Lighting Did the deed. New Par meter on its way.

[Olderfart]

That's not bad at all! Not that I ever doubted screw in LEDs but whoa 5ft away and 600ppfd, you built a damn strong high bay light lol. Good enough for me, thanks for keeping me posted.

I suspect that this DIY setup is even better than is apparent so far. The other aspect that, sadly, I can't measure is the spectrum. However, given the published spectra for the 5500k and 2700k screwins, I suspect that the combined spectrum is excellent, with lots of both blue and red, and the spectrum can be adjusted by the ratio of 5500k and 2700k bulbs.

Other than the issue of too much heat in the tent for grows in warmer areas, this DIY setup does not seem to me to have a lot of downside for a home grow. The ability to easily and locally replace any lights that die, or just have some spares on hand is a big deal in my books. Replacing a dead light or driver during a grow would be a tad more of an issue, and not everyone wants to invest in spares for these big ticket items.

It will be interesting to see how the next grow goes now that I can put my PAR levels exactly where I want them.

 

[derek420colorado]

I suspect that this DIY setup is even better than is apparent so far. The other aspect that, sadly, I can't measure is the spectrum. However, given the published spectra for the 5500k and 2700k screwins, I suspect that the combined spectrum is excellent, with lots of both blue and red, and the spectrum can be adjusted by the ratio of 5500k and 2700k bulbs.

Other than the issue of too much heat in the tent for grows in warmer areas, this DIY setup does not seem to me to have a lot of downside for a home grow. The ability to easily and locally replace any lights that die, or just have some spares on hand is a big deal in my books. Replacing a dead light or driver during a grow would be a tad more of an issue, and not everyone wants to invest in spares for these big ticket items.

It will be interesting to see how the next grow goes now that I can put my PAR levels exactly where I want them.

I’m also very stoked to be able to get my DLI figures exactly where I want them.

 

[Death The Cultivator]

I suspect that this DIY setup is even better than is apparent so far. The other aspect that, sadly, I can't measure is the spectrum. However, given the published spectra for the 5500k and 2700k screwins, I suspect that the combined spectrum is excellent, with lots of both blue and red, and the spectrum can be adjusted by the ratio of 5500k and 2700k bulbs.

Other than the issue of too much heat in the tent for grows in warmer areas, this DIY setup does not seem to me to have a lot of downside for a home grow. The ability to easily and locally replace any lights that die, or just have some spares on hand is a big deal in my books. Replacing a dead light or driver during a grow would be a tad more of an issue, and not everyone wants to invest in spares for these big ticket items.

It will be interesting to see how the next grow goes now that I can put my PAR levels exactly where I want them.

I did actually have my driver to out during a grow but digikey overnighted a new one. Out of all the fixtures I've had this was the only Meanwell driver to go.

I definitely think it's a better option than going with any of the Chinese brands whom all share parts and unified lack of integrity.

I like DIY in general but the slim profile of strips was a selling point for me. You're readings are spot on for high bay lighting but the heat in concerning. The downside is that too reduce the heat it will cost a lot more, enough to just but semi or commercial lighting for the same price and better quality.

 

[Olderfart]

I did actually have my driver to out during a grow but digikey overnighted a new one. Out of all the fixtures I've had this was the only Meanwell driver to go.

I definitely think it's a better option than going with any of the Chinese brands whom all share parts and unified lack of integrity.

I like DIY in general but the slim profile of strips was a selling point for me. You're readings are spot on for high bay lighting but the heat in concerning. The downside is that too reduce the heat it will cost a lot more, enough to just but semi or commercial lighting for the same price and better quality.

The heat is no issue for me, and hence neither is the efficiency because I grow only in winter when the growdrobe needs at least as much heat as the lights produce, and usually more. I have to use a heater anyway.

 

[Death The Cultivator]

The heat is no issue for me, and hence neither is the efficiency because I grow only in winter when the growdrobe needs at least as much heat as the lights produce, and usually more. I have to use a heater anyway.

Right and I think that's why CMH isn't a dead technology yet lol. I do look forward to more of your grows, brilliant DIY and testing. I won't bother you for penetration but I'm impressed.

 

[Olderfart]

Right and I think that's why CMH isn't a dead technology yet lol. I do look forward to more of your grows, brilliant DIY and testing. I won't bother you for penetration but I'm impressed.

Bother me for penetration all you want once I get another grow going. My approach will likely be to generate the PAR at canopy top from as far away as I can which will minimize the vertical loss of intensity with canopy depth. It is my thinking that "penetration" is more about this than it is any special characteristic of the light, although I am aware that the green portion of the spectrum may actually make it through leaves to others beneath. My suspicion is that transparency to green is far less important than drop in intensity with canopy height. Great theory.

 

[Olderfart]

I’m also very stoked to be able to get my DLI figures exactly where I want them.

It will be interesting to see whether I can grow better with the information. I now know that at times I have been going way over optimum DLI during my two indoor grows, but now that will not happen again.

We will still need to learn what DLI we can push to given our other grow variables, but at least we will not have to guess whether we are completely screwing up light levels. A fine thing in my books.

 

[Kyote]

I am just curious if you have seen this app for DLI? Wondering how accurate it is.

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1450079523?mt=8

 

[Del boy]

I am just curious if you have seen this app for DLI? Wondering how accurate it is.

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1450079523?mt=8

Hello i use that app you have to find the right thickness off paper for the diffuser but it is very close to in readings to a pukka par meter tested it against my mates

 

[Olderfart]

I am just curious if you have seen this app for DLI? Wondering how accurate it is.

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1450079523?mt=8

Haven't tried it, but if you could calibrate it with someone's meter for your grow light, you would be set reasonably well afterwards. Without calibration with an actual PAR meter under your specific light, I think it's usefulness will likely be limited.

It is possible that the subscription service includes access to calibration data with particular models of phones and specific lights. If this is the case and your hardware has already been calibrated, it might work well. You could also "calibrate" your phone by finding the diffuser material that makes the meter match the ppfd listed by the manufacturer.