2-in-1 Perpetual - Setup advice required

[k0a]

Hey all,

Been lurking a couple of weeks, absorbing as much info as I can... Thanks to all who have contributed to these threads

I'm trying to spec out a first time build with the intention to setup a small 2in1 "perpetual" tent (3x3/3x1). Bombardment of questions, incoming!

1. Can I get any opinions on this light (YXO Yuxinou 500mm QB), especially from any current owners on it's ability to flower a 3x3, or suggestions for a suitable budget friendly light?
1a. I need advice on the best pick of spectrum for a flower room, should I be looking at the 35K395450660730FS or can someone recommend one of the other spectrum combos, what did you guys go with? A little reasoning would be greatly appreciated, I'm still trying to get my head around it all.

2. I presume I can just jumper out a few failed chips before I have to consider replacing the chips/board? For initial outlay I can't find anything else that can touch the price/w of these YXO lights, at least while they are on special. Given the cost of a replacement board from YXO, if it all goes to shit I'll use what I can salvage to build a Bridgelux EB strip setup.

3. I was looking at the Viparspectra VA (dimmable) series for maintaining the veg/mother/clone side of the tent. Can anyone see a reason a pair of "600w" (130 actual) lights wouldn't get me by, or suggest a better option around the same cost?

Thanks in advance!

 

[k0a]

Bump... Anyone?

 

[loco41]

BXEB-L0280Z-35E1000-C-B3 | Digi-Key Electronics

Order today, ships today. BXEB-L0280Z-35E1000-C-B3 – LED Lighting COBs Engines Modules LED Module EB Series™ Gen 2 White, Warm Linear Light Strip from Bridgelux. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

Using some of these on your veg/clone side seems like it could be done pretty cheaply/easily and probably be more efficient than the vipar's. Only being 11", you could play around with how you wanted to mount them for your given situation too. Not sure exactly how much wattage you were trying to run in that 3 sq ft. section, but you could do something like 16 strips with a xlg-100 driver for +/- $75 from digikey based on shipping. You would obviously need some wiring/framing as well which would add to the cost. Might be a nice entry build into setting up something to flower your larger side down the road as well.

Sorry I'm no real source of experience or knowledge when it comes to all of this, but just something to possibly check out as well. Lot's of knowledgeable people around here that could guide you through a build if you did choose to go down a more so diy road. Good luck with whatever you do though.

 

[k0a]

BXEB-L0280Z-35E1000-C-B3 | Digi-Key Electronics

Order today, ships today. BXEB-L0280Z-35E1000-C-B3 – LED Lighting COBs Engines Modules LED Module EB Series™ Gen 2 White, Warm Linear Light Strip from Bridgelux. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

Using some of these on your veg/clone side seems like it could be done pretty cheaply/easily and probably be more efficient than the vipar's. Only being 11", you could play around with how you wanted to mount them for your given situation too. Not sure exactly how much wattage you were trying to run in that 3 sq ft. section, but you could do something like 16 strips with a xlg-100 driver for +/- $75 from digikey based on shipping. You would obviously need some wiring/framing as well which would add to the cost. Might be a nice entry build into setting up something to flower your larger side down the road as well.

Sorry I'm no real source of experience or knowledge when it comes to all of this, but just something to possibly check out as well. Lot's of knowledgeable people around here that could guide you through a build if you did choose to go down a more so diy road. Good luck with whatever you do though.

Thanks for chiming in, Loco, it was getting lonely in here

I was hoping to go the easy route and buy complete lights, but a 100w build as you've suggested for veg seems doable and appropriate for sure... So many options, I suffer from too much (in)decision anxiety!

I was aiming for 100-150w of "white" light or 200-350w of burple in the veg/clone section to run a mother and pull clones for the main tent. The idea being to have a mother (eventually 2 so I can run some CBD strains) down below and a cloning/seedling tray above. I might have to save some more $$ and build out both sides with the gen2 bridgelux strips, I'm aiming for 300w in the 3x3.

I'm tempted by 480w (240w to get started and learn) of YXO lighting, but I'm worried about those boards not offering sufficient cover to scrog 4 plants as they're quite compact at 10x50cm, this was my main reason for looking for some feedback from users of these lights... They're so cheap compared to everything else, but the form factor seems a significant compromise.

Any chance you (or anyone else who wishes to chime in) have spectrum choice suggestions? As best I can tell people are opting for 3.5k as an "all rounder" 3k for flower and 4-5k for veg, but I'm finding it difficult to separate here say from researched advice on this subject.

I'll keep this thread up to date as I make decisions and get things ordered, thanks again

 

[Chip Green]

Don't overlook the HLG QB 96 Elite engine.
The board/heatsink combo directly from HLG, in my opinion, is the best value currently available, from a builder standpoint.
I paired each of mine, with an XLG-200-H-AB.
They will pull around 215W on that driver safely.
At one time, HLG had a plug and play fixture with those exact components.

 

[MICHI-CAN]

My best tip would be to make sure there are no light leaks through either side of your divider. Tape any and check twice more. Both sides. YW. Tried this a long time ago.

 

[k0a]

Don't overlook the HLG QB 96 Elite engine.
The board/heatsink combo directly from HLG, in my opinion, is the best value currently available, from a builder standpoint.
I paired each of mine, with an XLG-200-H-AB.
They will pull around 215W on that driver safely.
At one time, HLG had a plug and play fixture with those exact components.

Interesting little board/HS. I should have mentioned I'm not in the US, shipping kills the cost effectiveness of all the HLG stuff for me, unfortunately.

My best tip would be to make sure there are no light leaks through either side of your divider. Tape any and check twice more. Both sides. YW. Tried this a long time ago.

Thanks Michi, I'll order some alu tape