Samsung LED strip build having concerns. Wattage dropping
- Thread starter SMT69
- Start date
I think you forgot a picture? Just bigger wire or a second cable from the driver should be a big improvement. I doubt you need to worry about fire. With that driver, you just don't have the extra voltage to compensate for the wire loss. Maybe @nfhiggs or someone else could check my math and conclusions.
nfhiggs
Well-Known Member
This is a combination of voltage drop over wires that are too small, and limited voltage output from the driver. I get ~1 amp per strip at 23.9 volts, so 24.0 (the driver limit) is not going to get you very much more. You are voltage limited to about 1.1 amp per strip, no matter what you do. If you want more power out of the driver, you'll have to add more strips.
As for the power dropping over time - its a bit strange to be sure... but if I had to guess, I would say its your heatsink compound "burning in" (assuming you used some). After a each heating and cooling cycle, thermal compound tends to become more efficient, making your lights run cooler.
As for the power dropping over time - its a bit strange to be sure... but if I had to guess, I would say its your heatsink compound "burning in" (assuming you used some). After a each heating and cooling cycle, thermal compound tends to become more efficient, making your lights run cooler.
SMT69
Well-Known Member
^awesome thx
Found a loose connection. I think that was it. Now its running @ 360w at 100% on the pot.
Ok next will rewire with heavier gauge
And gonna order 2 more strips to add, or maybe no need. I’m already pulling 360w snd if i rewire correctly with 14g i can bump that up a little. Would be plenty I’m thinking.
Now is the driver running itself at 100% at this point in time? I’m guessing I’m only driving my strips at 75% of their max even tho I’m max on the pot, trying to understand this. Thx
Found a loose connection. I think that was it. Now its running @ 360w at 100% on the pot.
Ok next will rewire with heavier gauge
And gonna order 2 more strips to add, or maybe no need. I’m already pulling 360w snd if i rewire correctly with 14g i can bump that up a little. Would be plenty I’m thinking.
Now is the driver running itself at 100% at this point in time? I’m guessing I’m only driving my strips at 75% of their max even tho I’m max on the pot, trying to understand this. Thx
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The most direct method to measure voltage drop between any two points. The entire circuit can be checked, or a single connection or wire.
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nfhiggs
Well-Known Member
Use the solder pads that are at the very end of the strip near the label
Its capable of more, just not with the load it has. 18-20 strips would probably pull the full potential of 480 watts from it.
I edited my last post, I didn't notice the OP had said the extra ports.
The OP has connected to each end of the strips, so the voltage should be measured at the end where the wire connects. The corresponding the solder pad could be used at one end.
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nfhiggs
Well-Known Member
Won't make any difference, TBH. The strips are not chained together, so there is not likely to be much voltage drop from one end to the other. Solder pad are easy to get to, and won't risk damaging the connector by shoving a probe into it.
SMT69
Well-Known Member
Thx I’ll use them, my light is running full power now, thx to all that helped I found a loose connection. I am able to run max at 377w at the wall this morning (overkill for my tent) but i dial it down to 320w, running cool.
I tested multiple strips at 100% on pot, full up I’m getting 24.1 v, and dialing down will go 21.3v. Not seeing any difference among strips. Looks to be good, I’ll finish the flowering, then rewire my light with heavy 14g in 6 weeks.
Thx for a the help
I tested multiple strips at 100% on pot, full up I’m getting 24.1 v, and dialing down will go 21.3v. Not seeing any difference among strips. Looks to be good, I’ll finish the flowering, then rewire my light with heavy 14g in 6 weeks.
Thx for a the help
Achillesactual
Well-Known Member
Hey SMT you are planning on using 14 gauge for all the wiring involved? Including to and from the driver to the potentiometer and from the driver to the waygos and connecting the waygo's to each other? Just trying to figure out what wiring to order.
SMT69
Well-Known Member
All 14g, except to the strips which will allow only 18g
14g to the driver,dimmer and main run to fixture, short 18g runs to the strips..
Taking all my wagos off and soldering everything this week for extra durability and peace of mind. But wagos worked great man
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Achillesactual
Well-Known Member
Thanks so much for the clarification!