DIY with Quantum Boards

TWest65

Well-Known Member
I can't decide what to use for four qb135 boards. (fV = 36v, Max current per board = 2000mA)

hlg-240h-c1750b (looks 1 volt short at 71-143v. 250mA short of max current, is that sort of limiting?)

hlg-320h-c2100b (76-162v can handle 4 boards. 100mA over max current, is that a bad idea)
hlg-320h-c1750b (91-183v can handle 4 boards, or 5. But if 5 boards used would 'extra'/leftover voltage (over the 144v needed for the four boards) harm anything? Also, would run boards softer than the 320h-c2100b.)
hlg-320h-36b (8.9A *available*, right? I.e.: 4 boards could be hooked up and they'll just draw the current they "want", is that right?

hlg-240h-36b (I'm also considering this)

Gonna cover a 3x9ish area with qb135s, looks like 8 boards just because running odd numbers (like 5 boards per driver, times 2), or six and four, seems awkward. Though maybe 5 and 5, just a weird fixure or wiring arrangement - I don't usually put more than 2 per fixture, don't wanna.
Consider it a 3x10; 30sq foot, veg area. I'd like to put both driver dimmer leads on a single dimmer (rapidled pot) for even levels on both halves of canopy (and have the option to dim each individually still), that's why I want both/all same drivers.

What would you do?

@TWest65 @Barristan Whitebeard @Stephenj37826 Whoever.
Thanks.

I'm going to assume you meant QB 132's.

The HLG-xxxH-36B, will work fine but, if you every plan to repurpose the driver, a constant current driver would have more options.

If you think there is a chance you might run 5 boards in the future get the hlg-320h-c1750b. If budget is tight or your pretty sure this driver will stay married to these boards, save a little money and get the hlg-240h-c1750b. My personal preference would be the hlg-320h-c2100b, because of the possible repurposing options.

If you plan on running your boards much over 1750mA, then the hlg-320h-c2100b is your only option.

Without using a controller like an arduino, there is no simple way to control the dimming of the lights as you described. You can have one potentiometer control both drivers, or two potentiometers, each controlling one driver.

As far as "left over" voltage or current, there is none per se. It's more a case of unused potential.
 
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@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
I wonder why the QB96 Elites V2's don't get to much love. There a gift and a curse rolled up into one package. Just so happens i bought 20! There a gift because there so versatile for a budget grower and always levels room for power upgrades. There a curse because its way to easy to burn plants. There almost too good in a way.
I run dual QB96 on HLG-240H-54A in a 3x3 tent. The best results i had was hanging the high and letting the plants grow into the light. But after so far they start burning. I never been able to just crank them up like i thought since im only running 240w max and the target should be around 270 and i think im barely at 200w. So im still in the learning curve with them after 3 runs but it sucks that its not too many people running them.
IMG_20200301_170810_635.jpgIMG_20200301_170810_636.jpg

(MY BUILD)
IMG_20200414_005017_982.jpgIMG_20200414_005017_977.jpg

(My setup)
IMG_20201108_163531.jpg
 

PJ Diaz

Well-Known Member
I wonder why the QB96 Elites V2's don't get to much love. There a gift and a curse rolled up into one package. Just so happens i bought 20! There a gift because there so versatile for a budget grower and always levels room for power upgrades. There a curse because its way to easy to burn plants. There almost too good in a way.
I run dual QB96 on HLG-240H-54A in a 3x3 tent. The best results i had was hanging the high and letting the plants grow into the light. But after so far they start burning. I never been able to just crank them up like i thought since im only running 240w max and the target should be around 270 and i think im barely at 200w. So im still in the learning curve with them after 3 runs but it sucks that its not too many people running them.
View attachment 4778616View attachment 4778617

(MY BUILD)
View attachment 4778629View attachment 4778626

(My setup)
View attachment 4778643
I love my QB96's. I know that they are designed to be run relatively high powered, but I actually like to run mine at lower wattage, with more fixtures spread out over a larger area. My last run in a 4x4, I ran 6 of them at 80watts each, for a total of 480watts and it rocked. I just switched over my new grow to a combo of CMH and QB96's, because it's starting to get cold and I need the IR from the CMH. I've got 4 QB96's dialed down to 50watts each now to suppliment a 400w CMH lamp. It's surprising how bright the 200watts of LED compared to the 400watts of CMH is in the tent. I don't trust my eyes, but they look equally bright to me. I need to get a battery for my crappy lux meter and take some measurements.
 

