Reef Discussion

rockerpeller · Jan 12, 2013

Where is everyone getting their LDD drivers from? The cheapest I've found so far is $8

MagicJ · Jan 12, 2013

Whilst the LDD's have been available for some time, I don't think they have been used much - not sure if it is just because of the 'reefers' around the world jumping on them but there is currently somewhat of a worldwide shortage. I had a guy from Italy contact me a few days ago wanting to know my source :)

They are available from a number of places, but there is a very large variation in the prices:

http://www.power-supplies-australia.com.au/led-psu - $8.80 + postage (this is where I got mine :()
http://www.admtech.com.au/home - $5.50 - they are not listed on their site, but they do have them

Also http://au.mouser.com/new/meanwell/meanwelllddled/ and http://www.x-on.com.au/InventoryDet...&C5=_&manufacturer=Mean Well&product=LDD-700H but the prices are high.

I am currently seeing if I can get a bulk lot for a reasonable price.

Synodontis · Jan 12, 2013

I sent admtech an E-mail this morning asking about them for a bulk deal lol. (thanks @macca_75)
:)

MagicJ · Jan 12, 2013

Looking on alibaba, some of the prices available are $4.50 - $5.00 USD - so the current price from admtech appears to be good. Ken, I got @macca_75 to ask when he was there - they offered $0.50 off for more than 50.

Synodontis · Jan 12, 2013

50 should be OK to cover, we need 25 straight up for the first 5 boards. :)

MagicJ · Jan 12, 2013

When @macca_75 was there last week they did not have many of the pin versions, but lots of the wired version - they also had no 1000ma versions of either sort.

Synodontis · Jan 12, 2013

AARRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!

Joshwaaaa · Jan 12, 2013

I'll put dibs on a few if theres a bulk buy going on. Need to work out how many I need first up though and what power supply, think I have 80ish leds to run

newbiereef · Jan 12, 2013

MagicJ said:
I think I might have to make up an Excel calculator :rolleyes I will see how I go later but, in summary, you need to add up the current draw, the total wattage and the required volts and then source a supply that exceeds all these :)

:confused: sounds like maths to me

Buddy · Jan 12, 2013

Id be keen for enough to fill two boards (10?)

macca_75 · Jan 12, 2013

Figure it out - we can get them to a order in maybe - esp if we paid some amount up front.

They are getting more stock very shortly but haven't ordered a pot of stock with the pins as they don't sell many.

Fishy · Jan 12, 2013

MagicJ said:
When @macca_75 was there last week they did not have many of the pin versions, but lots of the wired version - they also had no 1000ma versions of either sort.

Speak english please lol

macca_75 · Jan 12, 2013

Fishy said:
Speak english please lol

They come in 2 varieties - with pins (that plug into a socket such as the ones @MagicJ will be soldering onto the boards) or wires you can solder direct to whatever you want.

MagicJ · Jan 12, 2013

Fishy said:
Speak english please lol

As @macca_75 said :

Like this - pins for soldering onto a PCB or similar

awww.power_supplies_australia.com.au_sites_default_files_imagecache_product_images_LDD_H.jpg

Or like this with wires - may be easier for some people to incorporate these into a build

awww.power_supplies_australia.com.au_sites_default_files_imagecache_product_images_LDD_350HW_S.jpg

These are a constant current driver which can't be varied, unlike the Meanwell 60-48P for example. So you need to pick a driver to match the required current of the different leds - they come in various current options - 300, 350, 500, 600, 700 and 1000mA.

So, for example, you might choose a 300mA for the True Violets, 700mA for Royal Blues and 1000mA for Neutral White.

Fishy · Jan 12, 2013

If i didn't know better, I'd say someone was building a led light sytem?!

MagicJ · Jan 12, 2013

Fishy said:
If i didn't know better, I'd say someone was building a led light sytem?!

Look at the thread title :rolleyes

newbiereef · Jan 12, 2013

MagicJ said:
Look at the thread title :rolleyes

isnt this mark 2 or is it mark 3 now @MagicJ

newbiereef · Jan 12, 2013

MagicJ said:
As @macca_75 said :

These are a constant current driver which can't be varied, unlike the Meanwell 60-48P for example. So you need to pick a driver to match the required current of the different leds - they come in various current options - 300, 350, 500, 600, 700 and 1000mA.

So, for example, you might choose a 300mA for the True Violets, 700mA for Royal Blues and 1000mA for Neutral White.

so 12x 3 watt royal blue 1000mA
12x3 watt blue 1000mA
12x3watt nw 1000ma
12x3watt cw 1000ma

this would be an ok set up when i get the typhoon controler ?

Synodontis · Jan 12, 2013

If your using the Cree XP-E Blue, running them at 1A would be right on their maximum limit. I would go for the 700mA option on the Blue.
Cree XT-E Royal Blue has a max of 1.5 A so you should be right. :)

I think..............

newbiereef · Jan 13, 2013

Synodontis said:
If your using the Cree XP-E Blue, running them at 1A would be right on their maximum limit. I would go for the 700mA option on the Blue.
Cree XT-E Royal Blue has a max of 1.5 A so you should be right. :)

I think..............

thanks synodontis this led diy stuff is soooooo confusing so i would be safer running them all at 700mA this in theory should maKE THEM LAST LONGER ? damn caps lock i wish i knew more about this stuff but every one on here is really helpful

thanks