multicincta
03/28/2011, 09:07 PM
I posted this in the DIY forum too, but thought Mike like to see what I've got planned.
I'm trying to give this project some serious thought so I figured what better way than to try a new program, "sketchup" by google, to stew on this thing.
Building this thing digitally to spec really helped out. For starters, I realized quickly that my latest plan of only 96 LED on the heat sink I have already ordered was a waist of space on the heat sink. I originally had it set at 4 rows of 24. Putting it together in "sketchup" showed me there was more than ample room for another row of 24 and would be a waist not to include them. I did not inlcude the wiring because that would be a pretty huge job to build in this program, so I included an extra space to "tuck" all the wires and keep things as clean as possible.
I know a few peopel that know a few people that can deal with the metal housing of the project and shouldn't cost me too much. It will be well worth the cost in an effort to have a clean array.
So basically I have the base which is a 10" by 60" heat sink. On 1 side I have 120 LEDs, 60 each cool white and royal blue. Over all of this is a housing that I will likely have powder coated. Two sides of the housing will be dropped below the LEDs and have a lip to hold a piece of glass or other clear protection. Above the heat sink the housing will have an air space. The housing will only slightly cover the fins. This will allow the air to be pulled through the fins somewhat equally. I will mount the Mean Wells on top of the housing. To one side of the housing will be a channel where the wiring will be tucked away.
I'm still missing the controller for dimming. I'm also missing optics, which I am going to build this without them to begin with, leave room for them, and if I feel it is necessary, I'll add them later.
I realize that this is all overkill, both in the quantity of Mean Wells used as well as the method of cooling. I'm not looking for the cheapest alternative, but neverthless, it will be far less expensive than trying to buy something similar from a manufacturer.
One thing that might change is the drivers. I know there are some drivers coming onto the scene that are larger and I would not have to use so many. I'm just not sure I can wait for them. In fact, there are some available now, but I don't think that any of the larger ones are dimmable, (I could be wrong) which is important to me.
http://www.thepizzabarn.com/led-build/LEDarray1a.jpg
I'm trying to give this project some serious thought so I figured what better way than to try a new program, "sketchup" by google, to stew on this thing.
Building this thing digitally to spec really helped out. For starters, I realized quickly that my latest plan of only 96 LED on the heat sink I have already ordered was a waist of space on the heat sink. I originally had it set at 4 rows of 24. Putting it together in "sketchup" showed me there was more than ample room for another row of 24 and would be a waist not to include them. I did not inlcude the wiring because that would be a pretty huge job to build in this program, so I included an extra space to "tuck" all the wires and keep things as clean as possible.
I know a few peopel that know a few people that can deal with the metal housing of the project and shouldn't cost me too much. It will be well worth the cost in an effort to have a clean array.
So basically I have the base which is a 10" by 60" heat sink. On 1 side I have 120 LEDs, 60 each cool white and royal blue. Over all of this is a housing that I will likely have powder coated. Two sides of the housing will be dropped below the LEDs and have a lip to hold a piece of glass or other clear protection. Above the heat sink the housing will have an air space. The housing will only slightly cover the fins. This will allow the air to be pulled through the fins somewhat equally. I will mount the Mean Wells on top of the housing. To one side of the housing will be a channel where the wiring will be tucked away.
I'm still missing the controller for dimming. I'm also missing optics, which I am going to build this without them to begin with, leave room for them, and if I feel it is necessary, I'll add them later.
I realize that this is all overkill, both in the quantity of Mean Wells used as well as the method of cooling. I'm not looking for the cheapest alternative, but neverthless, it will be far less expensive than trying to buy something similar from a manufacturer.
One thing that might change is the drivers. I know there are some drivers coming onto the scene that are larger and I would not have to use so many. I'm just not sure I can wait for them. In fact, there are some available now, but I don't think that any of the larger ones are dimmable, (I could be wrong) which is important to me.
http://www.thepizzabarn.com/led-build/LEDarray1a.jpg