2com

Well-Known Member
I'm no expert by any means, but maybe check out these delta lne drivers on arrow for just under $20 a piece. https://www.arrow.com/en/products/lne-36v120waaa/delta-electronics

I like the idea of being able to adjust both the Vo and Io to give a little more of a "safety" wiring them in parallel since you can limit the voltage in case one board went down. Four of these drivers would cost just a little more than one hlg-240-36 driver and would give you a bit more flexability in the long run since you would be able to pair up two boards to a single driver.

Again just to reiterate, I am no expert and this is just my thought process if I had 8 of these boards to play with.
Thanks for your input.
Those drivers are $71 CAD at mouser, a comparable (or better?) meanwell driver 'hlg-120h-36' is $74 CAD. So it's no real difference. A hlg-240 driver is $95 CAD, a hlg-320 is about $125 CAD, so it's gets cheaper with wattage increase. But I don't want more than 4 boards per driver, really. And 2 per driver would be considerably more expensive.
I'm not familiar with those delta drivers at all, cool.
Vo and Io is nice to have, but I wan't remote dimming options, and dim-to-off - or at least dim to 10%.
Yea, I like the CV drivers for that reason; you can add and remove boards at will (within specs/reason).

I'm going to assume you meant QB 132's.

The HLG-xxxH-36B, will work fine but, if you every plan to repurpose the driver, a constant current driver would have more options.

If you think there is a chance you might run 5 boards in the future get the hlg-320h-c1750b. If budget is tight or your pretty sure this driver will stay married to these boards, save a little money and get the hlg-240h-c1750b. My personal preference would be the hlg-320h-c2100b, because of the possible repurposing options.

If you plan on running your boards much over 1750mA, then the hlg-320h-c2100b is your only option.

Without using a controller like an arduino, there is no simple way to control the dimming of the lights as you described. You can have one potentiometer control both drivers, or two potentiometers, each controlling one driver.

As far as "left over" voltage or current, there is none per se. It's more a case of unused potential.
Yea, qb132. I confused the model with the price.

Ok, I kinda see what you mean. Though, I haven't messed with series-parallel or anything like that. I've like CV drivers so far due to the ability of adding or removing one or more of the same board with ease.

I think the only reason I'd run an odd number like 5 would be if splitting 10 in half with two drivers, or some other specific setup/fixture. I like even numbers; pairs of two. When you say repurposing options, could you give me an example please?

Well, it's just that the qb132s, are rated up to 2000mA, so I wanted to have that capability "on tap" so to speak, with the driver.

Maybe I wasn't clear about dimming/pots. I mean: the drivers have dimmer leads, you can connect up to 4 of those to a single rapidled pot. So, 2 drivers of the same power on one dimmer, for example. They'll be dimmed evenly with one pot. But you can just disconnect one driver from the wago and connect it to it's own (second) rapidled pot, and now you have to separate halves/drivers both on their own dimmers, in seconds, if needed.

edit:
I have a couple hlg-240h-c2100 drivers, see. And initially, from memory, I was thinking that the qb132 was rated at 2100mA or a bit higher. I thought perfect, I could probably run four qb132 of one hlg-240h-c2100, but they only have enough voltage for three boards, and on top of that, they'd be a little bit overpowering (amperage) the boards...?
Yea.

edit2:
correction on the voltage range of the hlg-320h-c2100 that I posted; it's "76-152v", not "76-162v"
 
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2com

Well-Known Member
I wonder why the QB96 Elites V2's don't get to much love. There a gift and a curse rolled up into one package. Just so happens i bought 20! There a gift because there so versatile for a budget grower and always levels room for power upgrades. There a curse because its way to easy to burn plants. There almost too good in a way.
I run dual QB96 on HLG-240H-54A in a 3x3 tent. The best results i had was hanging the high and letting the plants grow into the light. But after so far they start burning. I never been able to just crank them up like i thought since im only running 240w max and the target should be around 270 and i think im barely at 200w. So im still in the learning curve with them after 3 runs but it sucks that its not too many people running them.
View attachment 4778616View attachment 4778617

(MY BUILD)
View attachment 4778629View attachment 4778626

(My setup)
View attachment 4778643
They're great. I think people see the lower price and think they can't be as good as 288 based qbs maybe? They're so versatile. Three on a 320w driver is great.
 

