Quote Originally Posted by redline
There may not be a need to rotate or move light if you can get the proper light placement. My latest design lets you easily manually move the light in 1/2 inch increments in an x/y axis and rotate each module about 180 degrees in the same plane.
Each module can also be set up to rotate in the z plane to get the correct angle.

The frame is 2' x 2.5 ' for a 5 square foot area. I will use a 24 volt 180 watt led driver on each frame. I am aiming for 30 to 35 watts per square foot.
I will use 12 modules in the frame in a 3x4 grid. Each module will be in the 12 to 14 watt range and have a quick disconnect plug into the grid framework (Lets call it the motherboard) wiring. Using K2 reds,royal blue and whatever else I have laying around. I may integrate some LED engin 660nms into some of the modules or I may use them (about 40 to 50 watts) as "Boost Lighting" during the last 4 weeks. I am keeping my options open. By using the module concept with only a few LEDs on each heatsink. I can easily subsitute each module for one with a different color ratio mix.

Brilliant!

The heat sinks (available through a shop on EBAy at a very good price) are big enough that I do not need to use a fan on top of each. I am going to try cooling the area above the heat sinks with a ducted air current that will also help to get rid of smell. If need be, I will have the flexibility to mount fans on each module.

I am going to start building the frame next week and will post pictures and details.
If anyone wants to get started on one, I will answer any questions.

I have kept construction simple, all materials are available from OSH or HD.
You will need basic tools: A cheapy drill press, but a hand drill will get you by,
hacksaw and taps.
Wow! You are really thorough.

I usually just "redneck it up" with spit and duct tape.

My first 14 Watt panel was stuffed with 12 degree 10mm. LEDs
The narrow beam angle made red and blue spots until the panel was 18" from the tops of the tomatoes.

Bought a Graco "baby swing" at a garage sale.
Removed the "motor", hung it from the ceiling and used it to swing the light to and fro.
Neat little bugger, ran 18 hours a day for weeks on two D cells .
Just provides a "kick" that keeps the panel swinging.
But the tick, tick was keeping me awake.
That, and cheap duct tape gets crappy when the temerature hits 90F.

'bout time I built sumpin' I can be proud of.
I no gotta be brilliant.
Just gotta stay bright enough to recognize good ideas when I read 'em.
I'm gonna be haunting this thread and pickin' your brain if ya don't mind.

"Give people a light, and they will follow it anywhere" -F.T.

Mahalo nui,
Weezard
Weezard Reviewed by Weezard on . 'Redline's LED - DiY - Build' aka"GROW LIGHT" Hi everyone I am veggii ;) I have been working on LEDs and have been over in the Led Theory Thread and A little bit ago REDLINE joined up and posted a awesome LED BUILD I thought it deserved it own Thread :thumbsup: I hope to keep working with Redline as his style is good. His builds are simple $ cheap & practical you will like them too. I am going to post a summary of redline's post's from the Theory thread. That should get everyone started and up to speed. Hopefully Redline will get Rating: 5