Why not go with the 5x5 diy fixture for each site. All use 4' strips and which ever you choose to be the most economical, just space the LEDs evenly on the run. 700w would be 30.8w/sqft on the 1mx2m footprint.

What about the EFD 1k2s420dt? Someone double check my math please? If you run 3p6s (18 total). Each series would run 1.4 Amps per 6. 46.8v x 1.4A =65.5w. 65.5w x 18 =1179w. 46.8v x 6s = 281v. Well within the output voltage range and high enough that dimming is still viable. Also it does not exceed 3...

By 14 I assume you mean the 140? If so, Jolly stated above that the connectors on the strips are rated for only 300v. Both the 9 and 12 strip configurations would exceed that. You could go with the 12. But you won't be getting 600w from the strips in either config. You would be getting less than 520...

Let me know how it goes

Why don't you contact the supplier and tell them what's going on with it? They will probably replace it. You can use the packaging they send to send that one back

Every one of those questions are a matter of preference. For instance, I prefer 3500 for all around. I like the node stacking and can generally attain similar heights between indicas and sativa's in mixed grows. Most of the industry seems to have gravitated to 3k for all around.

So you are seeing 234v at open current? Are you using holders on the heatsink? At this point I would suggest disassembly and reassembly. Making sure wire ends are the correct length for holders, the cobs are situated correctly within the holders and and cobs are seated flush on the heatsinks.

Glad to hear it. Keep the dimming leads isolated, if you short them together it will turn your lights off. If you want the dimming functions in the future you can get another dimmer/potentiometer. Maybe contact Rapid about a replacement?

Those dimmers work a bit difference than a potentiometer does but they still work. If you suspect it's a problem with the dimmer, you can remove it and isolate the dimmer leads and you will still run at full current. If the flickering stops we can ssume it's a bad pot and get another one. If it does...

The SE's were 36v, the version 7's were ~69v. Are you using the version 7's?