@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
I love my QB96's. I know that they are designed to be run relatively high powered, but I actually like to run mine at lower wattage, with more fixtures spread out over a larger area. My last run in a 4x4, I ran 6 of them at 80watts each, for a total of 480watts and it rocked. I just switched over my new grow to a combo of CMH and QB96's, because it's starting to get cold and I need the IR from the CMH. I've got 4 QB96's dialed down to 50watts each now to suppliment a 400w CMH lamp. It's surprising how bright the 200watts of LED compared to the 400watts of CMH is in the tent. I don't trust my eyes, but they look equally bright to me. I need to get a battery for my crappy lux meter and take some measurements.
I need to get something to measure the light. The lowest i can go is 50%(120w, 60w each). Im going to redo my fixtures eventually. I had plans on adding 2 more to spread the load more, i have plenty still sitting in the box, 14 to be exact.20201226_154251.jpg
I thought the perimeter would get the least amount of light but that what ended up frying. It was crazy, tent #1 looked like shit, tent #2 was just the perimeter, tent #3 had minimal problems but i had the same problem in all three tents. After backing down the watts, it been back to normal.
(Tent #2)
20201220_005134.jpg20201219_233855.jpg

(Tent #1)
20201220_005345.jpg
 

PJ Diaz

Well-Known Member
I need to get something to measure the light. The lowest i can go is 50%(120w, 60w each). Im going to redo my fixtures eventually. I had plans on adding 2 more to spread the load more, i have plenty still sitting in the box, 14 to be exact.View attachment 4778659
I thought the perimeter would get the least amount of light but that what ended up frying. It was crazy, tent #1 looked like shit, tent #2 was just the perimeter, tent #3 had minimal problems but i had the same problem in all three tents. After backing down the watts, it been back to normal.
(Tent #2)
View attachment 4778663View attachment 4778671

(Tent #1)
View attachment 4778675
Since you have so many extra, I'd definitely add a couple more in parallel to the existing drivers, and spread the light around more. I started with 4 of them in a 4x4, and quickly discovered the issues with headroom run at the suggested wattages, so bought another pair to lower the power per fixture, and have been very happy since. Personally I think HLG would do well to make a QB96 version of the Scorpion fixture, which could be dimmable up to 800watts. I think it would be a real 1k HPS rival.
 

@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
They're great. I think people see the lower price and think they can't be as good as 288 based qbs maybe? They're so versatile. Three on a 320w driver is great.
I would be terrified with 3 on a 320w driver. Im burning the perimeter with 2 on a 240 w driver around 70% load! These things are underrated monsters.
 

@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
Since you have so many extra, I'd definitely add a couple more in parallel to the existing drivers, and spread the light around more. I started with 4 of them in a 4x4, and quickly discovered the issues with headroom run at the suggested wattages, so bought another pair to lower the power per fixture, and have been very happy since. Personally I think HLG would do well to make a QB96 version of the Scorpion fixture, which could be dimmable up to 800watts. I think it would be a real 1k HPS rival.
That give me the chills! It would be an absolutely awesome animal.
 

2com

Well-Known Member
I would be terrified with 3 on a 320w driver. Im burning the perimeter with 2 on a 240 w driver around 70% load! These things are underrated monsters.
I hear ya. I'm just saying about 100w each is nice. 3 on a 320w, or 2 on a 240w, similar power per board. Or like PJ Diaz said, 80w is nice.

If you like these QB96 boards, I'd highly recommend the thread(s) that "Or_Gro" did over at grasscity forums. He did some stuff here about them as well, but not near as much.
He did par maps and height measurement tests, all sorts of shit.
@Or_Gro isn't around here anymore though.
 

