This page is linked from the youtube video with the same title, so I don’t think an explanation here is needed on what this is about.
Update 12/18/16: All parts are on hand, assembly in full swing and lights have already started shipping.
Update 12/02/16: The cases are almost ready! Here is a quick photo of the progress:
They are headed out to get powder coated, then will be silkscreened and should be all ready by the end of next week.
The Prototype is now complete! Obviously, there is no powder coating or silk screening but still nice to see it take shape in the physical world. See images below (click image for larger view gallery):
DIY Grow Light Project Survey
Please take a minute to complete this short anonymous survey.
Your responses will help shape our decisions for this project.
Thank you!
Some Clarification On Assembly
This light will be fully assembled and will ship ready to use – no user assembly will be needed.
The “DIY inspired” part comes from the fact that I’ve been getting many requests for this form factor and full controller capability. Due to the way the modules are built and designed to recess into an enclosure it was challenging to DIY a case/frame. This along with the interest in the internal controller lead me to create this project and provide the resulting product at cost for the DIY community.
Light Specs
Power input: 100-240VAC 50/60hz, 450 watts
Dimensions: 40in x 16in x 3in
Material: Powder coated 5052-H32 Aluminum
Weight: 26 pounds
Lens Array Material: Optical PMMA
Optics Angle: 60°
Efficiency: 1.7 μmol/J
PPFD: 950 μmol/m2/s over 2 x 4 foot canopy @ 15 inch distance
Independent Lab Report: https://chilledgrowlights.com/independent-lab-reports
Dimming Channels: Red, White, Blue
Dimming Range: Off, 10% – 100%
Onboard Switches: Power | 50%/100% Intensity | White Viewing Mode | Veg/Gen Spectrum
Networking: RS485 protocol via on-board RJ45 net in/out jacks for cat5e or better cables.
Wired networks are immune to radio interference and attenuation by objects – higher reliability.
Signal pass through to next node even with no power.
Max light units per network – 1024 nodes.
Max total distance per network – 4000 feet.
Footprint Test
Click on image to see larger version.
Controller Specs
1 – Self powered via Power Over Ethernet provided from first node in network.
2 – Realtime Clock IC with supercap backup – retains time at least 14 days without power.
3 – Two independent 24 hour timer schedules, generative and vegetative.
4 – Full control over light ratios in each schedule in 1% increments.
5 – Sunset & Sunrise ramping, select none, one or both; 10 min linear ramp sequence.
6 – White Only viewing mode via quick access center button. Includes self canceling programmable delay, none through 480 min.
7 – Mini mono jack for connection on momentary switch, enabling control of the White Only viewing mode from a remote location and/or multiple controllers at once.
8 – Thermal safety monitoring and on-screen notification when one or more lights on network have overheated and shutdown.
File Downloads
If you know of a great sheet metal fab shop, you can use these files for quoting. Would be great if we can get the cost of the enclosure down.
Search is over, found a great local sheet metal fab shop who offered us a great price on the enclosure parts. Taking the files down as they are no longer needed here.
1 – 2D PDF Drawings (zipped)
2 – 3D Enclosure Step Files (zipped)
3 – 3D Enclosure Assembly File (zipped)
4 – Silkscreen Templates (zipped)
5 – PEM Fasteners Installation Instructions (zipped)
Cost Breakdown
With Net Controller/Color Channel Dimming
Full functionality with independent channel dimming, networking and external controller compatibility. Will be able to use this light along with our other lights on same network.
$292 – 8 LED Modules with lens & heatsink ($36.25 each)
$115 – Enclosure – aluminum, powder coated and silkscreened
$180 – 4 150w Meanwell dimmable drivers ($45 each)
$70 – Internal controller PCB
$42 – Internal wiring
$35 – Connectors, switches, screws, hangers, power & network cord
$25 – 3 fans (2 120mm & 1 92mm)
$25 – Custom size shipping box and EPS foam sheets
$40 – Assembly/packaging labor
TOTAL – $799
DIY Grow Light Project Survey
Please take a minute to complete this short anonymous survey.
