LED Driver Question

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
I'm far from an expert on LED's.....but my 2c off the top.
For fault tolerance. If a driver fails, you only lose half the lighting until replaced/repaired.

Possibly 2 drivers would be running at lower (more efficient?) throttle setting .vs. 1 driver running harder (less efficent)

I'm starting to read-up for a possible strip build. Gobs of info. and options I'm finding.
 

BigHornBuds

Well-Known Member
Ya it’s a lot to take in . I finally got some LEDs
But I’m only using for veg .
I got 2 65w QB to replace T5s , n 4 chilled logic v3 pucks to replace a 315 cmh n 4 more on the way . I want to have my other veg spot switch over for next summer .
 

Chip Green

Well-Known Member
In my experience, the adaptability of using multiple smaller drivers is beneficial.
Dollar per watt, with MW drivers in the ranges I work with, the difference is negligible, so I saw zero gain in larger power sources.
I don't think I've built a single fixture to this day, that has not been taken apart, and repurposed.
That is definitely one thing about DIY LED that gives me a big chub.
Perpetual flexibility.
 

BigHornBuds

Well-Known Member
In my experience, the adaptability of using multiple smaller drivers is beneficial.
Dollar per watt, with MW drivers in the ranges I work with, the difference is negligible, so I saw zero gain in larger power sources.
I don't think I've built a single fixture to this day, that has not been taken apart, and repurposed.
That is definitely one thing about DIY LED that gives me a big chub.
Perpetual flexibility.
I am liking the flexibility of the parts , and ease of upgrading .
So far I’m really happy with this replacement for a 315 .
The “substrate” frame and the wires are driving me crazy tho.
I put in for a quote to have a fab shop with a brake make some pieces for a better design.

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Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
I am liking the flexibility of the parts , and ease of upgrading .
So far I’m really happy with this replacement for a 315 .
The “substrate” frame and the wires are driving me crazy tho.
I put in for a quote to have a fab shop with a brake make some pieces for a better design.

View attachment 4414183
IView attachment 4414182
You can easily tuck those wires inside the slots for their T-fittings and hold them there with zip ties. Cut off the extra zip tie length and it's a nice, clean and tight look.
 

BigHornBuds

Well-Known Member
You can easily tuck those wires inside the slots for their T-fittings and hold them there with zip ties. Cut off the extra zip tie length and it's a nice, clean and tight look.
I’m designing something a lot better , I don’t want it to look DIY , no zip ties etc .
 

Rocket Soul

Well-Known Member
Weve had zero issues with any of our 20 or so drivers. 3, brand new store bought, all had issues? F*ck....

Apparently hlg had issues with some 480s, bad batch or something.
Smaller drivers are usually a little bit less efficient and can also complicate things with timers: due to inrush current you dont wanna put too many on a single timer and avoid blowing your fuses.

But for flexibility its great.
 

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
Smaller drivers are usually a little bit less efficient and can also complicate things with timers: due to inrush current you dont wanna put too many on a single timer and avoid blowing your fuses.

But for flexibility its great.
Ya they said it was from abnormal AC input blowing a mosfet in Q3 & Q4. Whatever the hell that's supposed to mean.
 
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