Lighting Costs

[Son of Hobbes]

Can you send alibaba a vendor request so these guys can get their cheap lights?

I tried that but got super high before sending it off, turns out I've been e-mailing Ali Bongo instead (and they are really cool dudes.)

Ah I'm a funny guy.

 

[BigSm0]

I spoke to a lady from alibaba a little over a year ago about an idea I had for a light. Parts came in below 60% of local distributors. I thought it was impossible so I began to ask more questions. She said it’s a meanwell-type driver. Her reply was no one will know. I’m not saying everyone works this way but there is a big difference between snap on and harbor freight. In the end you get what you pay for. You can’t compare a diy kit that requires labor and parts to a completed light. A completed light that has a pile of benefits over a framed fixture built out of scrap metal. Individual driver, cord, hangers, decals, next day shipping and 2-3 day arrival, no bs warranty and continuing help and support for years afterwards. They are priced so well we just recently had 3 lights bought and donated to the members here. A tight group of supporters that appreciate quality, American made and supporting a local business. The price may not fit your budget, if that’s the case please move on. This mature group of folks here would rather enjoy the section than bicker over pennies.

 

[Banjacked]

All heatsinks work the same, conduction THEN convection, whether they be passive or not!
The difference in how efficient they are is not down to the "style" of the heatsink but the total surface area.
Air cooled engines are the best example of this ✌

I explained how the design of these passive heatsinks take advantage of these convection airflow currents wheras the traditional "pinned" variety do not. After all, a "traditional" may have a LOT more surface area thanks to the number and size of the "spikes", but compromise airflow due to the nature of them using the convection currents sweeping around the side of the heatsink block and then around the "spikes" which means the heatsink actually has to be bigger to dissipate the same heat.

So design does play a major part in efficiency, and it looks like you're trying to argue for the sake of arguing.

 

[HurricaneTrees]

This thread is funny lol...with that being said, just ordered my first autocob not too long ago

 

[Wallflower82]

I get it, I’m on a serious budget and I almost, almost, almost went with Chinese LED after deciding not to do HPS this time around... but then I found the autocobs. I have one autocob so far but I hope to eventually build up to 4. Good efficient lighting can be expensive. At least these autocobs are individual units.. that affords someone like me on a tight budget the opportunity to “work up” to 4 autocobs, while being able to still start now with 1.... ultimately that’s why I went with bigsm0 over the Chinese mystery LEDs... I didn’t want a mystery, I noticed how much bigsm0 helps new growers and stands behind his lights and I guess I’d just rather have the peace of mind and know exactly what I was getting. I figure I could buy the Chinese lights and regret it and eventually try autocobs, or I could just try them now. It’s bright AF, I can’t wait until there’s 4

 

[wes]

I am on a serious budget myself. I just received my 1st 2 autocobs from @BigSm0 and couldn’t be happier with them, plan on buying more. Cost is comparable to the optic 1 COB and is supporting a small business authorized by this site and not some giant factory in China. The quality is great; they are sturdier and heavier than expected and have a great warranty. Customer service is second to none and shipping is lightning fast. Cobshop.net has a great product overall. “Don’t ever be afraid to buy the best, you’ll always be happy with it”. Just my 2 cents but I own autocobs and they are worth it...[HASHTAG]#COBMOB[/HASHTAG]

 

[mcubed476]

The upfront cost is reasonable, and the money saved in the long run makes them more than worth their while.

My whole setup, which has 4 autocobs, costs me $36 a month. I carry out grows most of the time for less than $108 in electricity.

As for the yield, my autos used to average 2.5. with training I've had one plant yield 9.8 oz, and one I haven't taken down yet that will be around 11 oz (guesstimating).

[HASHTAG]#cobmob[/HASHTAG] for life