MaxS G2 Dimmable Retrofit

aakour · 05/20/2014, 01:07 PM

First off, I haven't had luck finding anything in my searches about this, so forgive me if it's been asked.

I was given an old G2 that wasn't working anymore. So I fiddled with it, and found that the problem was an aging fan, and burnt out LEDs. So I refurbished it by replacing the fan with a 120mm computer fan, 1 of the drivers, and replacing almost all the 3W LEDs-so so far I have spent roughly $45 on a 160W LED in a custom spectrum.

My next projects for it are 1) new(any) optics, and 2) making it dimmable by PWM from an Arduino. Optics are easy enough. Here's my problem on the dimmable thing though: I can't seem to find dimmable drivers that power a string of 1) 18, 3W LEDs, 2) 14, 3W LEDs, and 3) 2, 30W LEDs-especially in a budget I can justify for it. So I'm fishing for ideas and resources to do this dimmable retrofit.

dukduk · 05/20/2014, 04:24 PM

~~A radion g2? Why not send it in for a refurb?~~

Is there a factory repair place?

aakour · 05/20/2014, 05:24 PM

I've already refurbished it myself, these are for upgrades.

XSV · 11/25/2014, 05:00 PM

any luck?

how about using multiple drivers per channel? i recently got 3 of these units and am looking into dimming just the 3w channels. im fine with leaving the 15w on the simple timer.

i recently installed the Typhon controller on the leds for my biocube and it has instructions for how to hook up multiple drivers to each channel. from what i understand by reading your post, the drivers in the power supply are not dimmable?

markl17 · 01/11/2015, 12:45 PM

do you know the pin out put on maxispec g2

aakour · 02/21/2015, 08:38 AM

X:
Yes, the drivers are not dimmable. I haven't got any definitive answers as to running multiple parallel drivers. Since the LEDs are pre wired on only 3 circuits, it doesn't seem too doable for parallel drivers like that. I have still not succeeded in finding PWM drivers at the power I need for it for less than $46+shipping each. That makes $150 to make my fixture dimmable/controllable. When I was able to pick up a Radion for $300.

Mark:
I don't know the pin out, but what I know is it's 4 channels +, -(60W, 18x3W, 14x3W, and 4x1W) and the fan +, -. It wouldn't be hard to find which is which with a multimeter

05/20/2014, 01:07 PM	#1
aakour Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 27	MaxS G2 Dimmable Retrofit First off, I haven't had luck finding anything in my searches about this, so forgive me if it's been asked. I was given an old G2 that wasn't working anymore. So I fiddled with it, and found that the problem was an aging fan, and burnt out LEDs. So I refurbished it by replacing the fan with a 120mm computer fan, 1 of the drivers, and replacing almost all the 3W LEDs-so so far I have spent roughly $45 on a 160W LED in a custom spectrum. My next projects for it are 1) new(any) optics, and 2) making it dimmable by PWM from an Arduino. Optics are easy enough. Here's my problem on the dimmable thing though: I can't seem to find dimmable drivers that power a string of 1) 18, 3W LEDs, 2) 14, 3W LEDs, and 3) 2, 30W LEDs-especially in a budget I can justify for it. So I'm fishing for ideas and resources to do this dimmable retrofit. __________________ I'm not saying I blame you, I'm saying I would be very surprised if it wasn't your fault. Current Tank Info: 46 Bowfront SPS dominant Mixed Reef with MP40wQD, Radion gen 1 & AquaPod 29 FrogFish Species with Custom 20W LED Pendant-Both Plumbed Together-RO Diablo DCS 200, LittleGiant 3-MDQ-SC, ReefLink, AquaLogic 1/3, Apex Lite::::In the works-8 gal Nuvo Pan

05/20/2014, 04:24 PM	#2
dukduk Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Nebraska but from Guam Posts: 295	~~A radion g2? Why not send it in for a refurb?~~ Is there a factory repair place? Last edited by dukduk; 05/20/2014 at 04:32 PM. Reason: Just saw the tags

05/20/2014, 05:24 PM	#3
aakour Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 27	I've already refurbished it myself, these are for upgrades. __________________ I'm not saying I blame you, I'm saying I would be very surprised if it wasn't your fault. Current Tank Info: 46 Bowfront SPS dominant Mixed Reef with MP40wQD, Radion gen 1 & AquaPod 29 FrogFish Species with Custom 20W LED Pendant-Both Plumbed Together-RO Diablo DCS 200, LittleGiant 3-MDQ-SC, ReefLink, AquaLogic 1/3, Apex Lite::::In the works-8 gal Nuvo Pan

01/11/2015, 12:45 PM	#5
markl17 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: lakewood,nj Posts: 36	voltage output on the pins do you know the pin out put on maxispec g2

02/21/2015, 08:38 AM	#6
aakour Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 27	MaxS G2 Dimmable Retrofit X: Yes, the drivers are not dimmable. I haven't got any definitive answers as to running multiple parallel drivers. Since the LEDs are pre wired on only 3 circuits, it doesn't seem too doable for parallel drivers like that. I have still not succeeded in finding PWM drivers at the power I need for it for less than $46+shipping each. That makes $150 to make my fixture dimmable/controllable. When I was able to pick up a Radion for $300. Mark: I don't know the pin out, but what I know is it's 4 channels +, -(60W, 18x3W, 14x3W, and 4x1W) and the fan +, -. It wouldn't be hard to find which is which with a multimeter __________________ I'm not saying I blame you, I'm saying I would be very surprised if it wasn't your fault. Current Tank Info: 46 Bowfront SPS dominant Mixed Reef with MP40wQD, Radion gen 1 & AquaPod 29 FrogFish Species with Custom 20W LED Pendant-Both Plumbed Together-RO Diablo DCS 200, LittleGiant 3-MDQ-SC, ReefLink, AquaLogic 1/3, Apex Lite::::In the works-8 gal Nuvo Pan Last edited by aakour; 02/21/2015 at 08:39 AM. Reason: Missed Detail

11/25/2014, 05:00 PM	#4
XSV Moved On Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 11	any luck? how about using multiple drivers per channel? i recently got 3 of these units and am looking into dimming just the 3w channels. im fine with leaving the 15w on the simple timer. i recently installed the Typhon controller on the leds for my biocube and it has instructions for how to hook up multiple drivers to each channel. from what i understand by reading your post, the drivers in the power supply are not dimmable?