Best place(s) to source DIY LEDs

[Azeotrope]

Okay, I'm going to give some targeted NM supplimental lighting a shot with some LEDs. While still a committed CMHer here, I certainly believe that tweeking the spectrum peaks can lead to some unique growing results. So, to the many that have gone the DIY route (rives, knna and others) where is the best place (u.s.) to source the actuall diodes and quality drivers?

The rest is no prob. Heatsinks and so forth.......

Thanks in advance!

 

[rives]

Mouser was the best US source that I could find for GD+'s. Their prices are pretty good in quantity ($6.73 ea for 1, $3.36 ea for 100+). People keep mentioning Cutter in Australia, but I don't know what shipping and import duty would be like. I think Cutter had them available already mounted on starts, which would be a substantial time saver.

 

[kaching1420]

I can't find any LEDs on mouser with the right spectrum.

 

[rives]

I can't find any LEDs on mouser with the right spectrum.

I'm not sure what you are looking for, but these are what I used (660nm).


http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...-W5AM-1T3T-1-L-Z/?qs=dzkBnbp7AzQjkL7H45NWtQ==

 

[kaching1420]

I'm not sure what you are looking for, but these are what I used (660nm).


http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...-W5AM-1T3T-1-L-Z/?qs=dzkBnbp7AzQjkL7H45NWtQ==

What amp you push those at? Very pricey for something rated at 2.15v 400mA.

 

[trem0lo]

What amp you push those at? Very pricey for something rated at 2.15v 400mA.

I have these but push them at 700mA. I also have a bigger heatsink than I need with two fans cooling it, so they do get a bit toasty The blue and soft white LEDs in the same GD+ family can be driven that hard without problems though.

 

[alkalien]

If the heatsink is really good no problems after 1year at 750mA for both reds or blue. They are great!

 

[kaching1420]

700mA sounds reasonable for the price. Even so you can get a luxeon rebel red that pushes 4v and 700mA at max for $6.

Would an led like this have any advantages over the rebel red? The osram might be slightly more efficient but you get twice the watts per dollar with the luxeon.

The only difference I see is the luxeon outputs 620nm light and the osram outputs 660nm light. Perhaps it's this that draws a premium?

 

[trem0lo]

Possibly. The GD 660nm is designed for horticultural lighting and has a 170 deg beam angle for big gardens.

A big draw for the DIYer is that GD+ are really easy to solder.

 

[rives]

What amp you push those at? Very pricey for something rated at 2.15v 400mA.

I am currently pushing mine at 500ma until I get a feel for what works best with my fixture (see link in sig). I have two fans on each heat sink, one pushing and one pulling, and am currently running about 10 degrees over ambient on the exit air. The next time I get into the ballast/driver enclosure, I will probably go up to 550ma, but I want to retain a balance in penetration between the LED's and the PL-L's. My understanding is that the Rebels are very difficult for DIY soldering, and the 660nm output is definitely preferable for plants.

 

[T_B_M]

Osrams - Mouser.com

Osram GD MCPCBs - P/N: 951-803268 - Mouser.com

Crees - Cutter.com.au - Order them on MCPCBs

Use Arctic Silver Thermal Adhesive for mounting the MCPCBs to sinks. Fast build time, and durable.