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LED lighting and dimmer

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by mcclandy, Feb 27, 2011.

  1. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0

    My brother and I have been working on more LED lights and controllers.  We wanted to open it up others.  I am going to put together a build thread with pictures for what we have worked on so far.  We also have a website for the controller  http://openlux.org/  .  Feel free to use it or keep updated.
    This controller is geared towards the use of meanwell drivers, either 0-10V or PWM style.
    Enjoy!
     
  2. xmasia

    xmasia Well-Known ReefKeeper

    376
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    +0 / 0 / -0
    looking forward to the buidl thread
     
  3. erayk1 Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    981
    Coralville, IA
    Ratings:
    +35 / 0 / -0
    I'm also very interested to see this build thread.
     
  4. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    how much will theses controllers cost do you think?
     
  5. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
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    about $50 to $60 is all. I will see if we can do a bill of materials and resources.
     
  6. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
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    +1 / 0 / -0
    BOM is up; with most of the resources posted. it could probably be done for less than 50 but with shipping and odds/ends it is 50 to 60 bux.
     
  7. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,821 / 14 / -0
    How many LEDs would this be capable of controlling?
     
  8. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    can you post some pics of the finished controller? maybe a video of it running some leds will you be selling controllers that are aleardy pu together?
     
  9. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
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    Just uploaded some pics and video of the lights in action. This is the first run on these lights. I can make a video of the controller menus later.. but it is very similar to the AI unit. I am running 60 leds on two fixtures, but i have another two fixtures to put up and tie in. I can see already that this is a HELLA lot of light, and i don't have the lenses on (they are in a bag at the moment). If there are enough people interested in the controller, I could order a handful of parts and probably assemble them.
     
  10. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    anyone have a PAR meter? Or know of a good CHEAP one?
     
  11. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    I have a par meter
     
  12. jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    What about similar details for your lights? ;0)
     
  13. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Basics of my lights include:
    4 heatsinkusa.com 7.280"x14" heatsinks $120,
    48 of Cree XR-E 7090 Royal Blue Emitter XREROY-L1-0000-00A01 425mW (ledrise.com - not recomended - out of Europe/Hong Kong) $316,
    72 of Cree XR-E R2 (WG) Emitter on 7090 Star (dealextreme.com - out of Hong Kong)$345,
    10 MeanwellELN-60-48P dimmable drivers PWM model $320 (powergate.com),
    4 XIGMATEK Crystal series CLF-F1704 170mm fans (newegg.com)$69 - $40mail in rebate.
    4-40 Taps/drill bits $36,
    Thermal Paste and extras (dealextreme.com) $38,
    4-40 bolts $25 Fastenal,
    120 45' Lenses (rapidled.com) $106,
    1 sheet of white acrylic 1/8" 48"x14" $40 (menards),
    clear acrylic lens covers $68 ( had made at country plastics, ames IA - great service and prices),
    6" holesaw $20 (amazon.com),
    stainless steel hardware $20 (menards),
    1 6x6x6 junction box (menards) $12,
    cord connectors $40( local elect wholesaler),
    16/8 SO type cord $160. (omnicable.com)

    about $1,700.00 over the last 12 to 14 months.

    .. and probably another $100'ish in playing and cost of controller hardwares.

    I will post more and try to get some pics up as soon as i have some more time... there is always something to work on!
    happy reefing!
     
  14. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    My fixture has 30 LEDs per fixture (x4)
    [​IMG]
    This pic is without lenses on.  Just the preliminary test run.  I have two more fixtures to tie in yet.
    This pic was taken when when i finished the outside shell.
    [​IMG]
     
  15. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Looking back, i got great prices on the main components at the time. I remember buying bulk quanity meanwells for $30 when the going rate was 45 to 55 each. And the LEDs have dropped too. But as technology advances keep coming, these costs will continue to drop, as they already have. seems that there are several places that
     
  16. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I ordered some parts, i will have ten boards in a week. I will be out until next wednesday. When i return, look for an update at the openlux website.
     

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