Alternatives to Meanwell drivers?

SexForBreakfast

Active Member
I look at it this way. Why does every good light manufacture uses them? Then then I’d buy a meanwell lol.
Meanwell drivers are expensive as s
I look at it this way. Why does every good light manufacture uses them? Then then I’d buy a meanwell lol.
you're adding 30% or more of the cost on a single item just to power your lights when the HLG series still doesnt have PWM compatibility. Also theres alot of companies that are offering warranties as well
 

sethimus

Well-Known Member
http://www.fsp-powerland.com/?p=770&lang=en

I mean 95.5% efficient is their claims I never heard of them before @Greengenes707 shared powerland though
i doubt i can get these cheaper than meanwell drivers, the hlg 600 is 177eur with taxes +6eur shipping in 2 days

the powerland driver is quoted 130$ here:

https://ritazhang2016.en.made-in-china.com/product/jNlxBdurEEco/China-600W-48V-Outdoor-Programmable-Constant-Voltage-LED-Driver.html

it would take a few weeks + shipping costs + 19% tax + customs (not sure if the eu wants a cut) = not worth it
 

Greengenes707

Well-Known Member
yes, I would also add Philips, Harvard ...........man, inventronics driver brings back memories of the og hans panel
how are you doing grower?
Ya, I thought about them too. Just put down what I have actually used recently. SK is using an invetronics on thier new light.
Is there a place you prefer to buy them at? I can only find them for sale on alibaba and that place confuses me lol.
IF its their ali store you're fine. Email them and ask where else you could buy.
do you know of any manufacturer with a higher than 96% efficiency driver in the 600w range?
Not in AC-DC drivers. With that said, I've yet to test a build a unit with a meanwell that actually hits the max efficiency claimed. They have all been 1-2% lower than expected.
 

SexForBreakfast

Active Member
i doubt i can get these cheaper than meanwell drivers, the hlg 600 is 177eur with taxes +6eur shipping in 2 days

the powerland driver is quoted 130$ here:

https://ritazhang2016.en.made-in-china.com/product/jNlxBdurEEco/China-600W-48V-Outdoor-Programmable-Constant-Voltage-LED-Driver.html

it would take a few weeks + shipping costs + 19% tax + customs (not sure if the eu wants a cut) = not worth it
Ah that stinks man. I tried finding the prices out but I couldn't find them for sale lol
 

JavaCo

Well-Known Member
Meanwell drivers are expensive as s


you're adding 30% or more of the cost on a single item just to power your lights when the HLG series still doesnt have PWM compatibility. Also theres alot of companies that are offering warranties as well
Never had a problem dimming with PWM on HLG series drivers. Not sure why you are saying that, well documented in the driver data sheets. Screenshot from 2018-10-31 12-46-43.png
 

CannaBruh

Well-Known Member
Ya, I thought about them too. Just put down what I have actually used recently. SK is using an invetronics on thier new light.

IF its their ali store you're fine. Email them and ask where else you could buy.

Not in AC-DC drivers. With that said, I've yet to test a build a unit with a meanwell that actually hits the max efficiency claimed. They have all been 1-2% lower than expected.
There is no max efficiency claimed (could be wrong)
Data sheets offer typical ratings and note "All parameters NOT specially mentioned are measured at 230VAC input, rated current and 25 of ambient temperature" If you run US mains you will not be as efficient as the higher input voltage conditions that units were tested under.
 

SexForBreakfast

Active Member
Never had a problem dimming with PWM on HLG series drivers. Not sure why you are saying that, well documented in the driver data sheets. View attachment 4225048
Because I'm wrong that's why lol. For some reason a few sites I checked said their PWM wasnt compatible with meanwell b series drivers. My main reasoning is cost though man, planning on adding 2 more setups temporarily (just a 4x4 get and a clone setup for now) and maybe more down the line as it seems to be a bigger hobby in my life

Thanks for the correction man.
 

CannaBruh

Well-Known Member
Because I'm wrong that's why lol. For some reason a few sites I checked said their PWM wasnt compatible with meanwell b series drivers. My main reasoning is cost though man, planning on adding 2 more setups temporarily (just a 4x4 get and a clone setup for now) and maybe more down the line as it seems to be a bigger hobby in my life

Thanks for the correction man.
If you don't mind living dangerously there are endless cheapshit drivers for offer out there. I've ran offbrand China drivers since 2016 without a failure, YMMV. *be advised you won't be running as efficient as the meanwells as the cheap ones claim only some η ~88% (as Gene finds it's likely worse)
 

SexForBreakfast

Active Member
If you don't mind living dangerously there are endless cheapshit drivers for offer out there. I've ran offbrand China drivers since 2016 without a failure, YMMV.
I'm mostly worried about fire hazards to be honest. I have no clue if that's even a realistic worry but saving any amount of money isn't worth piece of mind lol. Thank you though
 

Greengenes707

Well-Known Member
There is no max efficiency claimed (could be wrong)
Data sheets offer typical ratings and note "All parameters NOT specially mentioned are measured at 230VAC input, rated current and 25 of ambient temperature" If you run US mains you will not be as efficient as the higher input voltage conditions that units were tested under.
Yep, well aware of it. We have tested on all 120v, 240v, and 277v at full loads lower and lower loads. All come have come in lower than the claimed corresponding efficiency which is in the data sheet, no matter the voltage. Have never had one over claimed typical, so considering they rarely make it to what they claim as "typical"...I would and do call that max.
 

CannaBruh

Well-Known Member
Yep, well aware of it. We have tested on all 120v, 240v, and 277v at full loads lower and lower loads. All come have come in lower than the claimed corresponding efficiency which is in the data sheet, no matter the voltage. Have never had one over claimed typical, so considering they rarely make it to what they claim as "typical"...I would and do call that max.
Fair enough :D

Can you explain your process for testing efficiency? Or at least share what kinds of results you are finding both extreme and nominal? Have you put any of the cheap shit drivers under these same 'unit under test' scenarios and if what have you found?

If we could collaborate and agree upon a method for testing we could start a shared spreadsheet even over RIU of data found from field of actual efficiencies.

I haven't bothered to test any of my drivers because quite frankly I cannot be bothered :D however I could be if I see others working on it.
 
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