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 shpongled
Stranger
Registered: 07/04/09
Posts: 25
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
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 Building LED Grow Lights - Need your help! 
#314466 - 11/11/09 11:24 PM (15 years, 4 months ago) |
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So I have been kicking this idea around for a while. I have noticed the uptick of interest in LED lighting systems. They have some very nice advantages and many system have some significant disadvantages.
I am would like to design and build some decent LED lighting systems for myself and possibly others. I have decent soldering and electronics experience but am not a EE and currently am in the very early stages of this idea.
I spent a good bit of time building custom amplifiers and other audio projects and know my way around a circuit diagram. I also feel that LED systems are relatively simple in design. Currently I think my main hurdles with be designing the necessary power supply for the system and the selection of the correct LED's.
What really piqued my interest is this site: http://hydro-grow-led.com/blog/336w-penetrator-grow-light/
They are a sponsor on IC and there are currently a few grows with their systems in the early stages. They claim to have designed their systems in house and the results are better then HID's.
I am not looking to do this as a business, instead it is more of a hobby. I enjoy soldering and building electronics. Also, currently I am unable to grow so this project is my introduction to this hobby.
I am hoping to turn this into a community project with help and information coming from multiple sources. I don't want another proprietary LED system full of FUD. I want to embrace open source principles so all input will be considered and any knowledge gained will be available to everyone.
Here is what I need from all of you:
- First anyone with experience designing circuits specifically the necessary power supply components. At first I plan on prototyping with breadboard but if we can flesh out a good board I would be willing to have a PCB manufactured.
- Any information on specific light wavelengths and configurations that optimize growth through all stages of the plants life. I found some information on IC and other sites as well as the manufacturers website listed above. Even still I need to lessen my workload so all input is appreciated.
- I NEED GROWERS! Any experienced growers interested in testing who are willing to work to help improve the system are welcome. I want to offer these systems at cost to a small group of "beta testers" who are interested.
- Part sourcing will also be important. I am hoping the normal suppliers like digikey and mouser will be sufficient but its possible that some obscure company is offering some crazy new LED. If you know about anything special....POST IT!
- Finally, any experience on current systems that are available would be great. I want to hear what works and what doesn't. If anyone had any they are willing to let me take a look at; even better.
Thanks for reading my wall of text. This project is now in your hands. I am willing to put in the work and make all of these systems by hand but still need help from other interested people.
This could be an important step for the evolution of indoor gardening or a total flop. I think the best way to find out is try.
Votes accepted from 11/11/09 12:00 PM until 01/11/09 11:21 PM
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shpongled
Stranger
Registered: 07/04/09
Posts: 25
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
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Re: Building LED Grow Lights - Need your help! [Re: shpongled]
#314871 - 11/12/09 06:31 PM (15 years, 4 months ago) |
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Well it looks like this project is going to be derailed before it begins. I cant seem to find a source for high quality 1w LED's for less then $3 each. I think the only option would be contacting a supplier directly but the quantities would be prohibitive.
Also, interest seems to be less then stellar. No hard feelings though. I will leave this post open for a few more days and then chalk it up to good intentions without substance and remove it.
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shpongled
Stranger
Registered: 07/04/09
Posts: 25
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
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Re: Building LED Grow Lights - Need your help! [Re: shpongled]
#314929 - 11/12/09 09:09 PM (15 years, 4 months ago) |
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I just found a great article outlining the design and implementation of a "tunable" LED array for plant reserch.
PDF Report
I am still having a hard time sourcing LEDs with the perfect output wavelengths. So far there are very few sources. One of the most promising is the NorLux 90 Die Hex. They have a monochromatic red array with a peak output of 660nm. Perfect! The downside is cost, $48 a pop! But from what I can tell it is actually an array of 90 individual LED's on each die.
Here is a great article about making a led grow light with some great info:
http://screwdecaf.cx/broiler.html
Hopefully I can drum up some interest in this thread. 
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