Lighting Gen 6 1212 added to current Gen 5 light.

[Tommy McCain]

Hello Everyone,
I have a 1212 Gen 5 light that has 4 COBS running at 1.4 mA. I would like to add 4 more cobs to add efficiency. I know not to mix Cree and Citi COBs, but can I mix Gen 5 and 6 with a new driver? I would think it should not matter but I thought I would ask the experts.
Thanks,
Tommy

Edited for spelling...[emoji14]

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Royalroacho]

Yes, you can-nabis

 

[Tommy McCain]

Alright...I did not get an answer here but I have been emailing Citi and Kingbrite. The COB have different voltage and the recommendation from both companies was to run them on separate drivers. They said the COBs should work but could cause a shorter life for the COBs and driver.

 

[BigSm0]

Correct, the version 5&6 have different forward voltages and not recommended.



This is the version 6

This is the version 5

 

[wwwillie]

Hey now.
Great reply, thanks BigSM0

 

[BigSm0]

I should rephrase that. In series wiring you can buy I wouldn't. In paralell you can't and I wouldn't. I'm sure both situations would work but you risk more than the cob or two you are trying to save. It's never worth it. Even minor changes within the string of cobs like 3500k and a 4000k both have slightly different fv. Sure it's picky but I wouldn't do it.

 

[Tommy McCain]

I should rephrase that. In series wiring you can buy I wouldn't. In paralell you can't and I wouldn't. I'm sure both situations would work but you risk more than the cob or two you are trying to save. It's never worth it. Even minor changes within the string of cobs like 3500k and a 4000k both have slightly different fv. Sure it's picky but I wouldn't do it.

Thanks for the reply @BigSm0. It looks like I will be purchasing a new driver. What is your opinion on optimal mixing of spectrum? I am currently only running 3500k 80cri (I bought this setup last year before the big holubolu about 80 vs 90) but thought about mixing in a different spectrum. This box will only flower newly rooted clones. Any thoughts?

 

[L0wbob2017]

I should rephrase that. In series wiring you can buy I wouldn't. In paralell you can't and I wouldn't. I'm sure both situations would work but you risk more than the cob or two you are trying to save. It's never worth it. Even minor changes within the string of cobs like 3500k and a 4000k both have slightly different fv. Sure it's picky but I wouldn't do it.

well when it comes to COBs i would never ever wire them paralell.

In series the law is U(total) = u1 + u2 ... ( so the voltage doesnt have to be the same ). I(total) = i1 = i2 ... ( the current is the same. )

so i wonder, at the end the only difference would be maybe different intensities between gen 5 and 6 if i would mix them in series ?! ( gen 6 would be brighter )

so is there another reason for you for not mixing them ?

 

[Tommy McCain]

well when it comes to COBs i would never ever wire them paralell.

In series the law is U(total) = u1 + u2 ... ( so the voltage doesnt have to be the same ). I(total) = i1 = i2 ... ( the current is the same. )

so i wonder, at the end the only difference would be maybe different intensities between gen 5 and 6 if i would mix them in series ?! ( gen 6 would be brighter )

so is there another reason for you for not mixing them ?

No reason. I wanted to try and save these 3 Gen 5 COBs I am currently using (I have 4 purchased and I only have two grows on these). The box ran great until summer and now it overheats. They are all running at 1.4 mA and I would like to cut that down to .700 mA and add two or three more COBs. I think that should bring down the heat. I am also adding another fan. Just getting things tuned up.