Lighting Advice for converting Mars Reflector 48x3

[BigSm0]

Binning is the manufacturers way of grouping specific range products. There are variations in lumens, color temp and voltage in producing the cobs them selves but still fall within the major guidelines. Binning is almost like a sub category or the best vs the worst in the production line.

http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?keywords=Cxb3590

Check the part number on the first 2 cobs. Near the middle you'll see HCD that means these are cd bin which is the best. The third one is hcb which is CB bin. I'm not sure on the binning for the 2530's or if it's even available.

 

[BigSm0]

Ok looks like there are loads of heatsinks available on eBay.

These are the cobs Im ordering, good enough ?? I'm still not 100% sure what 'bin' means, i can't see any mention of it here anyhow ?
http://www.digikey.co.uk/product-de...0N00T20E7/CXA2530-0000-000N00T20E7-ND/3641917

Here are the holders -
http://www.digikey.co.uk/product-de...67-ND/3829765?WT.z_slp_buy=cree_cxa-solutions

I want to get a really good contact between the cobs & heatsink. I have some left over Arctic MX-4 from when i replaced a cpu so Ill assume this will do the trick. I also remember that the very least amount of compound you use between the surfaces the better, this is the case with cpu's - again ill assume its the same with cobs ? Also, will the holders facilitate me to bolt them firmly to the heatsink in some way for maximum contact ?

thanks!

Screwing or bolting the holders in my eyes is the only way to do it. A lot of kapton tape going around but it's not only a poor job it's not really accepted here. Use caution when attaching the holders to the heatsink since the thin metal can deflect and cause the cob to pop loose. Adding a refectory adapter helps keeping the holder firm in more than the 2 holes since it needs 2 additional holes to be mounted. Make sure you clean the surface with alcohol before adding the paste too and yes less is more. A thin even cost of thermal paste is all you need.

 

[nudd]

Tangle those cobs you linked are T2 middle bin
have you placed your order yet if not take a look at the vero 18
http://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/bridgelux/BXRC-30E4000-F-23/976-1255-ND/5180227
you will get more light than the 2530s with those drivers
atb nudd

 

[Tanglefoot]

Really appreciate the info guys, it's cleared a lot of things up

@nudd cheers, I haven't ordered yet but when i get a bit more cash I'd probably like to upgrade the driver's so maybe it's best to stick with cree, what do you think ?

@BigSm0 could you elaborate on the 'refectory adapter', I can't find any info on it ? ..or did you mean reflector adapter ?

 

[BigSm0]

Really appreciate the info guys, it's cleared a lot of things up

@nudd cheers, I haven't ordered yet but when i get a bit more cash I'd probably like to upgrade the driver's so maybe it's best to stick with cree, what do you think ?

@BigSm0 could you elaborate on the 'refectory adapter', I can't find any info on it ? ..or did you mean reflector adapter ?

Damn spell check. Yes reflector adapter. Check out northern grow lights. The citi 1812 are only 19 each with holders and out perform the 3590's at 44 dollars each

 

[Tanglefoot]

Just revisiting this now & looking to get it done after a bit of a hiatus. However the more I look into it & learn the more options i see.

The BIG drawback in the UK is getting the parts as compared to the US some COB's are nearly 5 x the price ! So, on the bright side at least this narrows the options down a bit!

So the higher end COB's are out of the question for me due to the price. The 2530's as far as I can see are only available in 3000 or 4000k but really i'd like 3500k for both veg & flower (correct me if I'm wrong?)

Same goes for the Vero 18's, these are 3000k only. However as Nudd pointed out these can run at a lower voltage & so I could use more of them, also they come with connectors/holders as standard which is a £bonus.

The clu048 1212 do come in 3500k & are not too expensive according to this which seems pretty cheap relatively speaking uk wise! - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5X-CITIZE...283299?hash=item33c6103623:g:crYAAOSwt5hYa6A2 - running 4 of these around 35v(give or take) each @ 600ma gives about 21w each, about 84w total. Would prefer to be hitting a true 100w mark really but there you go.

Pretty surprised as well how much heatsinks cost.

Anyhow, atm the 1212's look like the best option for me mainly due to the colour temp & availability. Any thoughts/corrections welcome

 

[Site]

when ordering to the UK i found the best deal to be the 5 citizen 1212's for 45 pounds then you just need a heatsink or heatsinks and holders...or order from alibaba if you dont mind getting them in from china

 

[nudd]

Have a look at these Tangle the latest gen 7 vero 18
http://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/bridgelux/BXRC-35E4000-D-73/976-1421-ND/6152431
if your using the same drivers (550/600mA)you can fit 3 on each driver
atb nudd

 

[Tanglefoot]

Nice one Nudd & they are now 3500k

 

[Groff]

@nudd More than happy to take your ms0006 off your hands when you feel the urge to replace it