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DIY Inspired 8x 450w Complete LED Grow Light Project (non-profit)

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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.

x450-case-fab

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):

PROJECT NEWS & UPDATES - click to expand - Last updated on Dec 1st

Below is the latest information, I will update this section if there are any changes.

 

Which Version: Based on survey results most prefer the networked/controller dimmable version. So that’s the version I am building for you guys.

Controller: Since this is a non-profit project, I think it’s only fair to also make the controller non-profit as well. So if you order the controller together with a light, then the controller will only cost $99. Will start soldering all through hole components on the internal and controller PCBs this week.

Enclosure Progress: The light enclosure parts have been ordered and I should have 1st article inspection/testing done by Oct 29th. Due to some of the PEM fittings not being in stock, there is a bit of a delay. They should be delivered in the next day or two and hopefully will have the first articles by the end of the week. Received and built, see gallery above. After that, the fabrication can start and should be completed by Nov 24th Dec 14th.

Drivers Issue: Unexpected hiccup with the drivers – all US distributors are out of stock with a 15 week factory lead time. Thankfully, the Meanwell factory in China had 190 units in stock. So I quickly ordered all of their stock, to be shipped via DHL Express, once payment clears.

The drivers have been delivered and I now have enough for all 50 lights.

Still need to find 10 more drivers so there are enough for all 50 grow lights. I should have all of them all on hand by the time the enclosure fabrication is completed. Enough are now on order for all 50 units, found the remainder here and there locally.

Wire Harnesses: The wire harnesses are currently being assembled and should be ready by the time the cases are finished.

LED Modules: Have designed and ordered the LED PCB thermal paste screen and holder jig fabrication. Once received next week I will start assembling the modules.

Start Assembly: Next, will start assembling into complete units. This may take a while as I will probably end up doing this all myself. Will do my best to get them all ready for you guys as quickly as possible.

Ordering: I will send an email update once all parts are in to announce that ordering is open. Barring any unforeseen delays, this should be around the middle of November. Ordering is now open! To get this email you need to subscribe to our newsletter, which you can do at the very bottom of any page on this website.

The lights will be assembled and shipped on a first to order, first to ship basis.


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.

Start Survey Now

 

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.



Win a FREE Grow Light!


Light SpecsFootprint TestController SpecsFile DownloadsCost BreakdownProject Survey

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

sidebar-reports-1

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.

2x4-ft-8-module-spacing-results

Controller Specs

ChilLED-Light-Controller-thumb
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.

Start Survey Now

 

Thank you!


Have a question or suggestion?

– Please leave your comments below –


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Vitaly Druchinin

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Vitaly Druchinin

Vitaly Druchinin

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Comments

  1. Pflanzen Beleuchtung says

    October 18, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. anthony says

    February 2, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Lars says

    January 27, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    Do you ship to europe? Looks like aweseme LED Lights.

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      February 1, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      Yes we do 🙂

      Reply
  4. max says

    January 25, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    hello, are new ones produced again?

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      February 1, 2017 at 7:30 pm

      no more will be made but we do have 3 in stock now.

      Reply
  5. Pat Matthews says

    January 23, 2017 at 9:25 am

    you have done great work. I am saving money to buy some of your engines and do my own 450w light

    Reply
  6. Chris Fuller says

    January 18, 2017 at 2:47 am

    work even better on a light mover i imagine..

    Reply
  7. Zeph says

    January 16, 2017 at 2:48 am

    These look awesome, great work! I just ordered yesterday when can i expect it?

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      January 16, 2017 at 7:49 am

      Built yesterday evening and will ship today 🙂

      Reply
  8. Kevin says

    January 15, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      January 16, 2017 at 7:51 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Kevin says

        January 16, 2017 at 8:49 am

        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?

        Reply
        • Vitaly Druchinin says

          January 16, 2017 at 8:58 am

          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.

          Reply
          • Kevin says

            January 16, 2017 at 10:07 am

            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?

          • Vitaly Druchinin says

            January 16, 2017 at 10:16 am

            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.

  9. Tracy Lewis says

    December 21, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Let me know when available, thanks !

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      December 22, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      There are still some units available – but not for long!

      Reply
      • Chris says

        January 2, 2017 at 6:56 pm

        How do I purchase please?

        Reply
        • Vitaly Druchinin says

          January 2, 2017 at 7:01 pm

          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.

          Reply
  10. Hector says

    December 4, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Can I buy one already, and how can I buy it, but already build. Thanks

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      December 4, 2016 at 7:42 pm

      Yes, you can purchase it now but they won’t ship until middle of the month. All units are fully assembled.

      Reply
  11. Cole says

    November 12, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    Can I pre-order one of these?

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
  12. mitch says

    October 20, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    any eta???

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      October 20, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      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.

      Reply
  13. Keaton maguire says

    October 15, 2016 at 1:44 am

    Can I buy the metal frame I’d like to Beable to ad 4 cob leds

    Reply
    • Vitaly Druchinin says

      October 20, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
  14. james says

    October 10, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    bank account at the ready 🙂

    Reply

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