Although I like the idea of moving around each individual COB I'd have to agree that it could be a potential problem (grabbing the uncovered fan, tugging a wire loose, etc.).
And IDK about "best at providing even coverage", wouldn't moving them around create an uneven coverage and potentially dead spots if they're moved too far apart/close together? Or is this something that has been tested and measured?
IMO pre-selected spots for the COBs to sit and provide even coverage (while allowing adjustments) would be a good way to get the best of both worlds.
The fans on the Model-V are harmless to the touch at 5V. Wires are all soldered, taped, and heat wrapped to prevent any wires coming unloose, with all drivers being secured down with locking washers and nuts.
Each of the outside bars have drilled holes that allow users to match up COBS in parallel fashion with or without the use of included screws, locking washers, and nuts, which also adds to the stability of the COB modules and prevents the potential "dead spot". Additionally, the drilled holes offers the user to push all the COB modules inwards to the middle, maximizing focus/intensity or spread out, maximizing coverage/spread. So in short, the Model-V is giving the given user a whole sort of options with respect to mobility.
Yes, I was thinking about you guys and your needs when it came to all of this!
I have a few thoughts on what it is going to take for a cob panel builder be top of the game:
GG has a good approach targeting a specific lamp (CMH) footprint to match as a 1:1 replacement.
But for a flower light I think it needs to be determined the height and area (say 18" diameter canopy at 24" Height etc) at which the COB used provides 800-1000µmol and the fixture designed to hold 1 - 2 COBS spaced to provide coverage as such and allow MANY units to be linked together.
Then the big boy grower has solid data to know if I buy x amount of units and hang them at x height I am covered.
I really don't see the point in having cobs sliding around on rails other than to greatly increase the chance of a mechanical / electrical failure
My $.02 anyways
The thing about the game is that it's so widespread now that everyone growing has different needs and capabilities. When I was growing out in Oregon as a caregiver, I could only work with a pantry and a closet, which limited the space that I had to grow with, as well as what lighting systems I could choose from.
In short, every grower has different needs and having multiple options rather than solely one single option is a big win for the average grower.
As for the sliding, it's an option that's tied in with the option of being able to easily switch out COB modules that may differ in spectrum or technology. Some people prefer periodically turning their pots around so that different areas of the plant take turns in absorbing various amounts of light. With the ability of easily moving lighting sources around, one can avoid the grunt work.
One of the things that I had issues with in my last serious grow was that the main cola grew so quickly after the beginning of flowering that I had to tie it down and out of the the limelight in order to keep it from being burnt, as my tent was limited in height. Looking back, if I could have simply and strategically moved the lighting sources around, I quite possibly could have avoided having to stress her out, leading to a better harvest.
The chances of an electrical and/or mechanical failure aren't likely; I've got these fixtures set up for rough and tough handling. Believe it or not, I want customers to be happy and satisfied with their Model-V fixtures.
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