Solskin Simulation 4x4 vs Actualisation

Humple

Well-Known Member
Final numbers
Testing Parameters
  • Lighting Passport used for testing
  • 3 channels all maxed, 2 Channels of Nichia V2 P12 flux at 4000/3000/ and 660 deep red Cree XQE, so around 540 watts, total 2700 Leds
  • 36 points tested as per the Simulated software
  • Results were slighting higher than our simulation but on reviewing the data we had the light actually hanging at 17 inches while the simulation data was using 19 inches
  • we used aluminium plates on the side for reflective walls as we dont have a tent with reflective walls. The simulation was based on 80% reflective walls and we dont have a measure on the effectiveness of the alum vs the simulation, however actual testing without reflective vs reflective walls made a big difference, but I sure Im preaching to the converted
Summary:
We set out to test the idea that simulated grow data is a powerful tool. The ability to layout a room without touching a piece of hardware has got to be a big cost saving and helps alleviate doubt about a light purchase, they are expensive and you should be able to differentiate between systems/choices with the certainty that what you buy meets your specific needs and is not varnished in BS
Cheers
Mark

Damn fine numbers.
 

wietefras

Well-Known Member
That's really good yes. I still say you can go a lot lower than 18" or (17".

You really only need the darkest areas to get 80% of the average PPFD. If you get more uniformity then that, there is no benefit really and you will most likely be losing light on the walls. Which means less light overall on the plants.
 

welight

Well-Known Member
That's really good yes. I still say you can go a lot lower than 18" or (17".

You really only need the darkest areas to get 80% of the average PPFD. If you get more uniformity then that, there is no benefit really and you will most likely be losing light on the walls. Which means less light overall on the plants.
the final test was at 17 inch and with reflective walls, if non reflective we would have lost a lot of light
 

wietefras

Well-Known Member
the final test was at 17 inch and with reflective walls, if non reflective we would have lost a lot of light
Why not run it at 10" or even 9"? The light pattern on the wall clearly shows the light is well distributed at half of the distance you are using now.

You really only need to make sure that the darker area's get at least 80% of the average. There is no need to aim for 100% equal lighting everywhere. That's just a waste of light since the light needs to be higher and then the walls absorb more of the light.

Overall you get more yield with this "80% rule of thumb" than by aiming for 99.9% uniformity. That's how professional growers calculate their lighting plan.
 

PSUAGRO.

Well-Known Member
were talking 2700 leds, placed as per our simulation, we expected to see this kind of uniformity
You expected to match/ beat some center plot points on the edges? Never seen this behavior on a ppfd chart..... tight secondary lenses on the outer board/ strip?, higher density? , Disney magic? idk ,crazy #s

Are you free handing the sensor during measurements? Haha
 

Humple

Well-Known Member
You expected to match/ beat some center plot points on the edges? Never seen this behavior on a ppfd chart..... tight secondary lenses on the outer board/ strip?, higher density? , Disney magic? idk ,crazy #s

Are you free handing the sensor during measurements? Haha
We weren't provided with the dimensions of the fixture. The board layout could be heavily biased toward the edges?
 

wingerdinger

Well-Known Member
I don't have reflective walls very close to my 4x4 trays, ( have a small walk way either side)
Would i be better off getting lights that cover 4x5 wide or 5x5?
 

metic

Well-Known Member
@welight how much is one of those solskin 4x4 kits worth? and when will you be back in stock? they look amazing and I would love to purchase one or two!
 

metic

Well-Known Member
Hi Metic
What leds and colour temp do you need?
Cheers
Mark
what would be your cheapest arrangement of 3000k or 3500k leds, im unsure what the difference is between the leds being used besides from the colour difference, but am not too fussy on this aspect =) and does it cost more to have red leds on the 3rd channel instead of regular 3000k-3500k chips?
 

verticalgrow

Well-Known Member
what would be your cheapest arrangement of 3000k or 3500k leds, im unsure what the difference is between the leds being used besides from the colour difference, but am not too fussy on this aspect =) and does it cost more to have red leds on the 3rd channel instead of regular 3000k-3500k chips?
Yep, the 3 channel boards are alomost $100AUD more expensive then 2 channel boards
 
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