What;s the best driver for these LED's?

nlreefguy · #1 02-03-2011, 11:34 PM

I'm putting some LED's over a small frag tank - 4 XM-L Crees, to be exact. I was just wondering what's the best driver for this application? Since it's only 4 of them, the meanwell's I'd usually use seem like a bit of overkill and I'm not sure they would even work. Any dimmable smaller driver suited for this application? Thanks. Oh, where would I get one, by the way?

monocus · #2 02-04-2011, 12:38 AM

depends on how many watts in total-4 3watt means you need a 12 watt driver.i got my drivers off ebay-ledworld-50 watt driver for $20

nlreefguy · #3 02-04-2011, 01:20 AM

yes, only 4 XM-L's as stated. They are 3 watt cree's, an can be driven up to 3.0A, though usually less. Anybody have any specific driver suggestions?

eli@fijireefrock.com · #4 02-04-2011, 02:07 AM

XM-L Cree should run at 3.3 forward V at a 3000MA
4 led X 3.3v= 13.2v should be safe for a driver between 12 and 14v with max of 3000 MA.

1st try to find a charger laying around the house that has similar output in DCV.if not check out meanwell and TRP website for drivers.

For my sump i am running 2 led 3w at 1400ma for a couple month now with no problem, the driver is an old cell phone charger i lost. my charger's spec output is 6.5dcv 1.4 Amp

Bryan · #5 02-04-2011, 06:38 AM

I have had very good luck with these drivers. they do require a PWM input to control the output, but you can easily do that with a simple 555 circuit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3w-LED-Driver-MB...item3a62c0f870