Your responses will help shape our decisions for this project.
Thank you!
Have a question or suggestion?
– Please leave your comments below –
Latest posts by Vitaly Druchinin (see all)
- FREE Platform For DIY LED Tech – ChilLED Connect Ready - October 20, 2017
- DIY Made So Easy – Anyone Can Do It! - October 15, 2017
- 400w LED Strip Grow Light – Features & PAR Maps - October 6, 2017
Wow, this is one of the most impressive LED Grow Panel I’ve ever seen. If you ship to Europe, then I would like one 🙂 It must be a pleasure to grow with that LED plant lamp.
I think this Is the best led light I’ve seen been trying to learn about led for a year or more and your light has it all very well done man.Plus thanks for the you tube show to learning a lot.
Do you ship to europe? Looks like aweseme LED Lights.
Yes we do 🙂
hello, are new ones produced again?
no more will be made but we do have 3 in stock now.
you have done great work. I am saving money to buy some of your engines and do my own 450w light
work even better on a light mover i imagine..
These look awesome, great work! I just ordered yesterday when can i expect it?
Built yesterday evening and will ship today 🙂
Would this be a good sufficient enough of light for a 4’x4’x8′ tent? Or would it be to much for that space? Is this light suitable from seedling to harvest? Sorry for the questions.
Hi Kevin,
You would need at least 2 units arranged lengthwise along the 8ft tent. No apologies needed, questions are good to ask before making a larger purchasing decision. Feel free to ask away 🙂
The tent I would be using this for would be 4′ long x4′ wide x8’of tall. As I am totally new here and trying to get the most bang for my buck, is this light good for use in all of the stages of growing? Can this be used from seedling to harvest with the remote?
Hi Kevin, Sorry I misunderstood you. Yes, one would be enough. Though, if you are trying to replace a double ended HPS 1000w then 2 would be the way to go. If single ended, then one should do it.
Yes, you can use it for all stages of growth. Just hit the Veg/Gen switch on the light to switch to vegetative and hit the 50% power switch as you won’t need so much light for veg. Then for gen/flowering stage, switch back to Gen mode and 100% power.
This will actually be my first grow. I’m trying to do a lot of research on lights, I was planning on a 600w hps and this seems to be a better fit as I’m wanting to watch my power consumption. Would I need the upgrade with the remote to control the light in the way I want?
One light will replace a 600w hps beautifully. The switches on the light unit provide the basic control you need. The external controller allows for 24 hour scheduling to turn the light on and off automatically. Also to change ratio of the colors in 1% increments. If you are just getting started you may not need any of the advanced stuff and can use a simple inexpensive 24hour timer from a hardware store.
Let me know when available, thanks !
There are still some units available – but not for long!
How do I purchase please?
Chris, just add to cart here: https://chilledgrowlights.com/our-products-services/chilled-led-grow-lights/chilled-led-grow-light-400w-diy-inspired and checkout.
Can I buy one already, and how can I buy it, but already build. Thanks
Yes, you can purchase it now but they won’t ship until middle of the month. All units are fully assembled.
Can I pre-order one of these?
Hi Cole, I will soon make them available to pre-order and will email all subscribers. You can subscribe at the bottom of the page.
any eta???
The case parts have been ordered, should have 1st article inspection/test next week and full order fabricated and ready within 2 weeks or so.
The one unexpected hiccup was the drivers – all USA distributors are out of stock. Thankfully the Meanwell factory in China had 190 pcs so I ordered them all and am having them shipped via DHL Express. Still need to find 10 more so can have enough for all 50 units.
Once all comes in I will begin assembly, which will take a while as I am just the one guy and have other responsibilities as well. Will do my best though to get them all ready for you guys as quickly as possible.
I will probably send a new email update once all parts are in and open ordering so that folks can start to secure their unit, first come, first served.
Can I buy the metal frame I’d like to Beable to ad 4 cob leds
You could, but it will be made specifically for my modules with the recessed hexagonal lens arrays. So not sure how useful it would be for you.
bank account at the ready 🙂