LED array modification [Archive]

View Full Version : LED array modification

IowaDavid

23rd June 2006, 06:59 PM

Hi all. I was getting a bit tired of the wooden structure I was using to support my array--it was too bulky. So I've got a few pics of this new set-up in progress. I hot glued carboard on the back of the arrays to insulate them, as the frame I'm using is metal, and used extra hot glue to seal off any other metal parts on the towers from contacting the metal frame. It's actually a gardening frame for tomato plants or whatever. I'm not totally comfortable with it right now, so I'm thinking I'll wrap the frame with electrical tape for extra protection. And it's not set up as nicely as I'd like, so I'll play around with it in the coming days.

David

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/P1010009.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/P1010010.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/P1010011.jpg

redhotoz

23rd June 2006, 07:38 PM

If you glue the panels to cardboard David, how will you be able to change a blown globe or loose connection? Is the cardboard flush against the back of the panels? I would be more concerned about the carboard than the metal. Air may be a better insulator. What type of metal is the gardening frame made of, do you know?

Lots of questions, I know! :lol:

I've been thinking mine is a tad bulky too. I mean, it's easy to use but I have a small house and storage is a problem. My array sits quite easily in the corner of the lounge room but I am forever telling my boys not to touch. Oh, in fact, my eldest son knocked it over a few weeks ago and disconnected a circuit. Was easily fixed, as my panels can be removed separately. That's why I wanted to know if you had glued the cardboard flush against the panels. Are you still able to remove each panel individually, if required?

Hey, I've been trying to think of the most compact way to set the panels up too. I read several posts a while ago (in the RSG) from a bloke who has made something like 15 varying types of set ups! I think he was the bloke who said he has one set up permanently placed above his bed. I like the idea of that! Simply lay down, switch on and away you go! Need an Electrician to set up a power point for you? LOL All it would take is a coupe of airfare to the US! LOL :wink:

Anyway, I like what you have achieved David. You are very ingenious and if it weren't for your forward thinking and support, I would not even have my red LED array to play around with. Thank you David!

Jen

IowaDavid

23rd June 2006, 09:59 PM

I think the frame is aluminum, I think. The cardboard and hot glue should actually anchor all of the soldered connections. I just cereal box cardboard, cut it to 3" x 8", I think? Whatever the panel dimensions are. Then, I glued the top to the space where there are no LEDs, then did the same at the bottom. Then sort of blobbed a line of glue along the sides to insulate the end soldered joints. I used some insulated wire slipped through the holes in the perfboard to tie the panels to the frame.

As for taking off the stuff if there's a problem, well, I had to do that for the stands, and it was really pretty simple: just put a hairdryer on the glue for a couple of minutes and then you can slide a flathead screwdriver into the glue and pry off the material. I think, though, that random disconnections shouldn't be a problem as it's shored up well with the glue.

I like this arrangement better because you can wrap the panels into a tighter half-circle and you get a denser photon exposure as you're closer to the panels. It can get a bit warm on my face, though, so I have my misty mate with purified water there. I need to play around with the framing still--it's not terribly comfortable right now because my shoulders bump up against the lowest "rung" on the frame. I'm going to clip some of it off and see how that goes.

David

banshee

27th June 2006, 02:48 AM

wow I'm impressed you guys can build your own..I may comission you :)

Just out of curiousity..How are you guys gaging the power? The Hz & joule output these LED's are getting. Do you have a spectrometer?

IowaDavid

3rd July 2006, 04:58 PM

I used a light meter on my acnelamp and it was around 40 footcandles, I think? God, I'd have to go back and look at my posts where I quoted the energy level. Anyway, as the acnelamp site says, the output per head there is in the microjoules/cm2 level. I tested my own model and it was quite a bit brighter, but it would still be in the microjoules/cm2 range. So, it's still very low-energy, non-thermal.
I suspect that cumulative photon exposure is the key to red light therapy, so, a bright, densely-packed array at a close distance should be the best way to maximize your time in front of the LEDs.
I went for a 45 minute brisk walk last night in very humid mid '80s weather. I was sweating all over the place, but not really flushing. It was great! 8)
PM me if you're interested in an array.

David

Bob Bear

3rd July 2006, 06:15 PM

OMG, that thing looks like a death ray or something. Im getting one!

BB

IowaDavid

3rd July 2006, 09:48 PM

I can send you instructions on how to build your personal Death Star. ;)

Artist

3rd July 2006, 11:34 PM

Yes I must say I am quite impressed. It looks like modern art!

Artist

Bob Bear

4th July 2006, 12:22 AM

I can send you instructions on how to build your personal Death Star. ;)

Dave, make it happen mate! Or should I say, "engage!"

BB

IowaDavid

4th July 2006, 12:36 AM

PM me an email addy and it's all yours. ;)

humanperson

7th July 2006, 08:45 PM

I just have to say that I think your array looks great. I finished mine around 1.5 months ago but haven't used it yet because I'm currently self medicating with St. John's Wort and hypericin has an absorption max around 600 nm so didn't want to risk anything. Once I start using it I'll let you guys updated on the progress.

Matt

IowaDavid

8th July 2006, 07:10 AM