Fixing LEDs?

[MrToad69]

@coreywebster

Hey gang or anyone..
I just wanted to reach out to some of the more "technical" lighting experts on the website...
I have 4 Meizhi 450's that I've been using for some time...The past couple years...The "grow switch"..on my lighting has died...Blue spectrum..wont flip on anymore..(Red grow still works) What is the most likely cause? Dead ballast? I deconstructed one of the lights..I see there are two ballast's inside..one for each switch obviously...If its the ballast, ...any recommendations for a cheap fix (replacement)Ballasts..just prefer not to throw them out...I need to refurbish 3 lights...
..And...what exactly am I looking for in the replacement ballast...What spec's have to be matched exactly...or is there some slight flexibility..power, resistance ..etc?
I can grow well...the build of the lights...not so much ..chuckle.

Are ballasts typically the weak link in a light system? Finite life?

Thanks in advance

Toad

 

[Airwalker16]

I'd recommend buying a new light entirely rather than hunt down the drivers needed. Might be an extra $100 or so, but you'll be so much happier

 

[MrToad69]

Thanks AW

I'm rather attached to the 4 lights...gives me some versatility...

If people think its the ballasts...and I can buy some cheap generic replacements that will last 2-3 years great!

I appreciate the input, just looking to troubleshoot and source parts rather than looking for opinions on new gear..

Cheers

 

[Nappertunity]

In those builds, the diodes being ran with too much amperage is generally more concern; at least as far as performance and longevity.

 

[MrToad69]

I guess my question, to be more specific...Do you think the ballasts are the issue? Is that more than likely why the grow side lights have died?

and where would be my most decent bet to buy replacement generic drivers ...ebay?

thanks

 

[Nappertunity]

You'd need a multimeter to really check, they can be really cheap if you are just looking to see where you electrical is failing. If you have a full string of power through both sets, it's likely diode failures, or both.

 

[MrToad69]

Power splices off into two separate ballasts..One to power grow..one to power flower...
This issue has has happen to 3 of my lights over the past couple years..Ive had these units for some time...As such, Im guess its the ballast..not sure though.

I have a multimeter..but clueless how to use it..

 

[MrToad69]

It's just the grow..blue side that wont light up now..on its own switch

 

[Rocket Soul]

Most probably ballast/driver. Take a photo of the driver label and someone might be able to help w sourcing replacement of betrer quality

 

[Moflow]

Swap the drivers around.
Remove driver that you think is broken.
Connect the driver that is working to the broken side, if it lights up you know it's the driver.

 

[Moflow]

What's the spec on the driver?
Probably around 50v - 100v 600mA - 700mA?

 

[MrToad69]

Thanks gang..just heading out to do some errands...I'll tinker with that later this afternoon and see how I make out ..Much appreciated

 

[MrToad69]

Moflow..

when I'm looking at specs...Do these driver have a general "range" they can operate in?

I guess I can have options...Guessing I can have a driver that operates at "lets say" 80% capacity..or another that is totally maxed to run the lights

 

[Rocket Soul]

Moflow..

when I'm looking at specs...Do these driver have a general "range" they can operate in?

I guess I can have options...Guessing I can have a driver that operates at "lets say" 80% capacity..or another that is totally maxed to run the lights

Depends on driver, mo is talking about a constant current driver i gather. Best to just get pics and it can usually be sorted.

 

[Airwalker16]

Just type the info you see on the driver in question into Google and you'll be set.

 

[GBAUTO]

Power splices off into two separate ballasts..One to power grow..one to power flower...
This issue has has happen to 3 of my lights over the past couple years..Ive had these units for some time...As such, Im guess its the ballast..not sure though.

I have a multimeter..but clueless how to use it..

Are the ac electrical connectors to each of the drivers the same?
If so, just switch the circuits and see if it follows the other led section.
That will tell you if it's the driver or the ac switch side.
The drivers usually have input and output specs listed on them.
See if it has 120v ac on the input side and whatever dc voltage the driver specs list.

 

[MrToad69]

Question...wondering what may have caused my ballast issues...Can freezing temps hurt ballasts? I stored a couple days in garage this winter..got down to -30C for a few days

 

[Airwalker16]

Question...wondering what may have caused my ballast issues...Can freezing temps hurt ballasts? I stored a couple days in garage this winter..got down to -30C for a few days

Yes for sure. Solder joints can crack. Just type in what you are on the driver in to Google and you'll get results usually. If not, we can link you to some off of eBay that will work if you can take some pics of the labeling on the drivers

 

[MrToad69]

Yes for sure. Solder joints can crack. Just type in what you are on the driver in to Google and you'll get results usually. If not, we can link you to some off of eBay that will work if you can take some pics of the labeling on the drivers

Thank you

 

[MrToad69]

Well I opened it up...and this is what I see...The switches..Bloom is connected to first ballast photo(ending with BQ-F) and the vegetation switch is connected to the second photo (ending in AQ-F...also labelled B) I believe the 4th photo labelled B is the problem..Looks like these are totally different drivers..Anyone able to explain..would be appreciated

Can anyone recommend any cheap ebay options or otherwise?

Thanks