Fiber optic cables direct light straight to fan leaves.

[gradolabs]

They say uvb light burns cannabis. And some think it increases resin production. Most optical grade polymers block 90% of all uv light... so, if a fiber optic cable ran the length of a stem, and on the veins of leaves, it could shield it from uv light, provide PAR light, lst the plant... and continue growing it.

That's the theory... so wait for the tests.

 

[gradolabs]

Next up is how to suspend the final optic lens or cable above the trich laden plant surface. One, you don't want to cloud your optics, two you want to preserve the resin.

 

[gradolabs]

But I swear I'll be the first person to smoke some fiber hash. Its like scissor hash when you harvest, but this time your pulling all the fiber from the plant and running it between your finger and thumb. Gooey goodness.

Still its all theory...

 

[gradolabs]

This spectrometer gives a real time feed through, you guessed it, a fiber optic cable to discern the boundaries of your light cone. Carefully position your light source to cover the most sensitive areas of your plants to maximize photosynthesis. It is a grand, though, so file this under gifts for the eccentric billionaire.

http://www.amazonsupply.com/dp/B007V5ZXHM/ref=pd_sim_1

High point of the night. Just found a way to incorporate lasers. We use them all the time to plot topographic features of landscapes. I'd like to track the position of the fiber optic sensor and plot the data in 3D. This would give you an idea of par density at given perspectives from the source of light. Please someone do this. 3d modelers use them all the time for rendering and animation. And now I'm off to find out how horribly expensive this test rig will end up being.

 

[gradolabs]

Its ten grand but I guarantee success.

http://www.dirdim.com/prod_digitizers.htm

 

[gradolabs]

I think those arms calculate position based on step motors, no lasers, but there's another type of arm that does... I was just a little bit high when I worked it out...

Those will still work, they just don't use lasers. So now I'm off to find one that does.

 

[gradolabs]

Here... I'm working on a motion capture idea with this. And there's friggin lasers! No sharks yet though...

http://shop.david-vision-systems.de/product_info.php/language/en/info/p84_DAVID-Starter-Kit.html

And this one seems to be the most developed solution.
http://www.nextengine.com/products

 

[gradolabs]

I know this is off topic, but I'm gunna ask around and figure out why they don't use the rotation tracking system from laser mice to track the position of the arm joints. Computer mice are cheap as hell and it's the same principle. So many problems!

 

[gradolabs]

Ok, ok. So here's how I'll measure the output of my light. I'll plot the spectral output at known points and build a 3D representation of the light cone. Then I can lst the plant into the most intense areas, or adjust my lenses or reflective panels to maximize coverage and penetration. Software isn't really my specialty, but I'll see what I can do to draw up usable blueprints for something that takes xyz (coordinates) and color data and spits out a nice graphic...

 

[gradolabs]

Hear me. The ultimate eventuality here is a modular robotic arm that grows and provides light and foliar feeds the plant. It tracks available light and positions the stems and flowers for maximum photosynthesis while providing mold and pest resistance. It uses over the counter parts and grows at the same pace as its designated plant. Fruits, vegetables, and a fuck ton of herbs. Big ones, too.