It was suggested I create a simple tutorial on how I modified my Roleadro Cob Lights.
I have done both or two of them, both upgraded to Citizen cobs (details below) resulting in more lumens, less wattage and a better overall lamp for growing in veg and flower alike.
My first upgrade was somewhat intimidating as I opted to self-solder my connections, something that was outside my experience and comfort level. But that upgrade went smoothly so I quickly grabbed up the parts to modify my second lamp. This tutorial will chronicle my second lamp upgrade where I opted for cob connectors (BJB) and Ledil reflectors vs my direct solder connections and use of the manufacturers shroud and reflectors.
Both lights continue to work flawlessly and the bonus is, I have 4 extra LED drivers that I removed and could use to build some type of other light. I look forward to that and a qb purchase.
The original fixture drew approx 195w from the wall, the upgraded light draws approx 92w with greater coverage and intensity (plus reduced blurple color).
So here goes:
The original, store bought light
Parameter
Chip size: 45mil
Input voltage: AC85-265v
Working current: 600ma
Working frequency: 50-60Hz
Lifespan: 50,000hrs
Actual wattage: 200w±5%
Warranty: 2 years warranty
Upgrade Parts list/cost [I saved some money by going with Gen5 vs Gen6 cobs]
Citizen CLU048-1212 90CRI GEN5 - 4000K 1 × 2 $18.00
BJB holder for Citizen CLU048 series and Luminus CXM22 × 2 $5.00
LEDiL Angelina reflector for BJB Holder (Citizen CLU048) × 2 $11.00
Arctic thermal pads for Citizen CLU048 series × 4 $4.00
Subtotal: $38.00
Shipping: $6.76 via USPS Priority Flat Rate w/insurance
Payment method: PayPal
Total: $44.76
Tools Required for Upgrade
Wire cutters
M3x5mm machine screws (flat head phillips or preference)
M3xM5 Drill and Tap
Solder Iron (tinning wire tips)
Rosin core solder
Phillips screw driver
Rubber gloves (for handling cob chips)
We Start:
The original light has 5 drivers. One powers the fans and two drivers for each cob/heatsink. This picture is of the first lamp I upgraded and is only to show the lamp prior to disassembly and to show that some lamps come with soldered connections, some with clip connections (this upgrade). It’s not really relevant as you’re going to snip those wires off regardless.
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The two drivers on each side are not wired together (parallel) and each connected to the original cob chips. We will be removing two of the four drivers located on the outer aspects of the lamp and they disconnect with handy clips from the manufacturer. Here you see two drivers gone. All of the driver connections to the cob chips are Red and Black wires. The unstripped ends in this photo were just snipped off the original chip.
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Once the two excess drivers are removed and the remaining driver connections snipped from the chips, it’s time to remove the original cob chips. These are fastened with four screws and thermal grease and a fair amount of force is required to start the brass colored plate up/off the heatsink. Gentle but steady force will get the plate moving then it’s easy going. The chips removed, both heatsinks were cleaned with 91% iso to remove the thermal grease.
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Looks pretty good, eh? I thought so, now the most challenging aspect, drilling and tapping holes for the bjb cob connectors. Only two holes each so not too bad huh? But I managed to beak off my tap in two different holes (one on each heatsink) then had to go to the store to buy another tap. All in all, the holes do not have to be that deep, maybe 1/4" or thereabouts and in the end, this was fun and not that difficult. I advise using some lube, a slow progression with the tap and to watch some YT videos first. Being the most taxing process and frustrating having to file off the broken tap ends, I realize now I toook zero pictures of the drilling and tapping process. Apologies. The only other tip I have is to mind your metal shavings etc as your working above the fans and that sh*t goes everywhere!!
Here are all the parts laid out prior to installation.
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Here is how you fasten the chips to the bjb connectors
BJB Connector Series for Bridgelux COB V-Arrays
About an hour later, here are the bjb connectors installed each with a thermal pad applied and fastened to the heatsinks.
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The next step is trimming wires and tinning them for conductivity and in our case, easier insertion into the bjb connectors. Each wire needs to be stripped to 6-7mm of bare wire. There should be no bare wire showing after inserted into the bjb connectors.
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The wires in this lamp were “strand” type and even with the tinning, they insert into fairly stiff connections. It took a bit of consultation and finesse and patience to get them all inserted properly. Needle nose pliers were necessary to grip the wires close enough to the bjb’s to prevent the wire from bending when pushing into the connector.
This video should prompt to 3:16 where it demos the wire insertion.
BJB Connector Series for Bridgelux COB V-Arrays
These are really cool connectors, I must say!!
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The Ledil reflectors connect right to the bjb cob connectors
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All that’s left is a test drive!!!
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Thanks for reading along:
Roleadro 400w COB Upgrade
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