Step into the verdant world of Greengenes Garden where we shine a light on how to build your DIY LED Grow Light using Pacific Light Concepts strips. A feat in garden technology, the LED strips, unfortunately now out of production due to the closure of manufacturers PLC as of 1/1/2022, are key components in this project. This tutorial opens up the secret garden gate to creating the most avant-garde photobooth using these specialized strips.
Watch as we take you on a journey of energy efficiency and high output, where sixteen photobooth strips with a recommended current of 1,400 milliamps provide an intensely bright, yet cost-effective glow. The nitty-gritty of constructing the perfect light involves a complex symphony of elements, from Samsung 301 B diodes and Cree XP g3 red, to Pacific Light Concept heat sinks and a one inch by three inch 10 series profile ‘spine.’ It’s an exciting assembly process that results in an impressive 645 watt 1700 mic remote total output, suitable for a 4×4 or 5×5 area. So, let’s illuminate the path together and embark on this enlightening DIY LED Grow Light journey.
Introduction
Greetings to all inspired creators and green thumbs, we’re delighted to have you here. You may be here because you’ve developed an interest in DIY LED Grow Lights, or you’re searching for an updated, more efficient way to show your plants some love. Either way, we’ve got just what you need right here. Today, we’re excited to present to you the Ultimate DIY LED Grow Light: Photo Boost Reference 1.2. Crafted with innovation and a deep understanding of horticulture, we’ve designed a step-by-step guide to help you build the most efficient, state-of-the-art DIY LED grow light, suitable for a 4×4 or 5×5 growing area. So, let’s get our hands dirty!
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Overview of the Ultimate DIY LED Grow Light: Photo Boost Reference 1.2
Description of the DIY LED Grow Light
The Ultimate DIY LED Grow Light, fondly referred to as the Photo Boost Reference 1.2, is a culmination of the best LED technology, efficiency, and creative ingenuity. Utilising Samsung 301 B and Cree XP g3 Diodes, the Photo Boost delivers a necessary and powerful light source for your plants. The design is impressive, centering on a ‘spine’ structure and integrated with heat sinks from Pacific Light Concepts (PLC), making it a robust and reliable lighting system.
Importance of LED Strips from Pacific Light Concepts (PLC)
PLC’s LED strips play a significant role in influencing the efficiency of your DIY LED Grow Light. Their product offerings, specifically their photobooster strips, are top-tier and pivotal to the success of your setup. They capture the optimal balance between the most efficient white and red diodes, enabling your plants to flourish.
Status of PLC as of 1/1/2022
However, as of the turn of the year on January 1, 2022, PLC, our trusted provider for these crucial LED strips, has ceased operations. This news indeed casts a shadow as it affects the availability of these specific LED strips. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful that alternatives of equal quality will emerge shortly.
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Tutorial on Building the DIY LED Grow Light
Requirements and Components List
Before we start on the intricacies of the build, you need an understanding and assembly of the necessary components. This plethora of parts includes, but is not limited to, Samsung 301 B and Cree XP g3 Diodes, PLC heat sinks, a central ‘spine’, and power supplies, specifically HL g3 200s.
Explanation of Samsung 301 B and Cree XP g3 Diodes
As we dive deeper into the setup, it’s essential to understand the significance of Samsung 301 B and Cree XP g3 Diodes. The former hails as the most efficient white diode globally, whilst the latter garners a similar reputation in the red diode category.
Number and Current Recommendations for LED Strips
Moving forward, for a Photo Boost of the mentioned magnitude, we suggest utilizing 16 LED strips. Drive them at a recommended current of 1400 milliamps for the optimal output and incredibly high efficiency.
Advantages of Pacific Light Concept Heat Sinks
Incorporating heat sinks from Pacific Light Concepts into your assembly is essential, not only for their higher heat capacity but also for their superior structural integrity. You may attach these using either screws with nylon washers or thermal tape; although, we find the latter significantly more user-friendly.
Construction Process: Building the Central ‘Spine’
As for the structural design, we advocate creating a central ‘spine’ using a one inch by three inch ten series profile from t-nuts. This ‘spine’ streamlines the assembly by creating a simple yet effective mounting system.
Power Supplies: HL g3 200s vs. HL g600
As for power supplies, we recommend two HL g3 200s over a single HL g600 for this project. The dual option is more cost-effective, efficient, and ensures optimal performance.
Cost of Building the DIY LED Grow Light
Overall, building the DIY LED Grow Light will cost you around eight hundred dollars. Considering its output and the unique features it offers, we believe it’s well worth the investment.
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Practical Demonstration
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the basic knowledge and theoretical learning, let’s put it into practice. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through specific assembly guidelines, focusing on each component and its installation.
Using the Latest Components: Spine and Heat Sinks
While assembling, ensure you use the most up-to-date components, particularly the ‘spine’ and the heat sinks. These elements play foundational roles in the construction of the Ultimate DIY LED Grow Light: Photo Boost Reference 1.2.
Tips for Optimal Positioning and Mounting
As for details on alignment and mounting, we suggest positioning your LED strips evenly across your build. This layout will ensure uniform light dispersion, ultimately benefiting your plants.
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Conclusion
So, there you have it – the Ultimate DIY LED Grow Light: Photo Boost Reference 1.2, from theory to practical application. Bursting with creativity, innovation, and efficiency, this lighting system promises to bring a new lease of life to your indoor garden.
Resources and Further Reading
Links to Video Tutorial and Instructions on YouTube
We understand that translating text into tangible action might not be the easiest, especially for those new to DIY. Therefore, you can also access video tutorials on YouTube, where we guide you step-by-step through the process.
Authority Articles on DIY LED Grow Light Projects
In addition, numerous authoritative articles widen your knowledge about DIY LED Grow Light projects. We urge you to explore them and expand your understanding of this exciting venture further.
From 1/1/2022 onwards, PLC, the manufacturers of the LED strips we require, are no longer operational.
The driver we recommend is 2 HLG320h-c1400b [https://octopart.com/search?q=hlg320h…].
You’ll need a 40″-48″ frame [https://www.tnutz.com/product/ex-1030…],
a 100K ohm dimmer,
1-inch 1/4-20 screws [https://www.tnutz.com/product/imperia…],
1/4-20 T nuts [https://www.tnutz.com/product/et-010-…],
1/2-inch 1/4-20 screws [https://www.tnutz.com/product/imperia…],
a 16awg power cord [https://amzn.to/37L3ttF],
a 2-pack gland box [https://amzn.to/2s8SZFl],
a 1/4-20 eye bolt (available at Home Depot),
a 2-pack 3-pin connector [https://amzn.to/2FuDmvi],
18awg solid wire [https://amzn.to/2sREYfE],
Wago connectors [https://amzn.to/2t1GATR],
and TIM for up to 40 strips [https://amzn.to/3082OzY].