Cidly Apollo 10 worth converting to COB?

thetr33man

Well-Known Member
Ive got a like new apollo that isnt in use. Here are the factory specs...
APOLLO 10 LED GROW LIGHT
Lifespan: 50000Hours
Working Environment: 45%-95%RH, -20-40℃
Working Frequency: 50/60Hz
Input Voltage: AC100-240V
Output Voltage: DC32-45V
Power: 370W
Net Weight: 7.35KG
LED Qty: 150pcs*3W
Size: 609*283*85MM
PF: 0.9
Output Current: 700MA

It currently draws right about 300 at the wall according to kill-a-watt meter.

Its got 5 dual channel drivers that put out 34-50v @ 650mA.
I could remove the LED plates and replace them with COB's.

I have no idea what kind of efficiency a unit like this has from the factory, but Im guessing its pretty bad.

Is it worth upgrading a unit like this or better off just putting the money into a completely DIY light? I could probably get $200 for it on craigslist.

I COULD put in 20 cxb2530 with 2 in parallel on each channel of the drivers to reduce current to 325mA and get efficiency pretty high, around 53% Im guessing, for $200. Would cost more like $500 to go with single 3590's in each spot... and get 60% + effeciency.
 

thetr33man

Well-Known Member
10 3070 would come in a little cheaper and still kick out some good lighting with half the work of the 2530s
Yeah, I looked at those on cutter, they are nearly the same price as the 3590's tho. Im curious if anyone with experience can guestimate what kind of performance boost I could give this light by going to cobs over the 3 watt chips. I suppose it would be easy enough to just add a few cobs and leave the rest alone also.
 

grouch

Well-Known Member
How efficient are the 3w chips? You would need to start there. Another thing to keep in mind is that plants don't necessarily like being deprived of a majority of the light spectrum. Red and blues chips will work but adding all the rest of the colors (white leds) helps.
 
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