LED driver question for two QB288's

bubbadun1 said:

I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I've searched and found similar questions, but no real definite answer...
I have two of HLG's 135 QB kits (QB288 rspec board w/HLG-120H-54A driver) and I would like to combine the 2 boards, in series, to one driver (for efficiency and less heat). I originally thought I needed the HLG-240H-C2100A, but I have been reading about people who use the HLG-320H-C2800 to "increase output". I'm not an electrical engineer, but wouldn't the HLG-320H-C2800 create a bunch of extra heat and only a little more light output?

Either way, I'm really confused about which driver would give me the most efficient system overall. I'm not looking to "push" the boards beyond their intended use, I really just want 2x the original kits, but on 1 driver.

Also, I would like to extend the distance between the driver and the first board. I'm assuming a few feet (maybe 5 max) won't matter and 18 awn solid core wire is fine to do this?

Any help from an led guru would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

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1212ham said:

Changing to one driver won't increase efficiency or reduce heat. The heat is directly proportional to wattage so the 320H would produce about 25% more heat and light. Running the diodes harder would lose a little efficiency, but nothing significant IMO.

18 AWG is ok, but I prefer stranded 16 AWG myself, speaker wire, an old lamp cord etc.

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bubbadun1 said:

Thanks! So, going from two drivers to one (equal wattage) doesn't present any advantage in regards to heat? My goal is to decrease heat in the tent, then I suppose moving both drivers outside would be a better move. Cheaper too.

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bubbadun1 said:

Thanks! So, going from two drivers to one (equal wattage) doesn't present any advantage in regards to heat? My goal is to decrease heat in the tent, then I suppose moving both drivers outside would be a better move. Cheaper too.

Click to expand...