PC Case Growers Club

[spacecaser]

Don't forget to allow for the socket/base which the bulb plugs into - I'm not certain exactly, and different models etc, but I'd allow an inch or more for that, and so you can actually remove or insert the bulbs.

Thats funny you say that because I was thinking I might just solder the ballast leads to the bulbs LOL. Makes for pain in the ass bulb change but would allow me to use 36w PL-L in my case:} (17-1/2" interior length)

 

[ScrubNinja]

Thats funny you say that because I was thinking I might just solder the ballast leads to the bulbs LOL. Makes for pain in the ass bulb change but would allow me to use 36w PL-L in my case:} (17-1/2" interior length)

Heheh, that's my backup plan if I can't get bases. I forget who suggested this originally but you can apparently use screw terminals like these:



They come in larger chunks connected so you cut off as many as you need. The terminals are *almost* the same distance apart as the 4 pins - close enough to "make it fit" if ya know what I'm sayin', lol. Also I can't see any reason not to use 2 x 2 terminals. Two would fit on the pins no problem. A lot easier than soldering.

 

[spacecaser]

Oh hell yes, I think this terminal harness thing would work for me! And yes, way better than hard wiring bulbs in place
I learn something everytime I come here!

Goddamn I love this forum!! pardon my french

 

[spacecaser]

...double post
Im stoked! just ordered the exhaust blowers for my PC project.
I decided to go with 120mm centrifugal blowers. I will probably only need one but its good to have a backup. Two different models...

Mechatronics 120mm

SUNON 120mm

They're both about 9-10w 800ma 2500rpm 35cfm. Specs look lower than high end axial fans(delta) but air pressure is supposed to be double. Should have no prob pushing thru a micro scrubber.

Ive been researching fans and blowers for a week or so... PL-L's are next on my list!

 

[k1net1k]

Ive been researching fans and blowers for a week or so... PL-L's are next on my list!

me too

 

[ScrubNinja]

Hey Space, I looked up the ballasts I have ordered - as mentioned I have the 2 x 36's, but that particular company also make a 3 x 36w ballast. Most people tend to go with Workhorse ballasts and that could make wiring easier as people are more familiar with them.

Good luck with the fans, I'm pretty sure you'll need both to get enough CFMs but who knows. Be sure to plan the exhaust so the bases of the bulbs are super well ventilated, they get real hot there. Maybe even use a short mini heat shield over the bases so air gets sucked right over them.

 

[spacecaser]

Good points Scrub. Im leaning towards the workhorse's. Specifically the Workhorse7 (1-4 lamp - 220w max) I think this is the one I want. But should the max watts match that of 3x 36w(108w)??

Yeah I hope it only needs one blower LOL they are freakin huge! Ill need to take out my 80mm's, cut new hole(s) as close to the top of the case as possible and then I think I will cut a piece of sheet metal w/ 120mm hole(s) for the back of the case so it doesnt look like swiss cheese and aluminum tape! Ill find out the hard way if one will work I guess.
The heat shield thing is an excellent idea. Ill be doing something like that or spot cooling with a small axial fan.


Always great insight from you Scrubninja! Thanks

 

[ScrubNinja]

Hey man I don't follow all the workhorse stuff. From the little I've read, it seems to me like they're inferior - I think you can't remove a bulb without it overdriving the others or something like that? it's worth reading up on, as I'm sure you would be doing (lots of discussion on IC and I learn more every day). The ones in my cupboard (not workhorse) you can remove bulbs no problem. Not sure about the new ones coming.

Also I found a post by knna stating the terminal thing, very interesting thread.

PLLs uses 2G11 sockets. They arnt easy to buy in spare. Mines are 1 1/3" long and 2/3" thick. But most people using PLLs on DIY arrays use electrical conection pieces (those metallic covered with plastic, with two opposite holes, each one with a screw to secure the wires or the pin of the lamp).

The thing I don't like about blowers is you can only mount them one way (blow). But it is useful how yours intake on one side of the fan. This could come in handy for quirky cooling needs such as in a pc case. Best'o'luck.

 

[Marijuanasaur]

Hey all! Im currently building a PC for scrog and I have modified the case to accommodate a DWC res. I dont have light setup yet as Im not sure if Im going with PL-L or CFL at the moment, and I still dont have most of the DWC setup. I am planning on having 2 plant sites on the res shown. *I guess I wanna know if you guys think this will work. Thanks!

Your case is fucking epic bro. I sure hope it works out for you. If rigged properly, this case looks like it could put out some serious bud as far as PCs go.

 

[jaanis]

this is my pc growbox, for first time growing

kinda 100% light proof, no light leaks, (lights are on)

 

[spacecaser]

Looks good, what cfl are you using?

 

[spacecaser]

made a little scrubber the other night.
I went McGyver and made this from crap I found in the garage, so its kind of a functional prototype until I round up some better supplies
I used a sturdy little wooden box that a bottle of cologne came in And cut out four holes in the lid and glued in screen material using gel-superglue and clear acrylic caulk. Then packed about 1" of carbon and secured screen over it with tape and metal coat hangers lol.
and then cut a hole in the side of the box were the 120mm blower would sit. At the moment the box is sealed together using a little clear caulk but plan on using some sort of seal and lock system.

 

[ScrubNinja]

Can't click those pics Space.

Here's a pic I just came across of DITry's case. It looks like you used the terminals too, DI?

 

[Paranoid one]

this is my pc growbox, for first time growing

Looking good! Is that 1 cord leaving the of case? How did you accomplish that?

Space, your case looks wicked! Very impressive.

 

[jaanis]

Looking good! Is that 1 cord leaving the of case? How did you accomplish that?

i actually have 2 cords leaving but i did put them together with zipties so it looks like i have only one!

 

[Paranoid one]

Say, do you think I can run a 3 prong cable into my pc grow box connecting it to a Direct Tv cable box female power plug?
(You know those plugs in back of any piece of equipment? Examples are: cable box, pc monitor, radio, ect.)
And wire that plug to a power strip to run my lights off?

Bescause that female plug from the box has 3 wires ( ground, positive, and negative).

I already tried it and lights work, but I want to know if it's safe in a long run.

 

[StealthDragon]

Say, do you think I can run a 3 prong cable into my pc grow box connecting it to a Direct Tv cable box female power plug?
(You know those plugs in back of any piece of equipment? Examples are: cable box, pc monitor, radio, ect.)
And wire that plug to a power strip to run my lights off?

Bescause that female plug from the box has 3 wires ( ground, positive, and negative).

I already tried it and lights work, but I want to know if it's safe in a long run.

Yes it works great! that's the way I do it, I chop the cord on the powerstrip and solder it to the inside of the plug on a hollowed out pc power supply. Personally I think it safest to solder those connections for safety, and make sure they are insulated well.
So I guess the safety depends on you and how well you connect and solder those wires. I've run my pc like that for over a year now and I don't lose any sleep wondering if it's safe.

 

[Paranoid one]

Thanks StealthDragon! I did solder it, also used shrink wrap to insulate the exposed wires. I was just worried that the wires on interior side of the cable box adapter wouldn't be able to withstand 4 cfls, 2 fans. An extra precaution never hurts. And I'm not afraid to take that extra step and ask around.

Thanks a lot!

Also if anyone had a bad experience with this, please tell what happened.

 

[OMJebus]

1

 

[Mind Grenade]

Lemme join the club

Lemme join the club

Check out my hps pc grow. Its scrog and dwc. I dont have pics on this comp so click my link to my journal.