LED Layout for future Solana Build

zemuss · May 30, 2012

It's about time I get off my butt and start working on my LED build. I wanted to know what you thought of my LED clusters which is in the attachment.

Note: each cluster will have 3 NW, 5 RB and 1 CB

NW = Neutral White
RB = Royal Blue
CB = Cool Blue

Let me know which you like best and will give me the best blend using 60 degree optics.

zemuss · May 30, 2012

bump...

Anyone have any feedback?

zemuss · May 31, 2012

Revision: Layout 5.

revsgirl · May 31, 2012

:bump2:

revhtree · May 31, 2012

I can't really be of much help here but I am looking forward to seeing you build this.

jonbar1 · May 31, 2012

I personally would use the top right, and revision 5 looks good to me as well.

zemuss · May 31, 2012

I really like version 5. In this version I am thinking I would have two or three clusters on a 10wX 18L heat sink. I am going PWM with this build and will have at least 6 channels for PWM with the audrino unit. I have three of ELN-60 48P meanwell drivers. My understanding is you can run 13 LEDS on them and wanted to know if that is correct.

jonbar1 · May 31, 2012

Looks like that driver has a max forward voltage of 48V so it should handle 13 fine.

jonbar1 · May 31, 2012

I forgot to add, ReefLEDLights has a great FAQ if you wanna know how to calculate how many LEDs you can run:
Driver FAQ’s Â« Â« ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting

Reef Breeders · May 31, 2012

Cut the nuetral whites and replce them with cool whites. replace 1rb with a red, and the cool blue with a regular in configuration #2

zemuss · May 31, 2012

Why CW versus NW? Everyone I ask say the opposite and even EvilC said no CW's anymore. Whats your thoughts about the NW vs CW's?

zemuss · May 31, 2012

Wanted to also know why you would add a red?

I do appreciate you commenting on my patterns and welcome the feedback.

I have taken 2 years planning this and want to do it right.

Reef Breeders · May 31, 2012

zemuss said:
Wanted to also know why you would add a red?

I do appreciate you commenting on my patterns and welcome the feedback.

I have taken 2 years planning this and want to do it right.

The argument with NW is that they have more red spectrum. really all they do is make a more bland color, not at all crisp like CW LEDS. The red LED is to pick up that red spectrum that the CW/RB combo does not porduce. I would also add a green.

zemuss · May 31, 2012

**** I guess I should add a CYAN too then.. I am trying to make this build interchangeable, so if I don't like the color I can pop a LED off and add another.

My next question is drivers.

If I want a really custom build maybe I need to rethink my driver that I will be using. Currently I wanted to use the Meanwell drivers but if I want to drive each color independent then I would want a smaller driver that would run fewer led's, right? This is where I get lost on what to do. HELP!

Reef Breeders · May 31, 2012

zemuss said:
**** I guess I should add a CYAN too then.. I am trying to make this build interchangeable, so if I don't like the color I can pop a LED off and add another.

My next question is drivers.

If I want a really custom build maybe I need to rethink my driver that I will be using. Currently I wanted to use the Meanwell drivers but if I want to drive each color independent then I would want a smaller driver that would run fewer led's, right? This is where I get lost on what to do. HELP!

How many clusters will yoube using?

zemuss · Jun 1, 2012

Whats the **** for? Did I curse or something?

It was suggested to use 2 or 3 Clusters of Revision: Layout 5 on the first page. I actually like that design and like I said it will be interchangeable. (Thoughts??)

How ever I need to research the Meanwells because I want this to be driven by PWM, but one step at a time because I want this built already. So I have a solution to convert the PWM signal with a circuit board.

How would I configure the leds? Suggestions?

I am thinking each color needs to be on a separate driver. My only thing about that is then are Meanwell drivers the best to use? I know I can get smaller drivers from Meanwell but cost will be the next factor.

I wonder if Buckpuck is another valid choice here, and can they be driven by a controller like the Meanwells? Another option is purchasing the drivers that a vendor might have or finally making my own drivers. Then of course i will need a power supply. I was trying to not have to worry about external power and it is why i wanted to go with the Meanwells.