LED lighting - what are my options?

[jcardona1]

No turning back now!! I got an itch yesterday, so I decided to go out and buy a project box and some toggle switches. This will house all the guts for my DIY LED fixture. Right below the switches will be 3 potentiometers (dimmer switches). This will allow to me individually dim each array of LEDs.

It has begun

 

[Clay]

Don't stop there... you need a controller now too! Auto on and auto dimming is the way to go!
I picked up a reef controller because it had a few more functions and wasn't that much more expensive than a temp controller. Have a look (although I bought mine on sale for $179 shipped).
http://www.marinedepot.com/MarineDepot.com_Exclusive_ReefKeeper_Lite_%2b_SL1_Expansion_Unit_w_FREE_pH_Probe_Multi_Item_Monitors_Controllers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Digital_Aquatics-DA11311-FITEMOMI-vi.html

I've also got a rapidled 12 led kit I've got to put together at some point:
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-60/12-Ultra-Premium-LED/Detail

Now to find the time to finish a project. At least this is a 3 day weekend coming up.

 

[jcardona1]

Ha man that's way too advanced for me! I'm still learning the wiring basics. Maybe in the near future

Ok here's the wiring diagram. This will help me keep track of what I'm trying to do. This diagram will be repeated 3 times in the project box, to each switch you see.

The LEDs will be driven with a 1000mA buckpuck. Each buckpuck can handle 6 LEDs, so I'll have 18 total LEDs. The diagram is very straightforward and easy to follow, it's even color-coded! I made this diagram from other plans I've seen online, and with the help of a few members.

I'm barely starting out with this, but any questions I'll do my best to answer!





Best part is, you can buy a buckpuck already pre-wired with a 5k potentiometer (dimmer) so it makes the wiring super easy!

 

[Clay]

Interesting you went with the buckpuck. Post your experiences. I'm working with the meanwell drivers, and I'll do the same.

 

[jcardona1]

Interesting you went with the buckpuck. Post your experiences. I'm working with the meanwell drivers, and I'll do the same.

Will do. Reason for choosing the buckpuck over the Meanwell is cost and ease of wiring. Looking at the dimmable Meanwells, seems like it's a lot more work to get it dimmable. You need to open the thing up, hook up a multimeter, adjust the current by turning the screw, hook up a potentiometer, hook up an external 10v power supply, just to be able to dim the lights.

With the buckpucks it's super easy, or so it seems. They already come wired with a potentiometer, and don't require another 10v power supply. One 24v 6.5a power supply goes for $15 and can run up to 6 1000mA with 6 LEDs each. And each array would be individually dimmable. If I wanted individually dimming array using Meanwells, I'd need to wire up seperate potentiometers and 10w PS for each. Seems like a lot more work and money.

Do you know anything about the reliability of buckpucks and meanwells? Still doing research before I actually purchase anything

 

[O2surplus]

All right man! you pulled the trigger! Go Jose Go!

 

[jcardona1]

All right man! you pulled the trigger! Go Jose Go!

I'm getting there, and thanks Aaron for all the help! I'd be lost without you! Any input on the buckpuck vs Meanwell thing? I read a few posts on some reef forums saying that buckpucks are very reliable, as long as they are well ventilated and cooled. I'm thinking I could add a fan to the back of my project box to help with ventilation.

 

[jcardona1]

doublepost

 

[O2surplus]

If I wanted individually dimming array using Meanwells, I'd need to wire up seperate potentiometers and 10w PS for each. Seems like a lot more work and money.

Do you know anything about the reliability of buckpucks and meanwells? Still doing research before I actually purchase anything

In reality the Meanwells already have their own AC to DC power supply built in. All you have to do is hook them up to a power cord and their ready to go. IMO you're better off with the buckpucks with such a low led count.They may run fewer leds, but their cheaper, and if 1 fails, you'll only lose 6 leds rather than 12. The buckpucks have a better dimming curve and will dim lower than the meanwells.Both types of drivers have been around for a few years now and seem to offer plenty of reliability.

 

[Clay]

Will do. Reason for choosing the buckpuck over the Meanwell is cost and ease of wiring. Looking at the dimmable Meanwells, seems like it's a lot more work to get it dimmable. You need to open the thing up, hook up a multimeter, adjust the current by turning the screw, hook up a potentiometer, hook up an external 10v power supply, just to be able to dim the lights.

With the buckpucks it's super easy, or so it seems. They already come wired with a potentiometer, and don't require another 10v power supply. One 24v 6.5a power supply goes for $15 and can run up to 6 1000mA with 6 LEDs each. And each array would be individually dimmable. If I wanted individually dimming array using Meanwells, I'd need to wire up seperate potentiometers and 10w PS for each. Seems like a lot more work and money.

Do you know anything about the reliability of buckpucks and meanwells? Still doing research before I actually purchase anything

Sounds reasonable. I just grabbed a kit that I could experiment with and get some internet help should I fail miserably I will admit, the meanwells are a bit daunting, and the buckpucks limiting to 1000ma is pretty nice too. I don't plan to exceed that on any of my strings. Might be worth using those instead.

What LEDs are you going to use? StevesLEDs.com might have a good deal on them - and they're way less expensive than Cree's.

So what else do you need besides the buckpucks? A laptop power supply? Each laptop power supply can run 24 LEDs? Is that how it works? Or is it 6 strings of 6 for a total of 36?