LED strip spacing for new build

[Merlin1147]

Cheers All! I’m putting together a couple of led strip lights. I have all the components coming soon. I have limited space so I’m trying to get the most uniform light over the entire growing area to max production per sq ft. So my questions is: Do I equally space the lights across the grow area of do I give more space between light at the center and progressively reduce spacing toward edges where there is less overlap light to light? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[boilingoil]

I vote for equal spacing. I've actually tore apart some of my strip builds and enlarged the frame for better spread.

 

[Merlin1147]

Thank for the input. Yes I plan to size frame to just clear tent posts. That the advantage of strips. You can custom build a nearly uniform light to fit the size. Just seems that the strips closer to the edges should be closer together bacause you don’t have the over lap.

 

[eyderbuddy]

Cheers All! I’m putting together a couple of led strip lights. I have all the components coming soon. I have limited space so I’m trying to get the most uniform light over the entire growing area to max production per sq ft. So my questions is: Do I equally space the lights across the grow area of do I give more space between light at the center and progressively reduce spacing toward edges where there is less overlap light to light? Thanks in advance for any help.

More spacing in the center will give a better spread if you take your time to measure it correctly.

Equal space will make the edges very weak compared to the center, and will make a hotspot (of sorts) towards the center.

It's all about measurements really... Just take your time

 

[Merlin1147]

Roger that Eyderbuddy, thanks for the input my thought too. Wondering how much to vary the distance. I guess I could wire them, float them on the frame and take light measurements but I don’t want to reinvent the wheel. Seems like someone must have already done this.

 

[eyderbuddy]

Multiplying the spacing by 1.25 for a 2x2 tent build gave me good results.

For example, i used 8 strips and spaced them as follows:

• 0.5
  
• 1.6
  
• 2.35
• 3.1
• 2.35
• 1.6
• 0.5

if you add that up it should be around 12 inches, and that leaves 1 inch for each light strip... added up it all fits perfectly inside the 20 inch frame i built

1.25 may or not be right for you... It depends on how many strips you're using, the spacing you want, the size of the frame... but the idea remains the same

 

[Merlin1147]

Great advise! I can work with that, scale it up. Thanks so much!