Any links to quantum board kits that would suit a 3x3 space for this budget though?
Four QB132 quantum boards-$133, LRS-350-36 driver-$30, wiring-$20
Total = $183
Or, for a dimmable driver that is a bit more efficient, he could get the HLG-320H-36A for $88 instead of the LRS series. There are no heat sinks required for the QB132s or QB120s.
They are sold out of 3500k, but 4000k will work just fine for both veg and flower (they are sold in packs of four).
https://www.amazon.com/Horticulture-Lighting-Group-Quantum-Boards/dp/B079YY1RWV/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1535447461&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=qb120&dpPl=1&dpID=41K3e7p4M2L&ref=plSrch
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/MEAN-WELL/LRS-350-15?qs=ah3jBNVE1PShov8Xro/0bA==&gclid=CjwKCAjw5ZPcBRBkEiwA-avvkzX-NEuiNh64zaci_fukREDvSGFuwahfIYgRc2q2pj1Lkx4TLUUH_BoCcUYQAvD_BwE
...or...
Four QB120 quantum boards-$124, LRS-350-24 driver-$34, wiring-$20.
total= $178
3000k or 4000k will both work just fine for veg and flower.
https://www.amazon.com/Horticulture-Lighting-Group-Quantum-Boards/dp/B077KHMZTC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535449633&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=qb120&dpPl=1&dpID=41RtJUGd4RL&ref=plSrch
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/MEAN-WELL/LRS-350-24?qs=ah3jBNVE1PT%2bkwLcackrGA==
Or if you want a dimmable higher efficiency driver for a tad more, get the ELG-240-24A or the HLG-240H-24A. You can even run them harder on the HLG-320H-24A.
But, if you're just trying to go as cheap as possible and get it done, I know one person running four QB120s beautifully on the LRS-350-24, and it is so cheap. That one's nice because it really pushes them. I know someone else who is running four QB132s on the LRS-350-36 driver.
You do not have to worry about pushing them too hard. LED Gardner did a torture test video where he ran a QB288 which is rated by HLG/Samsung at 135 watts max, to 640 watts before it burnt out. So, these things can go up to four times their rated wattage. Maybe even more with the qb120s and the qb132s because the pcb board is stronger and thicker. But, obviously, the harder you run them the lower the efficiency.
If his budget is $300, he should really get the HLG-320H-36A for the QB132s, or HLG-320H-24A for the QB120s (all these drivers I've listed would need to have the boards wired in parallel, by the way). With this driver, you could dim it down a bit and it would run cool and efficient as hell. That would bring his total to around $230-$240. It would also be easier on the old electric bill.
I would ultimately opt for the QB132s simply because there are 12 more diodes per board. With four boards that's 48 more diodes, 1/3 of a board more. This is absolutely the best quality lighting you can get in terms of spectrum, efficiency, penetration, and COVERAGE. At this price, they just simply cannot be beat. Don't get me wrong, COBs are spectacular, but these boards have them slightly beat, imo, when it comes to cost and coverage. Plus no heat sinks required.
There, problem solved. But, he had better hurry, because they are selling out very quickly, and for good reason! There are only TWO QB132 4-packs left and seventeen QB120 4-packs left. It will be months before they restock.
