DIY Cob build less than 100$??

[BigD1128]

I am a noob when it comes to DIY cobs and have been looking at some projects through the forum. If I wanted to build a fixture with 2 Cob lights for a 2'x2'x5' tent, would it be possible to do so and keep it under 100$.

 

[wwwillie]

How many plants do you plan on growing in there?

 

[BigD1128]

1 larger plant or 2 smaller plants

 

[wwwillie]

Ya, my thought too. Let me see, anything is possible but quality... I dunno.

Here's a thought. How cheaply can you get LED bulbs. Around here I can get the 15 watt 3500 and 4000k for a buck! You can whip up something pretty sweet with those for cheep!

 

[Dr.Bubbles]

Those LED cob looking bulbs are where it's it for cheap....but straight legit cobs will be a little more. You can use decent active PC coolers for the main chipset with good results on the cheap for a heatsink. Citizen 1812s are REAL good for the money. You can solder right to the cobs to save money on the holders, which the BJB is a better design than Ideal if you want to use the Ledil Angelina reflectors. Go with Mean Well for the drivers...more wattage through the COBs is cheaper, but they are less efficient. You can run a pair off a Mean Well HLG-120h-c1050a/b or HLG-185h-c1400a/b. The 1400mA constant current driver x 50v 1812 = 70w for each cob if the driver can run that hard for two cobs. The 185 is only $46 from Arrow with free overnight shipping. Another $35 - $40 from the cob shop for the Cobs and BJBs, now all you need is 18awg solid core wire....use fire alarm cable/bell cable, good for close to 600v, and nice thick jacket. Cerrowire is my personal brand of choice. A couple cheapie PC heatsinks with 12v fans, and an old 12v wallwart DC power supply for the fans. I do believe with some smart shopping and rustling stuff from the basement if you can, will get you into the real deal COB game for $110-120 and you have a KILLER light that should last the better part of the next decade. Also, Artic Silver for T.I.M. to keep your brand new state of the art lights happy. KAHBS on a budget....done. Cheers.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[BigSm0]

You can build a light for under 100 but I would go with wwwillie's idea. lm/w e-26's arent to far off. Little work getting things rigged up. Do this and save for a quality build or light. Got to think of this when deciding on lights. I know budget affects almost everyone but consider what 200 dollars will grow you. Personally I'm expecting 8+oz from 270 dollars worth of lights. At 225 an oz thats 1800 dollars and the lights will probably last 5 years. Sometimes putting things into perspective helps too. I use cheaper nutrients but better lighting. It saves you each month on your electric bill too. Everything is about return.

 

[BigD1128]

Thanks for the help everyone. @BigSm0 i was on your site earlier. I forgot that you sell the "almost complete" model. If I were to purchase 2 of them, could you suggest a driver to use?

 

[wwwillie]

Thanks for the help everyone. @BigSm0 i was on your site earlier. I forgot that you sell the "almost complete" model. If I were to purchase 2 of them, could you suggest a driver to use?

That's a great idea. I have four of those and a meanwell driver. I am sure someone will get the driver for you. I'll try to spec one for you in a bit.

 

[BigD1128]

Thank you! I realize this will most likely put me over 100$ but I think overall it would be worth it.

 

[BigSm0]

Thanks for the help everyone. @BigSm0 i was on your site earlier. I forgot that you sell the "almost complete" model. If I were to purchase 2 of them, could you suggest a driver to use?

Of coarse. I'll even help you build it. That's what I do and part of the shop bro. Helping and more helping.

Edit
Oh and please don't think my above message was about me promoting myself. The first line was about the e-26's. The almost complete will put you over. If budget is tight screw in leds with the diffuser cut off work damn good too. You atleast have options.