6 Foot LED Build

StirCrazy · #1 09-30-2011, 08:56 PM

looking good so far.

heres a handy chart for next time you use self tapping screws
http://aaronsself-tappingscrews.com/...rill_sizes.htm

Steve

TheManicFishkeeper · #2 09-30-2011, 09:49 PM

Thanks for the link, that will make it easier for sure!

Let the tedium begin... Thermal Adhesive time. This stuff has a very quick curing time so you have to make really small batches and work very fast. Its a good idea to map out your LED positions well ahead of time to prevent wasted material.

TheManicFishkeeper · #3 09-30-2011, 10:28 PM

First one done all the adhesive. Time for a quick break. Probably gonna start the next pendant while the adhesive cures.

mseepman · #4 09-30-2011, 10:29 PM

Hey this is looking great! I have just started building a light fixture for my 290 (although the tank is not set up yet). I decided to do fewer LED's than you (180 total) and rather than the heavy heatsinks I have gone with large u-channel. Glad you are a few steps ahead of me so I can watch your mistakes (haha).

TheManicFishkeeper · #5 09-30-2011, 11:41 PM

This is my 6th LED build now, but by far the largest. The only things I have any legitimate concerns over are weight, and heat. Heat should be pretty manageable, but the weight is something I am now trying to wrap my brain around.

I think I've come up with a robust enough suspension/rail system to hold the weight of all three pendants now though. I'll take pics as I go.

TheManicFishkeeper · #6 10-01-2011, 01:21 AM

2 Down... One to go. Going to start tinning LED's now....

TheManicFishkeeper · #7 10-01-2011, 02:38 AM

It Begins....

mseepman · #8 10-01-2011, 02:47 AM

I was totally ready to go the solder route but after going to MACNA I saw how easy the BJB connectors were and have ordered them. I has cost me $200 more than I originally planned...but the one thing I don't have enough of is time...and this saves a lot of it.

TheManicFishkeeper · #9 10-01-2011, 03:02 AM

I hear that.. I don't mind the soldering though, I'm 1/6th of the way through now.. lol.. taking a break now though.

Hands getting sore. Probably call it a night for soldering.

TheManicFishkeeper · #10 10-01-2011, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

I was totally ready to go the solder route but after going to MACNA I saw how easy the BJB connectors were and have ordered them. I has cost me $200 more than I originally planned...but the one thing I don't have enough of is time...and this saves a lot of it.

These only save time if you purchase pre-drilled/tapped heatsinks. Trust me, soldering takes way less time then tap/die. Screw fittings are super convenient, but using thermal adhesive was a much better alternative for me when factoring in 200+ LED's. Its probably a quarter the time of drilling the heatsinks.

That being said, they are really slick looking fittings. I might go this route for my next smaller build.