Poor Man's Light Mover - A cheap technique

[ItsAllOver]

I've lately started using a simple and cheap technique to get a little better light penetration and distribution with my single 600w lamp in a hood.

Just set up an oscillating fan so that it aims at the top/side of your lamp hood, turn it on high (and oscillating, of course), and watch the hood begin its little dance. You might be able to place the oscillating fan so that it blows up, too, if you're concerned about affecting the workings of your ventilation system.

Now I know that this is not technically a light mover, but it still gets light to places that otherwise would stay dark within the plant just from the light source moving ever so slightly. Actually, I get about 2.5" of movement on each side. I have not done a controlled experiment to prove the efficacy of this technique, but I believe it to be reasonable that this would help.

To get the fan mounted, I take the fan off the base and screw a 1x3 into the wall. Then I run a couple screws through the part of the fan that would normally connect to the vertical shaft to allow for oscillation. I will get a picture when lights come back on and edit this thread, but I think you get the idea.

I hope this works for you folks as well as it seems to work for me. I will check back in when the grow is over and try to weigh in on whether or not this was worthwhile, but after all, I don't see how it can hurt.

Peace is

 

[durgamata]

I dont think its safe to have your HPS/Mh lighting unit swinging back and forth, that sets the bulb in a different angle than the intended angle dimension.

 

[zenoonez]

I dont think its safe to have your HPS/Mh lighting unit swinging back and forth, that sets the bulb in a different angle than the intended angle dimension.

Why would the angle of the bulb be a problem? Think about it, does every lighting fixture require the same exact radius of turning to snug the bulb in? I can't speak for HIDs but for regular bulbs that isn't true. I don't see anything unsafe with what he is talking about unless he doesn't have the light hung securely or there is something nearby which the light might strike. Baring those situations I don't think he should have anything to worry about.

 

[darookie2000]

Why would the angle of the bulb be a problem? Think about it, does every lighting fixture require the same exact radius of turning to snug the bulb in? I can't speak for HIDs but for regular bulbs that isn't true. I don't see anything unsafe with what he is talking about unless he doesn't have the light hung securely or there is something nearby which the light might strike. Baring those situations I don't think he should have anything to worry about.

Some bulbs are rated specifically for horizontal or vertical operation. With HID bulbs, the burn rate can be uneven if you have it at an angle.

 

[lysol]

most bulbs are universal burning position ( but not all ) but i would still worry if you're using hooks that havent been secured by bending with pliers.... ( dont want your hood to fall )

instead try this.... I got some CFL desk lamps and placed them next to some colas on half of a plant ( shining from one side ). The colas on that side swelled and put out more side shooting buds then the other side of the plant and the control plants without side lighting that received otherwise the same environment.

 

[ItsAllOver]

durgamata: I hear what you're saying, but a bulb ratings are for horizontal or vertical. I am in no way suggesting a situation where an otherwise horizontal bulb would go vertical! lol I wish I could post a video of how gently the hood sways. Thanks for the concern, however, really.

zenoonez: You're right. I wouldn't, and no one else should, mount a lamp/hood in a way that is the slightest bit insecure. I've got large eye hooks threaded into wood. They ain't comin' out. I then use zip ties to suspend my lamp hood. They are strong enough to hold the weight, for sure, and it makes it easy for me to raise the hood. And to lower it, I just have to cut one, remove it, and add some more. This only happens once per grow, also, so it works out well for me! Seriously, I use zip ties everywhere. I love them!
In addition, there is surely no way the hood will be striking anything! These things, in my opinion, are simply non-issues, but maybe I should have stated it in the beginning for safety's sake! After all, I see stickers (and embossed plastic! haha) in my Rubbermaid tubs instructing me to avoid placing children in the tubs and covering them with the lid. Aw shit, it sounded like a cool "fort" to play in at the time!

lysol: I'm with you on the CFLs for side-lighting. It surely works well, but access to the plants/grow area and mounting of the CFLs turn into issues for me. That's just personal preference. Hey man, why don't you give my technique a shot in addition to adding side-lighting? Also on a side note, I was always under the impression that you wanted to avoid exposing the undersides of your leaves to bright light, which would surely be a side-effect of side-lighting. This is another reason I have until this point avoided side-lighting. Is this right? I'll have to look into it.

paz

 

[Hazy Lady]

Instead of blowing somewhat erratically (does it?) couldn't you attach a string so the lamp completes a circle with each oscillation of the fan, once you have seen the area it covers you can move the plants to make best use of it

 

[Danknuggler]

Hey man I have a 400 watt MH bare bulb hanging verticle and the fan blows it around a bit too.Enough to where it is casting light in places it otherwise wouldn't be.It's very little swing but the way the actual rays move about the room you can see how its pushing the light rays around a lil better than say a stationary light.This is not ideal of course but I've been having to do some ghetto tech shit lately lol.nuggler

 

[TheGreenBastard]

That would seem to help two problems, light exposure and heat. I have to say that is pretty resourceful, not for everyone but resourceful nonetheless.

 

[lysol]

Instead of blowing somewhat erratically (does it?) couldn't you attach a string so the lamp completes a circle with each oscillation of the fan, once you have seen the area it covers you can move the plants to make best use of it

yeah if you create a pendulum it will take more air to start it moving but it will keep its momentum for longer,

i have noticed the air improves light coverage a little as reported but thats when i was blowing a fan for other issues ( heat issues ) so it was kinda on accident

--- or do you mean tie the string from the fan to the light? I guess that could work too id be worried about the shit hitting the fan ( no pun intended )

 

[ItsAllOver]

Well, there is a 'string' attached to the lamp, it's the zip ties I use to hold up the hood. It moves around in a pretty good circle.

 

[Haps]

My lights are mounted on eye hooks on long pipes and they do the fan dance too. I did not design it that way, but it does give varied light angles and that is all to the good.
H

 

[dongle69]

Just set up an oscillating fan so that it aims at the top/side of your lamp hood, turn it on high (and oscillating, of course), and watch the hood begin its little dance.

That is exactly what I do.
Works great!