Dimmable Driver Help

[billybatz9]

Hey guys,

I need some help choosing a dimmable driver.
Right now, I have this driver...
Mean Well ELN-60-48D dimmable driver

But I want a driver that can run about 20 LEDs. Any suggestions?

I saw this one...
Mean Well HLG-240H-C2100B

But it's kind of expensive. I was looking for something just a bit cheaper.

[KnH]

Really need more info on what you are trying to do

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OVC9CHK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2EIVUGKBG8I3A&coliid=I3SG22SCF7F1MV

[gulfsurfer101]

That inventronics driver is great but I think it maxxes out at 17 leds. I have a two of them running strings of ten royal blues over two different tanks and it gets the job done. You'll need to order a pot to dim them but you can find them for like a buck or two.

[evilc66]

Inventronics has a much wider range of driver options than the ones that LEDGroupBuy sells, and don't mind going beyond the 52v limit that Meanwell typically sticks to (safety regulations typically put ~50v as the upper limit of what is considered "low voltage").

 

The problem with the driver you linked to is that it's a 2.1A output unit, even though the voltage is higher. You would have to put multiple strings in parallel (3 minimum) to get the current per string down to more practical levels.

 

This one is a lot more reasonable both in price and current, but still gets you a higher voltage range that will allow you to run 20 LEDs. It's voltage range is 50-100v, so that will allow you 15-32 (roughly, depends on LED forward voltage) LEDs at 700mA.

 

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/HLG-60H-C700B/?qs=5gSubTaN56ns566boQz66A%3D%3D

 

You will need a 100K linear potentiometer with that driver.

[billybatz9]

Inventronics has a much wider range of driver options than the ones that LEDGroupBuy sells, and don't mind going beyond the 52v limit that Meanwell typically sticks to (safety regulations typically put ~50v as the upper limit of what is considered "low voltage").

 

The problem with the driver you linked to is that it's a 2.1A output unit, even though the voltage is higher. You would have to put multiple strings in parallel (3 minimum) to get the current per string down to more practical levels.

 

This one is a lot more reasonable both in price and current, but still gets you a higher voltage range that will allow you to run 20 LEDs. It's voltage range is 50-100v, so that will allow you 15-32 (roughly, depends on LED forward voltage) LEDs at 700mA.

 

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/HLG-60H-C700B/?qs=5gSubTaN56ns566boQz66A%3D%3D

 

You will need a 100K linear potentiometer with that driver.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Is 700 mA good? I think the drivers I have now are at 1000 mA. What's the difference? With the lights be dimmer?

[evilc66]

700mA is usually more than enough for most tanks, and most people that use 700mA drivers rarely run them at max output. Really, it's going to be dependent on what your setup is and what your ultimate goal is. 1000mA will only be useful if you have a very tall tank, or a very heavy sps setup.

 

One thing to also consider is that many LEDs can't run above 700mA, like most violet LEDs.