LEDgardener

Hi all,

It's been a while since I made my COB LEDs, like 3 years ago. Now I see some of those quantum boards or LED strips. Just to update my knowledge, those quantum boards are basically a set up with multiple strips?

Situation:
My girlfriend is building a (or 2) greenhouse cabinet(s) (basically a glass cabinet were you put in some tropical houseplants and a humidifier) and she wants som lightning in it. Now I can buy some basic lights from IKEA, but I said I'd to make a custom light because it's awesome.

The plan:
Since these tropical plants normally live under the canopy, they don't need that much light. The plan is to place a 56 cm, 4.000K Bridelux EB gen 3 strips, BXEB-L0560Z-40E2000-C-C3 on each shelf and run them on a dim-able constant current 700 driver like the ELG-75-C700, which runs on 53 ~ 107V, so 3-5 strips (19,1V) in serial on a (each) driver. Since the lights run kind of low, and I thought I read here they don't need a heat sink on these currents, I'll just make a aluminium flat or little L strip of 3mm for like 60cm and attach the strips to and some suspension system to it. The driver will be placed under/on top of the cabinet.

Questions / opinions
So what are you guys thinking of the idea / set up?
Are these Bridelux strips made for a humidity of 70-90% or do they need some kind of cover, are there special things i need to look after with this high humidity?
Are there better/more (cost) efficient strips available in Europe? Thought i could buy them for like €6 (incl. VAT) each in a tray of 20.
Any other tips or suggestions?
Do I forget something?

thanks in advance

First, I would suggest that you use the strips in parallel to keep the voltage low. In a higher humidity environment its easier for voltage to jump and cause a problem. I would definitely suggest that you place the strips in a housing for protection from the humidity. Your leds will last a while without the protection but they will degrade alot faster.
I do have a solution that is perfect for these situations but the cost is higher than using bare strips. The LED's would set you back about $100 USD but it's an easy to install long lasting solution that is very difficult to damage.
By the time you get housings for your strips and all the time involved the extra cost isn't too bad.

Thanks for your answer, so which lights are you suggesting?

TiJay wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 13, 2020 9:03 pm

Thanks for your answer, so which lights are you suggesting?

Check my Instagram to see them
I will make a thread about them this week. Here they are in a very high humidity environment

Super, I'll look forward to the thread. I'll check the movies on your Instagram later, couldn't find it that fast.

So for anyone who was wondering.
I completed the build in my Greenhousecabinet, need to organize the wires outside the cabinet but inside looks neat.

Beautiful setup!
What mounts/covers are you using in this build?
Thanks!

Wow that looks really nice ! Great job

What housings are those?

TiJay wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 18, 2020 12:20 pm

So for anyone who was wondering.
I completed the build in my Greenhousecabinet, need to organize the wires outside the cabinet but inside looks neat.

WhatsApp Image 2020-10-18 at 14.09.05 (3).jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2020-10-18 at 14.09.05 (2).jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2020-10-18 at 14.09.05.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2020-10-18 at 14.09.05 (1).jpeg

Yes, Bridgelux strips are made of a material that can withstand 80-90% humidity without any problems. In addition to this, you can use Bridgelux strips, which are coated with a particular film that provides protection against moisture. They are available at a price range of 2 to 3 euros for a pack of 10. However, you should be aware that this coating is not waterproof, so it can be removed or damaged if you put it in water. For extra light, you can use https://www.amazon.com/smart-light-bulb ... 0922Q43LY/.