@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone, I'm working on a light with six qb96's. I would like to push slightly under 500 watts through all six for my 4x4 tent. I was looking at two drivers, the HLG-480H-C1400 and the HLG-480H-C1750 (will definitely be wiring in series). After looking through this thread now I'm thinking the C1400 is the better choice. Am I on the right path? Thanks all!
Its good to see another 96 elite guy. I cant exactly answer your question but i run 2 currently on a HLG-240H-54A in a 3x3. I never been able to crank it past 70-ish percent without burning leaves. I will soon run 4 in a 3x3 to spread the load. But my man @PJ Diaz is killing it with them in a 4x4.
 

piney420

Well-Known Member
Its good to see another 96 elite guy. I cant exactly answer your question but i run 2 currently on a HLG-240H-54A in a 3x3. I never been able to crank it past 70-ish percent without burning leaves. I will soon run 4 in a 3x3 to spread the load. But my man @PJ Diaz is killing it with them in a 4x4.
Thanks, no worries; the c1400 was the only choice, and I am waiting on my rails now to complete my parts list. Hoping to have the light together in the next week or so!
 

@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
I hear ya. I'm just saying about 100w each is nice. 3 on a 320w, or 2 on a 240w, similar power per board. Or like PJ Diaz said, 80w is nice.

If you like these QB96 boards, I'd highly recommend the thread(s) that "Or_Gro" did over at grasscity forums. He did some stuff here about them as well, but not near as much.
He did par maps and height measurement tests, all sorts of shit.
@Or_Gro isn't around here anymore though.
Thats what made me bite the bullet and also buy so many. From his data i thought i was going to be safe lol. Initially i was going to run each QB96 on a single HLG-240H-54A but at the time i could only find 6 of the drivers. In a way it all worked out.
 

@EastCoastGenetix

Well-Known Member
Arrow has some 54v 150 watt delta drivers for under $20 right now. Figured I'd throw that up here for the guys who snagged some of the 96 boards. Seems like a nice little budget set up for some quality boards.
I wish i would've been able to catch that deal. Those look like some nice drivers.
 

pop22

Well-Known Member
They are a great light especially if you have the headroom for them. For me that 3 04 4 inches of extra clearance a QB gives me is important at time. I also like the concept of more point sources and running at lower power. Its why I went to the Diablo Board. Running 4 of them at 100 watts per board is giving me 1100 PPF. The QB 96 is great in that you can place one over each plant if you wanted. I'd hang them individually to customize the height for each plant


I wonder why the QB96 Elites V2's don't get to much love. There a gift and a curse rolled up into one package. Just so happens i bought 20! There a gift because there so versatile for a budget grower and always levels room for power upgrades. There a curse because its way to easy to burn plants. There almost too good in a way.
I run dual QB96 on HLG-240H-54A in a 3x3 tent. The best results i had was hanging the high and letting the plants grow into the light. But after so far they start burning. I never been able to just crank them up like i thought since im only running 240w max and the target should be around 270 and i think im barely at 200w. So im still in the learning curve with them after 3 runs but it sucks that its not too many people running them.
View attachment 4778616View attachment 4778617

(MY BUILD)
View attachment 4778629View attachment 4778626

(My setup)
View attachment 4778643
 

loco41

Well-Known Member
I wish i would've been able to catch that deal. Those look like some nice drivers.
I have a couple already, but haven't hooked anything up to them so I cant really offer much beyond just reading the datasheets on them. I may grab a few more of the +/- $20 drivers just to have around, a few different volt/watt options available in that price range still. One day I'll learn some self control and stop planning for future things and actually get my shit together to utilize what I already have stockpiled up.

I think you hinted at it and @PJ Diaz suggested too, but putting 4 boards per fixture in your 3x3's seems like a win/win situation. More even spread and better overall efficiency while being able to run a little closer to the canopy as well. I love your setup's though. I find myself in the organic/led rabbit hole's most days so your endeavors are right in my wheelhouse. Wish you the best moving forward and will follow along for the ride.
 

2com

Well-Known Member
Thanks, no worries; the c1400 was the only choice, and I am waiting on my rails now to complete my parts list. Hoping to have the light together in the next week or so!
Someone correct me if I'm wrong here...

That driver, or rather that choice of number of leds and series wiring is going to be a problem. qb96 is 54v. You wanna run 6 in series, and the voltage adds up, 6 x 54v = 324v. The driver can provide that, https://www.meanwell.com/Upload/PDF/HLG-480H-C/HLG-480H-C-SPEC.PDF, but that's too high a voltage to working with. Most of the wires (the 18awg solid core), and the connectors on the qbs themselves I think (molex), are rated to 300v.

I would'nt do six in series. Too much voltage I think.

(edit: sp).
 
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