Lighting Welcome to the AFN DIY LED Building Forum!

[InexpensiveBeret]

you're not going to burn them out in 3 months regardless of how you drive them, assuming it's properly connected to the heatsink. those passive pin fin heatsinks should more than handle most wattages, especially if you point a fan in their general direction.

id go with the meanwell hlg-185h-c1400A/B. B if you're comfortable soldering or have someone who will help who is, A if you aren't. if you get the B version you'll be able to run it at 0-200w, A at 100-200w. i doubt very much that you'll damage any plants at 200w (as long as you maintain distance), but this gives you the ability to fine tune it to where you want it to be.

 

[Dudeski]

Thanks again @FreeSombrero ! I found that one at mouser for $54. The meanwell site confused me while looking for a potentiometer. Im really glad this thread and the sponsors have come on board. Northern was awsome to buy from and im ordering again soon.

 

[InexpensiveBeret]

are you in the states? if you're outside you should look into the elg series. not sure if the 200w one is out yet but it's a bit cheaper series. only works with 220v though.

 

[Dudeski]

Yes, im in the states. Has to be 110 for me.

 

[InexpensiveBeret]

i actually just checked again, seems like the 185 would be just slightly too weak for 2 3590s, as the voltage runs up a little. the 240 would be a better bet if you were looking to run them at 100w each, and would run cooler and safer over time. more expensive obviously, but it'll work the same. for some reason the math with 72v cobs is not a perfect match with the meanwell drivers, which is funny because the 36v fit perfectly.
another option, if you could make do with 150w, is the hlg-120h-c1050. it would be pitch perfect - allowing exactly 2 3590s at up to 75w each.

 

[InexpensiveBeret]

OK OK OK final answer for now. i looked at some of the charts, and it seems like the difference between 150w and 200w, considering efficiency, is only 4000 lumens (24000 vs 28000). considering the jump in price and the extra cost of electricity etc, it doesn't really seem worth it. unless you're thinking of adding cobs, i'd go with the hlg-120.

 

[Dudeski]

Getting the best PAR output for the plants is my main objective. I have read so much between atulip, pops22, here and then the diy threads i get overwhelmed with data. I dont mind a little more money for the best driver. Just not a clue which. With the cob technology changing so fast there is a lot to learn.

 

[InexpensiveBeret]

what's the policy on linking to other forums?

 

[Dudeski]

How many more would it drive?

 

[InexpensiveBeret]

if that's the case i'd go for the 240h-c1400 and run them at 200w. you'd be making more heat, but get higher ppfd (more par).

best would be a 185h-c700 with two extra 72v cobs. that'd give you the same wattage but a lot more par.