Building New Panels - Sharing the Process

[rrog]

Here's a shot of the sink after machining. Holes drilled for LED stars, the driver lines, and corner holes for some threaded support poles I machined. The holes for the driver lines have eased edges, so not sharp to cut

This is the prep for wiring. Popsicle stick per Rives.

 

[DreamsofTesla]

Thanks for this thread -- I want to get started with LEDs and fiber optic to incorporate into art projects but have no electronics background. Bought a soldering iron and some LEDs, some other little parts. Haven't tried anything yet, but very interested.

 

[rives]

Looking great, Rrog! That is one serious chunk of aluminum, isn't it? Beautiful.

DOT, if you are going to live up to your screen name you had better get busy. Seriously, you will find lots of information around here. Fun stuff.

 

[rrog]

The sink really is beautiful to work with. So far the construction has gone quite well and precise.

 

[xmobotx]

i think i should have got more advice from rives lol

 

[tenthirty]

Heatsink porn!
The Popsicle sticks are kinda kinky.

 

[rrog]

They worked really well. This is moving along fast.

 

[rives]

Don't forget the thermal compound before you put the stars down for good - it's easy to forget about at this point!

 

[rrog]

Yes. I'm ready as I pull the popsicle. Did I just say pull the popsicle??

 

[habeeb]

NICE SINK man.. love it. fins are huge, makes mine look straight up sad compared to that sink

can't wait to see it finished up man.. keep it going. also want to see some plants under it, the more I think, the more I like the spectrum you got going..

 

[rrog]

I thank Rives for that sink. A real piece of work (sink, not Rives).

I'm feeling pretty good about the spectrum.

Almost done attaching and soldering LED stars. Fast, easy work. I overestimated the time required. It's fast as you guys said.

 

[rrog]

OK all LEDs are wired. I ran the long wires under the shorter so no floppy wires. I left the popsicle sticks until all the wires were run. Now I'll remove them and hit the stars with Arctic Silver and screw to the Sink.

Next up- The control box.

 

[rives]

Lookin' good, Rrog!

 

[xmobotx]

i dont know if any one has noticed but; thats going to be quite the fixture

 

[rrog]

Cripes, I hope so!!! 50 ten watt LEDs should do something!

 

[xmobotx]

oh yeah ~thats what i m screaming

if they are remotely near as bright as those 4 i wired up; you will notice when you turn it on

you know; something

 

[rrog]

Ya- Something. Should do the trick. I'm curious about the overall heat produced. That's a big reason I'm doing this; to avoid a mini-split in the new grow room

 

[luvdemshrooms]

I'm curious about the overall heat produced.

I have 20 running @ 2a on the same width heat sink... 10" long.

Passive = 54c

 

[rrog]

Hmmm... so I'm running 50 at 2A over 22", so passive would be higher than that. Is this the same sink otherwise from HeatSinkUSA? 10.05" or some such?

 

[luvdemshrooms]

Yes, same heat sink. However, mines only 10" x 10".

Yours is clearly much longer. Looks to be about 2 feet? I think your temps will be about the same.

I was trying for passive. I think it would have been OK but I did add a fan so as to keep the temps in the low 40's.