The strip build was very easy and enjoyable but under some time constraint, i didnt get too many photos.
Ill give some build notes:
Each strips is 48 cm or about 4/5 of 2 feet. Im using 8 strips to light an area of about 4.5' x 2ft using a MW HLG320-48B as power source.
I sized the fixture to 120cm/4ft wide but it can be adjusted. The way i figure sizing is that i figure i can count on the 2 most exterior strips will shed half their power on the area not directly under the fixture. So if i subtract 1 strips power from its max output i get a decent indication on how much power is available directly under the light. In my case i get about 35w per square foot considering my light basically being a 4x2.
We built the light by first putting together the structure or frame. The way we usually work is somewhat ocd triggering but very convenient and imo works better. Rather than marking out holes then drilling pieces separately we do a handfitted approach; we put down our T-profiles upside down between square wooden brs which hold them in place, then just fit the most exterior two profiles on top, one person drills, the other one holds down the t-slot profile and drops a screw when you have a clear hole thru both of them. You drill thru the groove, so you have the face side of the tslot forward.
https://www.item24.com/en-be/profile-6-60x12-light-natural-45165 link
Repeat for next hole and then secure the screws nuts. Used M3 here.
![IMG_20240110_213427_916.jpg](/data/attachments/4461/4461920-e20a6a84c53c510062d9827bfdcbfc19.jpg)
Heres some finished pics of this detail. Each t-slot connects to the t profile with 2 screws, on this pic second screw on the other side of the t.
After the exterior 2 you have a frame and can then just measure out your strip placement one strip at a time and secure them.
I was somewhat worried that this approach wouldnt work, that the grooves of the t-slot wouldnt be able to fit both the screw heads in the groove but i was happily surprised; it fits fine with the m4 screws we had to use to find the right size trays, about 12mm.
But actually this was not my first approach to get the strips on the profile. It was this dipshit idea:
![IMG_20240110_213427_883.jpg](/data/attachments/4461/4461917-fc37633fc52adb9fdc571360009209a5.jpg)
Thinking i should fit the strips on to the screws when actually the just slide in:
![IMG_20240110_213427_993.jpg](/data/attachments/4461/4461913-b4468fa5b9528fa0cf5082ba8b69c00e.jpg)
![IMG_20240110_213427_908.jpg](/data/attachments/4461/4461919-d7820712450a0417697317593b50fc1e.jpg)
You have to be a bit careful cause the screwheads and trays, they can get messed up, but basically just slides in there. Marvelous and so much easier than my initial stupid idea, lol
![IMG_20240110_213427_622.jpg](/data/attachments/4461/4461918-c7bc0365a682ddf6833018349399e727.jpg)
Heres the light with all strips in place.
After that its just wiring up. The wires are long enough to get 3 strips into one wago, or any other connection. I went with double ended strips so its easy to series if you prefer.
![IMG_20240110_213428_064.jpg](/data/attachments/4461/4461914-99e07131b404b2b11ca54d4659d3d852.jpg)
Finally we made some holes and loops for hanging, secured the unused wiring in inside the t-slot and used some endcaps and tape for securing them.
It was definitely a quick build, and very satisfying. When i look at some of the other lights ive made, with the mess of cables for far red, uv or massive amount of strips on soft its so refreshing to have a really clean looking light with very little cabling yet full range.
Hoping to thread the next test run.
![Smile :) :)](/styles/smilies/icon_smile.gif)