noob vero 29 setup!

Im looking to build my own fixture with two Vero 29 3000k but its my first build and would like to get an a couple efficient but inexpensive drivers can you guys recommend a few thanks.

highres4 said:

Im looking to build my own fixture with two Vero 29 3000k but its my first build and would like to get an a couple efficient but inexpensive drivers can you guys recommend a few thanks.

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How much wattage do you want to run or how big of an area will they cover, or what will they supplement?

Inexpensive? $10? $20 $50 ......

give me a little broader scope and I will give you enough info to make your ears bleed

Thanks i have an area 4x6 but i can cut it down to 4x4, 30-50w each on the drivers and i would like to stay under $20 each as this will be my first build but im open to any suggestions you might have for this size area.

Abiqua said:

How much wattage do you want to run or how big of an area will they cover, or what will they supplement?

Inexpensive? $10? $20 $50 ......

give me a little broader scope and I will give you enough info to make your ears bleed

Click to expand...

He's not kidding your ears will bleed, you not ready for this. But I'm gunna hang out.

highres4 said:

Thanks i have an area 4x6 but i can cut it down to 4x4, 30-50w each on the drivers and i would like to stay under $20 each as this will be my first build but im open to any suggestions you might have for this size area.

Click to expand...

Actually this might be fairly easy to guide you...considering that for the most part a template has been done recently and is still going strong....
http://rollitup.org/t/greengenes-garden.839682/page-26#post-11147178

Slight difference because they are using Cree CXA3070 4k emitters but similar enough to make the comparison.....
The build....

[....greengenes build above Covers a 4x4, but drifts to 5x5 [300 umol/s on the edges] because they don't have tight walls...
.#'s are 627 watts / 16 sq' = 39 watts sq. ft and 16.4 PAR watts/sq ft @42.07% efficiency...
627 watts/ 25 sq' = 25 watts sq. ft and 10.5 PAR watts sq ft @ " "


You could build it this way......
[edit....these numbers will be higher as #'s I list, are for stock being phased out....the upgrade is coming into stock and available for the same price and they are more efficient by a few % points...]
9x Vero 29 3k
driven @ 1400ma's = 51.09 watts apiece [36.5 volts x 1400ma's = 51 watts]

459 watts / 16 sq. ft = >28 watts / sq. ft and 11.3 PAR watts /sq. ft @ 40% effiency....

3x Meanwell HLG 185 C-14000B [130ish volts @ 1400ma] [3x 36.5 volts = 110 volts, enough to complete the series circuit!] [B is the 3n1 dimming option, could be important]
$63 + shipping...
http://www.powergatellc.com/mean-well-hlg-185h-c-power-supply.html

Heatsinks mentioned in above linked post......


Total cost: $800....upgrading to 12x cobs, still brings you right around $1k.....half the cost of the best working commercial light fixtures and more efficient to boot....
[I know this isn't what some would consider cheap, but consider this, you will need at least this amount of light for a 4x4 space....if ultimately you go all LED in the 4x4, these drivers can power 3x cobs apiece and when you compare 3x of the individual cheap LED drivers, it is about the same price. The meanwell is far more efficient and has a 5 year warranty...these things are rock solid!]
[However if you are just supplementing your already existing light setup here are a couple of cheap individual driver examples:
Ebay 50w 38v @ 1500ma
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10W-20W-30W-50W-100W-Waterproof-IP65-High-Power-LED-Driver-Supply-AC95V-240V-/311261406093?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4878a0238d

Meanwell LPC 60-1400
42v @1400ma
Here they are cheap on ebay too...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/261564895252?lpid=82&chn=ps


Hope that helps a little, not trying to steer you into building a big light, but a 4x4 will require some coverage....25 watts a sq ft is a good rule of thumb and 12-15 par watts......

Right now in my little 3.5 sq. cab, I am averaging 32 watts sq. ft and 14 PAR watts @ 44% effiency

Thanks very much thats gives me everything i needed to know and sets me in the right direction!