment! But thats another story...
Hey Mazar, I saw your thread and that a few peeps had suggesting looking here, i was gonna reply but i never got round to it, I think were planning something similar - have you decided on your set up?
Have a good weekend guys!

 

[Growmau5]

I am really enjoying this thread guys. @shiva71 I like your cabinet and your model alot. Sorry about your financial woes, I can imagine a future where craigslist and ebay are flooded with lightly used cobs by sellers that feel the need to upgrade yearly as new tech comes out.

 

[Will Thayer]

I am really enjoying this thread guys.

I know right, three whole pages without ego fueled bickering or playing "who has the biggest wiener". Quite refreshing isn't it.
On another note @Growmau5, you strike me as a chap who would be handy with CAD. Would you be interested in some free lance work? Nothing too complex, you may even find it a bit too simple but your flair for design would be most appreciated.
I know you keep yourself busy, so no hard feelings if you are unavailable. Message me if your interested.

Cheers,
Will

 

[Mazer]

P

I know right, three whole pages without ego fueled bickering or playing "who has the biggest wiener". Quite refreshing isn't it.
On another note @Growmau5, you strike me as a chap who would be handy with CAD. Would you be interested in some free lance work? Nothing too complex, you may even find it a bit too simple but your flair for design would be most appreciated.
I know you keep yourself busy, so no hard feelings if you are unavailable. Message me if your interested.

Cheers,
Will

Will should you need any help with cad, I can assist you as long as it does not involve 3D rendered stuff

 

[Will Thayer]

P

Will should you need any help with cad, I can assist you as long as it does not involve 3D rendered stuff

Thank you Mazer!
I have been pestering a Mate of mine for two weeks. As soon as I post here for help he delivers. I will for sure put you on my list of talented people in case a need arises in the future. Your offer is very kind and most appreciated.

Cheers,
Will

 

[shiva71]

Good afternoon gents!
Glad youre enjoying the thread Growmau5!
RIGHT: im gonna order my stuff today, I've been faffing around far too long! Just a few questions:
1) Cooling the leds - I watched the Growmau build, and i gather its a fairly tried and tested design to have a long heatsink with four or so leds on it, and just have one pc fan to cool the whole panel. But i like the idea/design that i posted earlier, ie with individual leds on a cross shaped frame. So Im thinking of using these wee heatsinks:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1506/10001927/1138300
How would these manage without pc fans? To be honest if i had to use something like this it wouldnt break the bank:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10005947/1454500-2-pin-cpu-cooling-cooler-fan
2) Drivers - driving me mad!! I thought about the dimmable HLG60-700, so i could crank the leds up but at 700mA but I dont think the driver would cope with that. And the 350mA, it seems that would only allow me to dim from 300 to 350, an increase of 200 lumens per led. That really doesnt seem worth paying €40 for the MW driver when i could get 4 of these (what Dionysis suggested) https://www.fasttech.com/products/1739207 for a few dollars a piece...
Over to you guys! Many thanks again for all your contributions - I would say hopefully a grow journal will start soon but FT shipping takes forever!!
Ciao for now
ps - just an afterthought about what you said about ebay Growmau5; why do you think ebay isnt full of these types of homemade cxa/cxb lights? Have you experienced builders never thought about selling some builds?

 

[Will Thayer]

Hiya Shiva71,
I do not think those heat sinks will do for passive cooling, even for active they seem a little light to me. Have a look here http://www.tme.eu/en/katalog/optoelectronics-and-light-sources_100327/#id_category=113176&page=2&s_field=artykul&s_order=ASC To be on the safe side you want something with a little more surface area and weight. I have no idea how to calculate surface area of a pin sink. If you want to cut cost and get a fixture completed maybe forgo the dimming and if you need to adjust your intensity due it with distance. Your cabinet has some height to it for this option.
Hopefully others will chime in with the math and either discount my advice or substantiate it. Go with what you can afford for now, there is no shame in that friend. You will need to acquire other equipment for your grow remember. You know yourself the ladies can have a right pong on them in full bloom. I can not remember if you said you had odour control sorted. couple of 12v fans to cycle the air etc.

Cheers,
Will

 

[JorgeGonzales]

I thought you decided on 4x2530 and HLG-60H-C350B?