Hydra LEDs replace / upgrade

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 12, 2018

Hi folks!

I picked up two old AI Hydra 1st Gen recently for cheap because Royal Blue channel doesnt work, so I decided to find out if I could repair it.
After several tests, find that the problem is the burned out LED, so I have to replace them.

I will need some XT-E Royal Blue LEDs, where can i buy it?
Must i use the same XT-E LED or could i use an XP-G2 or other compatible LED??

Also, I've read that is possible upgrade the old LEDs, which ones can i upgrade?

Thanks in advance!

Amoo · Sep 12, 2018

you can safely use any LED that has the same current rating in place of the old ones.

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 12, 2018

Amoo said:
you can safely use any LED that has the same current rating in place of the old ones.

Do you know any online store where i can order them?

Amoo · Sep 12, 2018

Google honestly. I know steves LEDs still sells, I'm not sure who else does as it's been a good 5 years now since I built my fuge light. I'd honestly be surprised if they aren't all over Amazon at this point.

Amoo · Sep 12, 2018

Just to clarify, I don't think you'll be able to find a store that specifically states their LEDs are replacements for the AI Hydra. What you should be able to do though is find LEDs with the same current ratings and make sure you keep them on the same channels. So you could possibly replace like 1/4 of the cool whites with warm whites....etc. Again you just need to match current.

Mattrg02 · Sep 12, 2018

RapidLed has diodes and supplies.

I’d use a DMM with a diode tester to find the bad diode, carefully desolder, replace with new diode.

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 13, 2018

Amoo said:
Just to clarify, I don't think you'll be able to find a store that specifically states their LEDs are replacements for the AI Hydra. What you should be able to do though is find LEDs with the same current ratings and make sure you keep them on the same channels. So you could possibly replace like 1/4 of the cool whites with warm whites....etc. Again you just need to match current.

Thank you very much!

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 13, 2018

Mattrg02 said:
RapidLed has diodes and supplies.

I’d use a DMM with a diode tester to find the bad diode, carefully desolder, replace with new diode.

I'll try!
How you desolder the old LED, by heating the entire puck, with a heat gun, soldering iron??

Mattrg02 · Sep 13, 2018

Wilsonfeliz said:
I'll try!
How you desolder the old LED, by heating the entire puck, with a heat gun, soldering iron??

I’d probably try a temperature controlled iron. If you haven’t used a soldering iron before, watch some videos in YouTube. Go slow and be careful. If it isn’t done right, it won’t work for long.

Edit: Get some desoldering braid, to be used with the iron. It’ll help remove the old solder, cleanly. You’ll also want a soldering sponge.

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 13, 2018

Mattrg02 said:
I’d probably try a temperature controlled iron. If you haven’t used a soldering iron before, watch some videos in YouTube. Go slow and be careful. If it isn’t done right, it won’t work for long.

Edit: Get some desoldering braid, to be used with the iron. It’ll help remove the old solder, cleanly. You’ll also want a soldering sponge.

Nice! Thanks

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 17, 2018

Would this LED work for me??

Datasheet -- https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/90/dsXPG3-1100826.pdf

Lingwendil · Sep 17, 2018

There's a good bit of discussion in the other thread you posted in, but yes, those will work

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 18, 2018

Lingwendil said:
There's a good bit of discussion in the other thread you posted in, but yes, those will work

I already ordered them! let's see how it goes

Mattrg02 · Sep 18, 2018

I’d get a few cheap ones and practice soldering on them. Surface mount takes some practice. Too much heat will damage the diode. Watch some YouTube videos to see how to properly do it.

Wilsonfeliz · Sep 18, 2018

Mattrg02 said:
I’d get a few cheap ones and practice soldering on them. Surface mount takes some practice. Too much heat will damage the diode. Watch some YouTube videos to see how to properly do it.

Luckily i have a friend who is an expert in micro soldering, he will do the work for me.