My DIY LED conversion

[Thexder]

Here is my DIY on converting my existing Solite 3' from 2x150W MH to LED. Finally decided to go ahead and convert to LED after waiting for 1 year

Here is the original MH on the Solite. The MH bulbs are also >1 year of use already.

[Thexder]

The MH occupies the centre portion of the casing. It can be removed by sliding out the glass plates and aluminum panels. I got a 4mm thick aluminum plate to cover the whole centre panel. The LEDs and heatsinks will be attached to this plate.

Here is the plate with the LED positions marked out. Got the plate from Soon Lian Hardware for $15 (900 x 140mm).

[Thexder]

LEDs, Meanwell drivers and lenses from bro Sherman.

12x cool-white

12x royal blue

2x ELN-60-48P

24x 45 deg lenses

[Thexder]

My original plan was to stuff the Meanwells and heatsinks inside the Solite casing, but looks like reality is a different story.

Seems that I have to house the Meanwell's in a separate project box together with a 9V transformer for the dimming controls.

[Thexder]

You can see the low height clearance of the fan + heatsink in order to fit into the Solite casing. I actually haven't tried if it really can go in. Calculations say can lah...

[Thexder]

The Meanwell's and 9V transformer will go into a separate control box. Do you think if I need a DC fan to cool them? I'm not sure how hot they will run. I can use the 9V transformer to drive the fan.

[Thexder]

2 strips of waterproof low power blue LED for moonlights.

[Thexder]

The first major problem for me...

No thermal epoxy can be found in whole SLT or SLS To buy the Artica thermal epoxy from USA doesn't seem worth it. The shipping cost is more than the epoxy In the end RS Components sells it but have to wait 4 weeks for delivery

I plan to use the thermal epoxy to glue the star PCB to the aluminum plate instead of using screws. So now waiting 4 weeks...

[Thexder]

Otherwise, I'm not sure if these other epoxies I saw at HomeFix can be used as thermal epoxy?

[nobody]

Personally, I always use screws in all the LED projects I've done, whenever it is possible. Firstly, heat tranfer will be better than thermal epoxy. Secondly, it will be easier to replace or upgrade the LED when necessary. I've had LEDs damaged or deteriorated even when driven at spec with PROPER heatsinking.

But if you don't want to wait and is adventurous, I've read of people mixing thermal paste with epoxy to made their own "thermal epoxy"!

[jc85]

U can use those thermal stick pad also. Can't rem the product name but RS also sell them.

Cheers

JC

[Jameshong]

U can use those thermal stick pad also. Can't rem the product name but RS also sell them.

Cheers

JC

It's Bond-Ply.

[Thexder]

It's Bond-Ply.

Thanks. Cancelled the order and reordered Bond Ply instead.

[stevenkoh08]

try this paste

[Splutter]

SLT does sell thermal epoxy by the name of fujik, but it seems that a lot of folks that don't know exactly what they are selling, haha.

[stevenkoh08]

bro is it powerful than 2 x 150mh

[Thexder]

bro is it powerful than 2 x 150mh

My total LED wattage is 72W. Should be equivalent to 1x150W MH. But haven't factor in the effect of the lenses. Once I install then can see the effect.

[Thexder]

Today the Bond Ply thermal film arrived from RS. Damn expensive... $30+ for 6x6" piece.

[Thexder]

Got my company workshop guy to machine the aluminum plate and acrylic splash guard. Got some PP spacers made too. Saved me quite a bit of cost since the acrylic and spacers were FOC

This weekend can start to assemble together already...

[Thexder]

SLT does sell thermal epoxy by the name of fujik, but it seems that a lot of folks that don't know exactly what they are selling, haha.

Which shop is that?

[RockyBoy]

Just to check, for the driver ELN-60-48, how many 3W LED can you connect in series?

[Jameshong]

Just to check, for the driver ELN-60-48, how many 3W LED can you connect in series?

Maximum 13x3W LEDs.

[Thexder]

Spent the night cutting the Bond Ply and attaching the LED and heatsinks to the aluminum plate.

Here is Bond Ply being cut into small squares to be attached to the LED...

[Thexder]

The LED's with the Bond Ply attached and cut to shape.

[Thexder]

Heatsinks with Bond Ply attached. The adhesive is pretty strong. Once attached, its very hard to remove.