How are you supposed to pick a driver?

[HandyGringo]

I'm having a hard time figuring out what driver I need for my ideal build. I want to run 4 3590 32v cobs.. With a dimmer..

And after looking at https://www.rollitup.org/t/matching-drivers-and-cobs.883866/ I'm none the wiser.

There's so many options, and I have no idea which one is the best to pick.

 

[CobKits]

how hard do you want to run them?

 

[HandyGringo]

how hard do you want to run them?

Probably not that hard, but I like having the option to run them at 70% for instance. But would probably be kept at 50 or 40 or 30 most of the time.

 

[Greengenes707]

http://www.straightroadelectronics.com/mean-well-usa-inc/HLG-240H-C1750B

 

[HydoDan]

http://www.straightroadelectronics.com/mean-well-usa-inc/HLG-240H-C1750B

That is the one you want.. about 63 watts per cob with dimmer..

 

[CobKits]

70% is not really what i was looking for.

are you familiar with the differences of running a chip at 700, 1050, 1400, 2100 mA, in regard to efficiency as well as thermal management?

 

[CobKits]

http://www.straightroadelectronics.com/mean-well-usa-inc/HLG-240H-C1750B

a little cheaper on my site with RIU discount code

https://cobkits.com/product/meanwell-hlg-240h-c/

 

[HandyGringo]

70% is not really what i was looking for.

are you familiar with the differences of running a chip at 700, 1050, 1400, 2100 mA, in regard to efficiency as well as thermal management?

Guess I'm not. I've heard that 1400 was the place to be though.

http://www.straightroadelectronics.com/mean-well-usa-inc/HLG-240H-C1750B

I hope my european retailer has that one, but thanks for the recommendation! Any particular reason for that one?

 

[CobKits]

both the 1400 and 1750 are popular because they operate the CXBs in a place thats a good balance of cost and efficiency

in other words, at 700 you have higher efficiency than 1400 but need almost twice the chips
at 2800 you need a little more than half the chips compared to 1400, but are taking an efficiency hit

1400-1750 mA is under a buck a watt for chips and will give good results

 

[HydoDan]

Best driver that meets your requirements! I'm running at 1400 wish it was 1750... More choice!!

 

[HandyGringo]

both the 1400 and 1750 are popular because they operate the CXBs in a place thats a good balance of cost and efficiency

in other words, at 700 you have higher efficiency than 1400 but need almost twice the chips
at 2800 you need a little more than half the chips compared to 1400, but are taking an efficiency hit

1400-1750 mA is under a buck a watt for chips and will give good results

So, if I settle for 1400 what more is there to consider since there's so many options? It's kind of confusing..

 

[CobKits]

at that point you can use passive heatsinks. something like:

https://cobkits.com/product/140mm-x-70mm-pin-fin-heatsink-for-cxb3590/
shows out of stock but ive got like 12 of those coming in

you could run 1750 on those as well

 

[HandyGringo]

at that point you can use passive heatsinks. something like:

https://cobkits.com/product/140mm-x-70mm-pin-fin-heatsink-for-cxb3590/
shows out of stock but ive got like 12 of those coming in

you could run 1750 on those as well

No but I mean for drivers? Like out of all the 1400 mA drivers.. Which one is like the go to option?

 

[CobKits]

depends on:
-how many cobs you want to run
-if you need external dimming

 

[PhotonFUD]

If you don't need new, you can always recycle drivers from other units.

I think of all the DIY parts, this is the one you can save money on with the least impact. That money can go to more chips.

 

[HandyGringo]

depends on:
-how many cobs you want to run
-if you need external dimming

I plan on running 4 cobs, perhaps 5. And I plan on having a dimming switch. Just to keep it on low during veg or something. If that makes any sense.

If you don't need new, you can always recycle drivers from other units.

I think of all the DIY parts, this is the one you can save money on with the least impact. That money can go to more chips.

I don't trust the chinese drivers. I'm not really experienced with this, but I've heard a lot of bad about the chinese drivers.

 

[CobKits]

all meanwells are made in taiwan and are regarded as the best you can buy

 

[PhotonFUD]

I plan on running 4 cobs, perhaps 5. And I plan on having a dimming switch. Just to keep it on low during veg or something. If that makes any sense.




I don't trust the chinese drivers. I'm not really experienced with this, but I've heard a lot of bad about the chinese drivers.

I have heard a lot of bad things from people about sushi but I still eat it.

The mw drivers are big, bulky and might be overkill for some. They are ip rated so you can pretty much drop them in water but you do pay for all of that.

In my opinion, the more that goes into light creation the better. If I can re-use some old components rather than buy new all the better,

 

[Greengenes707]

Any particular reason for that one?

It does what you asked.

all meanwells are made in taiwan and are regarded as the best you can buy

ALL meanwells are NOT made in Taiwan.

 

[CobKits]

ALL meanwells are NOT made in Taiwan.

whatever man, i just went and peeked in 10 different models of HLG, every single one is made in taiwan and i would trust it with my life