I can get this LED light tomorrow, used(1 yr old), for $180. it retails for $595 and has good reviews from what i see

pulpoinspace

Well-Known Member
are there any other sites that sell these boards? they're out of stock of the 3500k :/
there are lots of alibaba sellers that sell these but only a few "trusted" ones. someone linked the "chinese knock off build" thread up there. I would skim through there to find out which sellers are actually using genuine samsung diodes. Kingbrite and Meiju are the only ones i know off the top of my head.

The boards have added 660nm red mono diodes right? I would probably just go with the 3000k if you don't wanna wait for 3500k. Or even the 4000k. 4000k + 660nm red comes out to like 3800k cause of the added red.
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
there are lots of alibaba sellers that sell these but only a few "trusted" ones. someone linked the "chinese knock off build" thread up there. I would skim through there to find out which sellers are actually using genuine samsung diodes. Kingbrite and Meiju are the only ones i know off the top of my head.

The boards have added 660nm red mono diodes right? I would probably just go with the 3000k if you don't wanna wait for 3500k. Or even the 4000k. 4000k + 660nm red comes out to like 3800k cause of the added red.
there are lots of alibaba sellers that sell these but only a few "trusted" ones. someone linked the "chinese knock off build" thread up there. I would skim through there to find out which sellers are actually using genuine samsung diodes. Kingbrite and Meiju are the only ones i know off the top of my head.

The boards have added 660nm red mono diodes right? I would probably just go with the 3000k if you don't wanna wait for 3500k. Or even the 4000k. 4000k + 660nm red comes out to like 3800k cause of the added red.
would there be any benefit to get one 4pack of 3000k and one 4pack of 4000k and use together?
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
I really think the QB 120s are your best best. The setup is dead simple. You would have better spread vs an HPS, and only running 480w instead of 600w. You are going to spend more your first month on extra AC than you save on the HPS setup. Plus factor in replacing your bulb once a year.

Alibaba fixtures are definitely an option, but you are going to be waiting a lot longer to get it. Warranty claims w HLG vs China should be considered too if u go that route.
Just ordered the boards. Next are the drivers. . What else should I get to put together correctly?
 

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ilovereggae

Well-Known Member
Just ordered the boards. Next are the drivers. . What else should I get to put together correctly?
Here's the link to HLGs Amazon store. There is a DIY section where they list out various parts you can use. Probably some cheaper and/or better choices on Amazon or your local hardware but I've just used this a few times when I didnt feel like hunting.


You are definitely going to need some 20awg solid core wire, and some Wagos for connecting the wire to drivers.

Do you happen to have any old PC power cables lying around? You could chop the end off one of those and use to connect to the driver for your AC side (wall plug). If you want to you could get the barrel style junction boxes to connect that cord to driver (a little safer) but you can get away w wagos for that too.

If you get the A version of the drivers, the dimming is built in. Although its a tiny plastic screw that is easy to strip so if u plan on dimming on a regular basis, get the B version of the driver and then grab one of these for each driver:


Depending how/where you plan to mount your drivers, you also might want to get some flexible braided 18AWG to run between the drivers and boards (like if you mount your drivers outside the tent or garage which isn't a bad idea so it doesnt add that extra heat).

Last but not least u need to hang them. U can use cheap plastic coated wire, chain link, hanger clips whatever. Or maybe easier like suggested earlier to build an aluminum or wood frame, and then hang that.

That should be it I think!
 

ilovereggae

Well-Known Member
would there be any benefit to get one 4pack of 3000k and one 4pack of 4000k and use together?
sorry missed this one. I think you could have done that mixed idea fine. although I've vegged under 3k before and it works fine. but i bet if u hit up HLG they will adjust for you. might be worth emailing to ask.

my thought is, your garage is big. you can always fit another tent in there for veg that is running 4000k boards later on ;)
 

pulpoinspace

Well-Known Member
Great choice on the hlg boards. I like buying from American companies who stand by their products and are active here on this forum as well. Also 3000k is probably the most tried and true spectrum so you should be Happy with it. Congrats!

welcome to the world of DIY led. enjoy!
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
Great choice on the hlg boards. I like buying from American companies who stand by their products and are active here on this forum as well. Also 3000k is probably the most tried and true spectrum so you should be Happy with it. Congrats!

welcome to the world of DIY led. enjoy!
It all started with me wanting to casually grow a few plants outside. 4 months and several mistakes later...here I am. ‍♂
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
Since you wont be using the entire space for flowering heres what I recommend.

