|
03/20/2018, 05:35 PM | #1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Conroe, TX
Posts: 647
|
DIY LED drivers at HomeDepot or Lowes?
I purchased a biocube 32 with a RepidLED DIY kit installed. I think one of the drivers may be out (continuing to test tomorrow).
If it is out, are there any drivers available at Home Depot or Lowes? Or any other suggestions for quick pick up?
__________________
DSA 105g Neo Pro |
03/20/2018, 07:52 PM | #2 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Sterling
Posts: 271
|
Quote:
Sent from my E6810 using Tapatalk |
|
03/20/2018, 11:41 PM | #3 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 107
|
If you know what voltage you need, lots of different options to power leds. I've use phone chargers, battery chargers, and I'm currently using a computer power supply to power my tank.
|
03/21/2018, 04:43 AM | #4 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
|
Quote:
__________________
Who me? |
|
03/21/2018, 04:45 AM | #5 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
|
and no Home Depot will not carry them but you can purchase a replacement from many online electronics suppliers and have them in a few days or less...
digikey, mouser, newark, onlinecomponents, amazon, ebay and many more.. Post the brand/model number of the one you have if you need help sourcing a suitable replacement..
__________________
Who me? |
03/21/2018, 08:30 AM | #6 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 107
|
Quote:
[IMG] [/IMG] I guess this algae scrubber I made is working on potato power and not the 12v constant voltage ac/dc power supply? |
|
03/21/2018, 10:00 AM | #7 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
|
Quote:
Its certainly possible to have it work in some specific circumstances when you happen to fall into the small window of the LEDs IV curves.. or happen to be relying on the internal overcurrent protection of the power supply itself or inherent resistance of the conductors,etc... Its walking a fine line though.. In general its not the "correct/best" way to power LEDs that should normally be fed by a constant current source be that a simple resistor or a more advanced constant current circuit/driver.. I tend to avoid offering help/suggestions,etc... with hack/inferior methods when proper techniques are just about as easy to follow/understand/implement.. I'd rather provide information on the better ways to ensure a long life/quality product..
__________________
Who me? |
|
03/21/2018, 11:16 AM | #8 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Conroe, TX
Posts: 647
|
After further testing, it isn't the driver it is the blue fish break out control board.
Called RapidLed & they are getting me a new one. I can't say enough about how good the customer service is at RapidLED. When I had an onyx fixture on my main tank go out, they gave me a huge discount on a Corona. I've called Mike twice in the last 2 days & he is always willing to help with orders shipments etc.
__________________
DSA 105g Neo Pro |
03/21/2018, 11:44 AM | #9 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 107
|
Quote:
I agree that a voltage and current regulated dc power supply is the "best" way to power leds, even better if it's adjustable, but it's not the only thing that works. |
|
03/21/2018, 12:05 PM | #10 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
|
Quote:
And to your latest attempt at a point... You didn't make any statement to the effect that you must use caution or careful planning,etc... with your comment so why should I?
__________________
Who me? |
|
03/21/2018, 02:53 PM | #11 | |||
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,793
|
Quote:
Good thing they are flexible w/ cooling.. Quote:
That's for "normal" colors.. not red. for deep red your diodes could be pulling 2A of current.... Why they haven't popped is ????? but certainly will have a shortened lifespan.. Better "Attempt" w/ 12V............ 5 diodes of red... Quote:
Last edited by oreo57; 03/21/2018 at 03:04 PM. |
|||
|
|