DIY Cree COB light from MarsII 1200

despotic420

Member
Has anybody converted a MarsII 1200 to use Cree COBs?
While trying to measure the output of these individual drivers, the first one I pulled to test is reading 30-40 milliamps on my multimeter and 113V. I'm looking for some perspective/guidance from someone who has done it with this unit already.
Can anybody corroborate these results or comment on the efficacy of these drivers for repurposing? I've got 4 72V 3590s ready to go already and I'm planning to use 1 per driver.

This is the most advanced DIY I've attempted to date so any advice is appreciated.
 

despotic420

Member
This should give you an idea:

Thanks for the reply, that was my starting point and the mau himself suggested I look here for others results with this particular unit. Mars has had a number of different modules in various products over time.
I'm just wanting to verify that the numbers I'm getting actually match what others have seen on the same device and I haven't found any threads discussing the same 1200 model. I don't know why I'm reading 40milliamps on this one driver and I suppose I can test more of my own drivers, I just didn't want to go stripping all of them unnecessarily and was hoping to compare numbers with someone else in the same boat.
 

Zulunature

Well-Known Member
The Mars series 2 usually use drivers rated from 55v-100v with output of 700ma +-5%.

There have been a couple of other variations on the ratings but for the series 2 these are the main ones.

Not sure that the Amp testing is been done/read correctly... as that figure of 40ma would have resulted in a very dim Mars light.

I've been running 72v CXB3590 on one driver like you plan with no problems.
They draw around 60w from wall on 240v.

I did a Growmau Mars conversion and ran it for one run before stripping it down and converting it to Mars Bars, I can assure you that the spread of light and lower temps as a result are well worth the effort.
Mars 400w conversion ran @38c
Mars bar same wattage from wall runs @ 31c

Anyway good on ya for having a go and this will hopefully give you the confidence to go forward.

Have a look at what can be done.

https://www.rollitup.org/t/finally-some-mars-bars-and-my-lights-are-going-up.912283/
 

despotic420

Member
Thanks zulunature, I'll certainly check that out. I'm only planning to use 2 COBs per 3x3 and not planning to do the whole Mars conversion. I'm really just hijacking the drivers I guess.
 

sixstring2112

Well-Known Member
Thanks zulunature, I'll certainly check that out. I'm only planning to use 2 COBs per 3x3 and not planning to do the whole Mars conversion. I'm really just hijacking the drivers I guess.
thats kinda what i was thinking,just steal the drivers and heatsinks and make my own fixture.but idk those fans and switches are already nicely wired up in there.
 

sixstring2112

Well-Known Member
Yeah i might have a few of those also lol.those fans wont be a sound issue in my room because it already sounds like a 747 is getting ready for take off :)
 

despotic420

Member
I've got this hack-job kinda together for the time being. I needed to get it on some autos. I'll be making a better frame to mount them to in time but for now, this is doing the trick

mars-retro-4xcxb359072-hanging.JPG
 
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