DIY LED lights

[O2surplus]

Wow, I wish I had seen this thread sooner! Great work, and very informative! I keep planning to do a DIY LED setup, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I think it will be one of those winter projects.

Thanks for the kind words. This little project was my first attempt at DIY led lighting and now that I've gotten my feet wet am planning another more professional looking system later this year. I'll post my own thread on that build.

I encourage anyone interested in DIY LED lighting to give it a try. Scour the Net and learn all you can. There are many great references out there to learn from and I'll help out any way I can.

 

[Clay]

I've been planning a build similar to some stuff on reefcentral. It's fairly close to what you did, but I'll definitely draw on your experience and plans when it comes time to build.

 

[O2surplus]

I've been planning a build similar to some stuff on reefcentral. It's fairly close to what you did, but I'll definitely draw on your experience and plans when it comes time to build.

I don't know if it's kosher or not to plug other websites- but........ I learned alot from the diy led threads over there.

 

['vspec']

Yeah ive got to say I could throw a splash of the extra control like that on to my current project also. Although the programming side id really have to spend the time to nut out

 

[O2surplus]

[QUOTE='vspec';441062;8]Yeah ive got to say I could throw a splash of the extra control like that on to my current project also. Although the programming side id really have to spend the time to nut out[/QUOTE]


Well if you happen to already have dimmable drivers, just buy an ARDUINO DUEMILANOVE and I'll help you with the wiring/ software. It's really easy, as alot of the coding has already been posted on the net. $29 US and yer there dude!

 

[Dark Jester]

I did some DIY LED work earlier this year for a hydroponics system I have going. No dimming capabilities, but it puts out light approximately equal to a 400 Watt HPS / Metal Halide with only 100 Watts used. Could be modified for aquaria use by swapping out the red/orange LEDs with more blue/white. It works great for growing plants.

Link to the project thread:

http://www.greenpinelane.com/yaf/default.aspx?g=posts&t=329

The full 42 LED panel cost about $200. Probably even less now, as LED prices are coming down as they get more mainstream. Circiut components came from Mouser Electronics and Radio Shack. LEDs are from Cutter Electronics.

Not 100% sure I would do the same circiut next time. I'd probably look at buckpucks or something if I had to do another one. Not quite as power efficient, but a bit easier/faster on setup. I'm sure I'll end up building some more LED panels for my aquariums before too long.

-Jester

 

[O2surplus]

Hey DARK JESTER, Good Job!
Here are some links to the companies that I used for my project. Maybe they'll be a help to you on your next project.

24VDC 6.5A 150W POWER SUPPLY AllElectronics.com $26.95 ea ( best price I could find)
LedRise - Led, Leds, High power leds Cree XRE Q5 leds $5.11 ea ( prices adjust USD vs. EURO so wait for favorable exchange rate)
LED Drivers Digi-Key $3.67 ea. ( purchased driver IC's, resistors, capacitors, ect.
Rapid LED Home Page Led optics $ 1.00 ea ( they have complete DIY kits)

Arduino Robotics $29.95 for ARDUINO DUEMILANOVE microcontroller

 

[jackhardy]

Many people are using incandescent lights, but it is necessary in relation to ballast lamps. Use the type of fixtures.fore CFL manufacturer recommends that you should do. First, you need to plan the route that will now have the circuit on the plan you& downloaded, now inspect the lamp of fortune you did.

 

[martinsluther]

A lot of people, but use a light bulb lamp ballast is considered. Type of use fixtures.fore CFL manufacturers recommend. First, you're lucky you look like a lamp so that the plan of occupation, you will have access routes must be planned.

 

[martinsluther]

A lot of people, but use the lamp ballast is considered. Type of use fixtures.fore CFL manufacturers recommend. First, you're lucky you look like a lamp, so that the interest in the plan, you will have access route should be planned.