dimming capability

md ca · 07/19/2011, 07:57 PM

I am a new Apex user. I would like create sunrise / sunset dimming using LEDs. I swapped out the drivers on my TrueLumen Pros and my Ecoxotic Stunner Strips with Mean Well ELN-60-48Ds. The dimming was not great as they flash below about 40% and at about 70% power, the light is indistinguishable from full strength. The effects were not appreciably different from turning on the fixtures in sequence, which is using up precious EB8 outlets. The fixtures also seemed to run really hot.

Before I invest in DIY LED fixtures, I am hoping to get realistic information as to what is possible to achieve with dimming using a controller.

Has anyone swapped out drivers for off the shelf LEDs with success? What brands of LEDs and what drivers are you using?

For the DIY LED users, are you able to achieve 10% to 100% dimming to get sunrise / sunset effects? Please share what has worked.

Thanks, MD

DFWBill · 07/20/2011, 12:47 PM

I have the DIY 36 Kit from RapidLED. 24 RB/12 CW and 3 Mean Well Dimmable Drivers. I also have an Apex. I use V1 for my Tunze V2 for the CW and V3 and V4 for the RB's. I have the RB's divided to East and West so I can create a faux Sunrise in the East and sunset in the West. The Mean Wells run fine from 10% up to 100%. I have several profiles for White Up, BlueE Up, BlueW UP, White Day, Blue Day as well as Storm Clouds and Lightening. I love the lights and the Apex.

travisdad · 07/20/2011, 03:37 PM

Would you please post picture we can see. thanks

md ca · 07/21/2011, 08:26 AM

Thanks, that's really inspiring! I am going to go for the DIY setup.

MD

md ca · 07/23/2011, 08:58 AM

An update: For those who want to swap out a driver for an off the shelf led strip -- I contacted the manufacturer and they recommended the Meanwell ELN-xx-24D. I installed two yesterday and the dimming works perfectly on both LED strip brands!

07/19/2011, 07:57 PM	#1
md ca Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 126	dimming capability I am a new Apex user. I would like create sunrise / sunset dimming using LEDs. I swapped out the drivers on my TrueLumen Pros and my Ecoxotic Stunner Strips with Mean Well ELN-60-48Ds. The dimming was not great as they flash below about 40% and at about 70% power, the light is indistinguishable from full strength. The effects were not appreciably different from turning on the fixtures in sequence, which is using up precious EB8 outlets. The fixtures also seemed to run really hot. Before I invest in DIY LED fixtures, I am hoping to get realistic information as to what is possible to achieve with dimming using a controller. Has anyone swapped out drivers for off the shelf LEDs with success? What brands of LEDs and what drivers are you using? For the DIY LED users, are you able to achieve 10% to 100% dimming to get sunrise / sunset effects? Please share what has worked. Thanks, MD

07/20/2011, 12:47 PM	#2
DFWBill Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 60	I have the DIY 36 Kit from RapidLED. 24 RB/12 CW and 3 Mean Well Dimmable Drivers. I also have an Apex. I use V1 for my Tunze V2 for the CW and V3 and V4 for the RB's. I have the RB's divided to East and West so I can create a faux Sunrise in the East and sunset in the West. The Mean Wells run fine from 10% up to 100%. I have several profiles for White Up, BlueE Up, BlueW UP, White Day, Blue Day as well as Storm Clouds and Lightening. I love the lights and the Apex. __________________ Green Chromies, Cardinals, Grammy, Yellow Tang, a pair of Harliquins, Peppermint Shrimp, softies & SPS and the coolest Fighting Conch who's about 3" now. Current Tank Info: 70T RR, Apex will all the bells and whistles, Tunze 6055, 12 gal Fuge, Octo 160, Ehiem 1265 Return, BRS GFO/Carbon, Coralife UV, 2 Drew's Dosers (Ca/Kh), DIY ATO, RapidLED DIY LEDs

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How to dim a Meanwell ELN-60-48D...	JaredWaites	Do It Yourself	179	07/17/2013 03:08 PM
Info on arduino board for dimming ELN 60 40P?	crazyreef09	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	11	03/21/2013 05:50 PM
LED dimming capability	md ca	Neptune Systems	1	11/30/2011 11:37 AM
BREAKING NEWS, LED Dimming Patent failed	plankton99	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	27	07/09/2011 11:48 AM

07/20/2011, 03:37 PM	#3
travisdad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ca Posts: 16	Would you please post picture we can see. thanks

07/21/2011, 08:26 AM	#4
md ca Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 126	Thanks, that's really inspiring! I am going to go for the DIY setup. MD

07/23/2011, 08:58 AM	#5
md ca Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 126	An update: For those who want to swap out a driver for an off the shelf led strip -- I contacted the manufacturer and they recommended the Meanwell ELN-xx-24D. I installed two yesterday and the dimming works perfectly on both LED strip brands!