5 yo Cree 3590's. Rate of degradation?

Rottedroots

Rottedroots

Well-Known Member
I've got 900 watts or 18-3590's that have been used for 7 or 8 runs over the last 5 years and I'm wondering how much their output has decreased with time. I'm thinking of putting new COBs on the sinks. If I can't swing that I'll build three light bars to incorporate into my frames and run some supplemental lighting using some of the 100 CFLs I picked up years ago. Would the CFLs give me a broader spectrum of light? Before I change anything it would be nice to know how much "light" I've lost over the years?
Thanks...
 
Renfro

Renfro

Well-Known Member
IF the COBS lose 3% per year, after 5 years you would be around 86%. Of course thats just an estimate and in reality the COB could be much worse as it's been noted that compounds in the air tend to react with the surface of the LED further diminishing output.

I would say it's probably a great time to pop some new chips in. You could always order one new chip and just see how it compares to the old ones if you have a reliable meter. You would also benefit from a newer generation chip and could find gains there as well.

I would reach out to @CobKits and see what he thinks.
 
Rottedroots

Rottedroots

Well-Known Member
Renfro said:
IF the COBS lose 3% per year, after 5 years you would be around 86%. Of course thats just an estimate and in reality the COB could be much worse as it's been noted that compounds in the air tend to react with the surface of the LED further diminishing output.

I would say it's probably a great time to pop some new chips in. You could always order one new chip and just see how it compares to the old ones if you have a reliable meter. You would also benefit from a newer generation chip and could find gains there as well.
I would reach out to @CobKits and s thin/QUOTE]

That's a great "Right to the point" answer and I really the idea of just ordering a single chip or maybe a couple different but compatible with the heat sinks. That's genius. Have the 2nd or third gen Cree 3590s improved to any great degree and are any other COBs that " blow off" the Cree. I suppose with a little research I could find a cheapish way to keep the old CODs running as supplemental lighting. I'm gonna check that out to today. I have another 600 watts of two yo COBs that I'll work with for another year or two.
Thank my friend.


PJ Diaz said:
I don't know the answer, but if you are thinking about replacement, you might look into these, which are supposed to be QB style COB replacements: https://horticulturelightinggroup.com/collections/quantum-boards/products/qb144-v2-quantum-boards
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I'll check that out PJ. Now I have to pick though all kind literature, spec sheets reviews etc..

One more thing if I may. Are the newer and better chips that won't be compatible with the sinks I'm using now?
Tell me gentleman. Do you think there's been a lot of improvement in the output for the newer generations of chip?

Rock on and I hope you have the week off!
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Beehive

Beehive

Well-Known Member
Renfro said:

The ability to upgrade chips down the road is the main reason I was attracted to a DIY COB build myself.
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Doing the math. Each grow is 5 months. One year is approx two grows. 5 years, 10 grows.

The only problem I've had is running the chips too hot. CXM22. Burned one out in the center. It kept going. You could see the dead LEDs in the center. Using a welding helmet to view it. It was changed out. There's another chip on the way out. I needed to replace it too.....but in the heat of the moment. It either got switched out with a new one. Or the spare chip I have is it. I did a look over. I don't see the chip on the rack. So I guess its the one in the bag.
 
hillbill

hillbill

Well-Known Member
Migro has a video on board and COB output loss over a year on YouTube and probably on their site. Seem to recall off hand a range of5% to 7.5% orzo.
 
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