Get a 2x4 tent. put extraction fan so its pulling from tent, into filter in the room. Dont worry about exhausting outside, just run your AC.

Grab a 4 pack of these HLG qb120 boards for $130 -10% off w code RIU10.

get a Meanwell 240W driver. You have a few options there, but will cost about $30-50.

Under $200 for lighting, so u can spend $100 on a decent tent.


Since you wont be using the entire space for flowering heres what I recommend.

Get a 2x4 tent. put extraction fan so its pulling from tent, into filter in the room. Dont worry about exhausting outside, just run your AC.

Grab a 4 pack of these HLG qb120 boards for $130 -10% off w code RIU10.

get a Meanwell 240W driver. You have a few options there, but will cost about $30-50.

Under $200 for lighting, so u can spend $100 on a decent tent.
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member



Are these the ones?
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
Looking up Meanwell drivers. Is there a specific model or is it pretty standard all across by watts?
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
It all started with me wanting to casually grow a few plants outside. 4 months and several mistakes later...here I am. ‍♂
Here's the link to HLGs Amazon store. There is a DIY section where they list out various parts you can use. Probably some cheaper and/or better choices on Amazon or your local hardware but I've just used this a few times when I didnt feel like hunting.


You are definitely going to need some 20awg solid core wire, and some Wagos for connecting the wire to drivers.

Do you happen to have any old PC power cables lying around? You could chop the end off one of those and use to connect to the driver for your AC side (wall plug). If you want to you could get the barrel style junction boxes to connect that cord to driver (a little safer) but you can get away w wagos for that too.

If you get the A version of the drivers, the dimming is built in. Although its a tiny plastic screw that is easy to strip so if u plan on dimming on a regular basis, get the B version of the driver and then grab one of these for each driver:


Depending how/where you plan to mount your drivers, you also might want to get some flexible braided 18AWG to run between the drivers and boards (like if you mount your drivers outside the tent or garage which isn't a bad idea so it doesnt add that extra heat).

Last but not least u need to hang them. U can use cheap plastic coated wire, chain link, hanger clips whatever. Or maybe easier like suggested earlier to build an aluminum or wood frame, and then hang that.

That should be it I think!
What size wagos? And please be specific as possible. I have never done anything like this before. Lol
 

ilovereggae

Well-Known Member
What size wagos? And please be specific as possible. I have never done anything like this before. Lol
You just need the 2 conductor Wagos


Depending how you set everything up, you will need at least 2 wagos. If you get the B driver and are going to order external dimmers you will need 2 more. If you remote mount the driver that is 2 more for your extension. Finally, if you use Wagos instead of junction box for AC side of driver, thats 2 more. So, up to 8 per driver will be needed.

The wagos are a lot easier to use. you just strip the end of the wire, stick it in, and snap it shut. The barrell style junction box is more complicated but gives you a little extra piece of mind and water resistance. Up to you if you want to do that now, or go the simple route and just use Wagos.
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member

ilovereggae

Well-Known Member
Ok. I got the wagos. I got the solid wire. I just need an assist on the braided wire and the junction box. I googled it and I don’t know what’s what. A-ha
Here's the junction. Its basically a waterproof coupler that u screw the wires into and then a sheath goes over top of the cord. Hard to explain ill try to find a video. This is a 2 pack so u only need to buy one of these. But again this can be later or not at all.


If you dont have the power cords to salvage from something else, you will need one of these for each driver as well.


And here is the wire for extension. I guess its not called braided but stranded. sorry about that

You might not need that long of a roll, depends how far away you want to mount the drivers.
 

Pparker88

Well-Known Member
Here's the junction. Its basically a waterproof coupler that u screw the wires into and then a sheath goes over top of the cord. Hard to explain ill try to find a video. This is a 2 pack so u only need to buy one of these. But again this can be later or not at all.


If you dont have the power cords to salvage from something else, you will need one of these for each driver as well.


And here is the wire for extension. I guess its not called braided but stranded. sorry about that

You might not need that long of a roll, depends how far away you want to mount the drivers.
Cool. I nabbed everything so far. I’ll see about fitting an aluminum frame once I have it and see what it actually looks like.
 
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