What a great site, and I'm very happy to have found it in my time of need!
I just realized that this is a much longer post than I had expected...I will do a recap in bold at the bottom, for those who just want the condensed version...thanks!
I'm looking to do a simple, framed LM561C strips build, to cover either a 4'x3' area (most likely) or a 4'x2' area (definitely possible). LEDG's "Strips Build Designs" post was very helpful, but I'm NOT intending to use the rigid strips, but instead use the TAPE (REEL) strips. While it may be a bit more work, I feel it's both cheaper and more flexible to go this way, as I'll order some extra meters/reels of strips for future projects. As LEDG suggested to me, I'll go with 3000K color for the flowering cab, and would like suggestions on a temperature for use in a dedicated vegetative cab as well (but that's in the future; I'll just use the 3000K for the first run, but I wish to order the right strips for this vege cab now as well).
I'm planning on using one-inch angle aluminum for the frame and as heat sinks (or should I use "U" channel/ heatsink.com product instead?), and I will have plenty of air movement in the cabinet which should help keep the angle aluminum fairly cool...thoughts?.Bad idea? Don't cheap out and get the actual heatsinks?
As for the LM561C strips. is there a double-diode reel strip available, like a flexible version of the diode pattern used in the Samsung F-Series Gen3 hard strips used in LEDG's "designs" post? My thought is that with @ 144 diodes per 4' section, it would be simpler wiring (and use fewer strips) to attain my 30W/sq. ft. driven @ 75%. Is there a downside to using fewer strips of double-diodes VS. more strips of single diodes? In a 4'x3' flower area, will fewer rows of double diodes REALLY make for less-even coverage and/or more hotspots?
Could someone (expert) kindly go to DigiKey and source the SPECIFIC LM561C diodes (double and/or single diode) that I would want for this build? How many diodes TOTAL do I need in my spaces to get 30W per M^2? In a few words, could someone please say a word about WHICH PARAMETERS are important (and why) to buying the right strips (such as Flux, Lumens/W, Max Current, Voltage-Forward,etc.?)I really think getting this all in one, concise thread would not only help me, but many future LEDgardiner.com members as well.
Here's the link to DigiKey searching "LM561C + 3000k" : https://www.digikey.com/products/en?key ... 2B%203000k
I think the double diodes would be 48V...is this a problem, or limiting the driver I'd need to run these things at @ 75% so I could get peak efficiency? Which model number driver for my setup...and do I go Constant Current or Constant Voltage?
If you've hung with me this far, thanks; it went longer than I had thought it would. I have ideas about most of this stuff, but I'd like to get FACTS from experienced people who know what they are talking about. When I do something correctly once, I'll know it forever...but until then, I like to err on the side of caution and respect, especially when dealing with electricity!
thanks in advance!
CONDENSED VERSION RECAP: USING 3000k Color For Flowering Area. What color for separate, DEDICATED Vege Light?
Covering 4'x3' Flowering Area
DIY Frame Dimensions: 42 inches x 32 inches, with 42 INCH LM561C TAPE/REEL Strips, Double Diodes Preferred (like in Samsung F-Series Gen3 4' Hard Strips) Are these available? DigiKey Link? Downside to using these rather than "normal" Single-Diode strips? How many diodes TOTAL to hit 30W/M^2, @ 75% power?
Source the best strips from DigiKey? https://www.digikey.com/products/en?key ... 2B%203000k
Please explain, like you're speaking to a small child (
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Best Model number driver and wiring strategy (Series, Parallel, or S/P?)
Thanks in advance!