Aqua Knight LED chip replacement.

[SashimiTurtle]

Hey guys, I've got two of these Aqua Knight LEDs I'm no longer using and want to change out some of the chips for a fresh water tank. I know they make a freshwater version but its smaller and doesnt have the adjustable arm I'm looking for. Plus, I kinda want the tinkering project. I'm not exactly sure what chips are in it tho. I've got it apart and its surface mount for sure, just need to know what chips to order.

 

[crusso1993]

I admittedly know nearly next to nothing when it comes to LED chip replacement. However, my Boy Blue, er, um, @dantimdad is an LED maniac and should be able to help.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I can help a little. Those are "COB" (Chip on board) diodes, as opposed to "SMD" (surface mounted Diode).

SMD diodes can change colors, where COB's can only produce one color.

SMD's are more permanently mounted to a circuit board, where COB's have two connections to make contact to the circuit board.

Looks like they use 3w COB diodes.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

I can help a little. Those are "COB" (Chip on board) diodes, as opposed to "SMD" (surface mounted Diode).

SMD diodes can change colors, where COB's can only produce one color.

SMD's are more permanently mounted to a circuit board, where COB's have two connections to make contact to the circuit board.

Looks like they use 3w COB diodes.

Ok, cool. They can be changed out tho, right? Pretty sure they are soldered on two sides. I think most of the blue are CREE, one may be Epistar? Theres a diagram somewhere of what is which. I'll look up the COB diodes tho.

I still have to do some spectrum research on which ones I want to use.

 

[Katrina71]

Looking forward to seeing this project.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Ok so I'm 99% certain that I'm pretty sure I maybe have 3030 SMD chips.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Ok, cool. They can be changed out tho, right? Pretty sure they are soldered on two sides. I think most of the blue are CREE, one may be Epistar? Theres a diagram somewhere of what is which. I'll look up the COB diodes tho.

I still have to do some spectrum research on which ones I want to use.

I'm not familiar with the type of diode they used and how they are connected. From a little research, they look to be Cree XB-D type diodes.

 

[TheHarold]

Does the fixture work? Those resistors look super nasty.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

That's it! They even have the little bubble on them. Now, where to get them...

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Does the fixture work? Those resistors look super nasty.

Fixture is fine, that's some kind of silicone schmoo all over the place. Its covering these circuit boards also. My only guess is anti corrosive protection? The box isnt exactly sealed and they are designed to go over salt water.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Now that I know what XBD means, this make a lot more sense... also, love that translation.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Here's one way they get these things on the PCB board and it's out there to me, but it looks like it works well. I'm sure there is other ways like a heat gun or oven:


The type of diode in this guy's video is similar to what you have.

To make certain that they are the XB-D's, measure the body for size.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Here's one way they get these things on the PCB board and it's out there to me, but it looks like it works well. I'm sure there is other ways like a heat gun or oven:


The type of diode in this guy's video is similar to what you have.

To make certain that they are the XB-D's, measure the body for size.

Great video... I see how they are attached now... a little more difficult that I thought at first. Should still be able to get them off the board tho, just have to get creative. I don't think the hot plate will work for me as the board has other soldered connections I do not want coming off. I'll have to think the other ways he showed over.

I also need a very small mm measuring device.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Great video... I see how they are attached now... a little more difficult that I thought at first. Should still be able to get them off the board tho, just have to get creative. I don't think the hot plate will work for me as the board has other soldered connections I do not want coming off. I'll have to think the other ways he showed over.

I also need a very small mm measuring device.

I learned a lot about these doing research for you. I did my Mars Aqua boards not long ago with new diodes and added UV's to them as well using a soldiering gun, thermal paste and flux. Bridgelux type diodes, way different than the ones you have.

New Mars Aqua PCB boards use a similar COB you have, so if I ever get new fixtures, I will need to do what your about to do most likely.

Glad I could help.

 

[oreo54]

Just measure them accurately to start..
3030 ar 3x3mm
5050's 5x5
5630 5.6x3mm
Just for others..
Connector "footprints" aren't exactly universal..but many are ..
Not sure the violet epileds have the same footprint as the CREE's
Considering they say CREE and the wattage implies 3-5W diodes you got it ..

You can use a hot air rework station for removal..

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Of course finding diodes and tools and parts.. doesn't exactly make this a cheap switch out.
Oh and skill..
Those diodes do look nasty though...

Chances are you wil need to buy pre-mounted and then dismount then remount them..

Alibaba and eek bay is prob. best sources..

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Watch for Chinese new years.. shipping out get slow.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Thanks @oreo5457, I'm going to look at trying to heat the board from underneath and see if I can melt the solder that way. A butane torch lighter should work. It's a large one piece board tho so it may soak up a lot of heat.

I've found a few chips online, they are all mounted to the little PCB stars tho so I wil have to detach them and then remount. They don't look to be very expensive to purchase.

Cree XLamp LEDs - XPL, CXA, XTE, XPE2, XPG2 & XML2 LEDs

www.ledsupply.com

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Found the chips without PCB stars. Smarter Every Day video about breaking into smart home with lasers, he shared a link to a website with a super tiny microphone. Figured they'd have LEDs. They're cheap too. Just need to get a measurement on these things to be certain which one I have.

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[dantimdad]

I am late to the party. I was going to post that exact video. I still have not reflowed yet. I really need to try it.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Alright, so now I'm confused... XP-E2? Too big to be the XBD

 

[Flippers4pups]

Alright, so now I'm confused... XP-E2? Too big to be the XBD

Could be then.