MrFlux
Well-Known Member
Smokey I have a question about dimming with the trimpot. Do you know if this dimming is really analog or if it's PWM?
PICO's DIY Thread - Advise, Ideas and Technology - NO PANEL REPS!
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Smokey I have a question about dimming with the trimpot. Do you know if this dimming is really analog or if it's PWM?
smokey the cat
Well-Known Member
Pretty certain PWM - but I'm not an expert by any means. Can't recall if it's made obvious on website anywhere.
I think PWM is consistent with the explanation "driving methods of LED module" in the data sheet at bottom of page 3 http://www.meanwell.com/search/LPF-60D/LPF-60D-spec.pdf
I think the driver has controls dimming with stepped outputs - dimming at low levels 10-20/30% don't ignite the V18. When over 30% sweeping the trimprot increases brightness in noticeable +10% steps
At 100% output in 220V driver is producing 6W of heat. In practice I'm at ~52W I'm finding the drivers each put out as much heat as the 12Vdc wall-wart which powers my 3 computer fans.
Over last few days I'm seeing some new light damage on leaves and diminished growth at 100% output (105W iirc). Not sure if this is caused by switch, or substandard grow. Back down to 50% (52W) for now.
I think PWM is consistent with the explanation "driving methods of LED module" in the data sheet at bottom of page 3 http://www.meanwell.com/search/LPF-60D/LPF-60D-spec.pdf
I think the driver has controls dimming with stepped outputs - dimming at low levels 10-20/30% don't ignite the V18. When over 30% sweeping the trimprot increases brightness in noticeable +10% steps
At 100% output in 220V driver is producing 6W of heat. In practice I'm at ~52W I'm finding the drivers each put out as much heat as the 12Vdc wall-wart which powers my 3 computer fans.
Over last few days I'm seeing some new light damage on leaves and diminished growth at 100% output (105W iirc). Not sure if this is caused by switch, or substandard grow. Back down to 50% (52W) for now.
MrFlux
Well-Known Member
This is very good, it means that the output current is not duty cycled and that the dimming really is analog. For a grow light that is exactly what you want, as dimming it will let the light run more efficiently. PWM dimming would not have that efficiency beneifit since the output current is either zero or max. Thanks for the report my antipodal friend and happy solstice, your days are getting shorter now and mine longer.
Btw can you confirm that there is about 80 dies in a Vero 18?
SupraSPL
Well-Known Member
When in doubt you can spot PWM dimming from the strange flicker when they move in your peripheral vision. I have some headlamps that use it for low mode and it drives me crazy. Most AC powered LED Christmas lights flicker although not because of PWM. I bought some battery powered Christmas LEDs and as long as they aren't in a dimming mode they don't flicker which I appreciate.
