California lightworks solarstorm1/8/2024 ![]() In fact we openly share very detailed spectroradiometric measurement data with potential customers comparing our lights to HPS. We are very straightforward with our customers when it comes to the performance of our lights. Our SolarStorm is designed to cover a 4’ x 4’ area. But of course they do that at the expense of coverage area. Other companies need to use a narrower beam angle in order to get higher intensity at the longer distances. With our 5W emitters, the light intensity is so high, even from a distance of 24” that any beam angle narrower than 120 degrees becomes overkill. Many low end LED emitters use gel-based primary optics and acrylic secondary optics which don’t transmit light as well and lose transparency over time. ![]() We studied all the beam angle options and chose to go with LED emitters that have 120 degree polished glass primary optics. We have a fully equipped photometric lab with NIST traceable calibration at California LightWorks. It’s simple light physics: Anytime light has to travel through another medium before reaching the plant leaves there’s a loss. What’s worse, you immediately lose up to 10-15% of your light output when you use secondary optics. external lenses) to narrow the beam angle you do get a higher concentration of light in the center but you do that at the expense of coverage area at a given height. Why are you going with the 120 degree diodes? Does it have something to do with the powerful 5w diodes you are using? The argument is that the tighter beam angles allow for deeper penetration. During the past few years it seems like companies have been moving away from these wider diodes more towards 90 and 60 degree diodes. I’m interested to hear more about your 120 degree diodes. ![]() ![]() this interview gives insight on lens angles of the solarstorm and the comapny's views on secondary optics for those who are interested. Secondary optics with spread out LEDs are needed to create a properly even blanket of light.Thanks to analogue for the find. the centre is at 100% while at 60 degrees away from centre you'll have about 10% the output. the "120 degree angle" is not an even blanket of light. Not using secondary optics is either profit maximizing, for foolish design. Though I'm sure there will be plenty of people to find something to disagree with just for the point of disagreeing with me. The array should be spread out, with light going straight downward, there is no argument to this. The PLLs you used Rives have an unideal dispersion, they throw light in 360 degrees, trying to mimic this with LEDs is counter productive. If you aren't using some CAD software to look at what's actually happening with light dispersion you might have trouble visualizing what I'm trying to explain. Couple cheap computer fans are less money than enough aluminum to properly heatsink the array. If you plug a new lumigrow in, measure light output, and check it again in 5 years, it'll be less than 50% output. I do happen to know a little bit about what I'm talking about here. Sometimes I evaluate them again after changes are made before they go to market. Not only did I teach you how to properly mount the LEDs on MCPCBs to build your DIY array, I've looked at hundreds of commercial LED arrays over the years and professionally evaluated them for a consultation fee. I tell you that your arguments are arbitrary and that you should stop putting down my panel and others like it available for sale. It's like me wiring up light controller just like one of the shittier commercial brands I've heard you talk about, and then when you suggest changes that you know will make it better. Rives, I wouldn't tell you how to wire a house, this is my profession.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |