Growmau5
Well-Known Member
if it were me. I would run the whole thing off of dc-dc drivers.
i would purchase a meanwell ACDC power supply like: one of these pictured.
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1) I would calculated the voltage of all of my strings of leds.
rough calculations:
blue/UV string : 13.5+7+3+3 = 26.5v
white string: 6.4+6.4 = 12.8v
red /amber: 7.2+3+4.6+9.2+25 = 49v ( or 24.5v if divided into 2 strings)
far red: 6.6 =6.6v
2) highest voltage string determines your choice of acdc powersupply. In this case the 24v model is not an option since you have 24.5 & 29v strings
-probably a 36v supply if you go this route. like the Meanwell LRS-150-36 or LRS-200-36
3) Using either a Corallux 5 up board (<--video &product link) or manual soldering, you can use :
uxcell 20 x 24 Pin DIP IC Sockets Adaptor Solder Type Socket 2.54mm Pitch (<--amazon link)
to create your own 4up 5up, or 6up boards
4) Advantages: you will have the ability to PWM control all of your channels with either a Steves led Typhon or Storm controller.
-without a controller, you can easily swap out driver currents using Meanwell LDD-350H,500H,700H,1000H
these are only $6-7 drivers, so you can grab several of a few drive currents and really fine tune your spectrum. or change the spectral output dramatically during different growth phases.
5) disadvantages: xml2s will not be fully utilized at 1000ma which is the max for plug and play LDD, although, there are some new 1500ma LDDs on the market?
driver efficiency, not a massive issue since this build isnt hundreds of watts. you lose a few percent going from AC to DC , then a couple more % thru the LDDs.
Everything considered, I would go this direction personally as insurance in case you change your mind about drive current, or the spectrum you chose. If you make changes to your light down the line, this kind of driver setup will allow easy and cheap expansion.
