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LED strip build. 4x2


Stevenn420

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Hello, as promised I am going to attempt a build thread for my strip light as I go.

I will try my best to include everything I can..if you see any improvements to be made etc just shout it out, always open to ideas. 

 

Tools:

- File 

- Combi drill

- Tape measure 

- Metal drill bit matching size of your nuts and bolts (I'm using 9mm bit)

- Wire cutters 

- Small screwdriver

- Cable ties

 - duct tape (who doesn't need duct tape)

 

Parts :

 

-Bridgelux strips - £45

BXEB - L0280Z - 35E1000- C - B3 ( Item code)

 

- Meanwell  driver XLG - 240 - H - AB - £41.58

 

- U channel 25mm 

 

16 x 400mm lengths 

 

- Unequeal angle 25mm

 

2 x 1000mm lengths 

 

(£52 for the framework and heatsink delivered with cutting, can't complain)

 

- 5 way wagos (25 pack) - £11.95

 

- 18 awg red and black solid core (2.5m length of each) - £6.50

 

- Thermal double sided tape - £8.99

 

- L20 3 pin pole connector (2 pack) - £5.99 

 

- Nuts, bolts - £4.99

 

- Potentiometer - Free 

 

£180 in total roughly 

large.IMG_20201123_160910_copy_1701x3024.jpglarge.IMG_20201123_160922_copy_1701x3024.jpglarge.IMG_20201123_160939_copy_1701x3024.jpg

Edited by Stevenn420
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large.IMG_20201123_164548_copy_1701x956.jpg

 

First of all I  went around the edges of the frame and U channel with a file to remove any Sharpe edges. Then I set out the initial shape of the light starting with the 2 x lengths of unequal angle and 2 x lengths of " U channel" to create a rectangle.

I used small clamps to keep the frame in place while I drilled holes for the nuts and bolts.

Done this for each of the corners.

large.IMG_20201123_164434_copy_1701x956.jpglarge.IMG_20201123_164538_copy_1701x956.jpg

 

Now the initial shape is done I can focus on adding all the U channel lengths onto the frame, making sure the gaps between each one is identical. Luckily there is plenty of calculators on Google to work this out very quickly.

 

large.IMG_20201123_170659_copy_1701x956.jpg

 

(Ps that's all for tonight my drill bit is so blunt it won't even go through the aluminium, will crack on tomorrow when I get a replacement)

 

 

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Quick update: 

 

Managed to get a replacement drill bit and have been carrying on drilling holes in the U channel and attaching it to the frame.

 

(I would try find something that's the same size of the gaps between U channel as it keeps them steady and saves so much time for spacing)

large.IMG_20201124_153427_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

 

I also had 4 of these lying around so 4 U channels in from each side I added these instead of nuts and bolts as this is where I will hang the fixture from. See pics below

 

large.IMG_20201124_185617_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

large.IMG_20201124_190034_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

large.IMG_20201124_190044_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

Last piece of U channel to add to the frame before I can start adding strips.

I will be drilling more holes for the wires I'm just not sure which way they will go yet.

large.IMG_20201124_191936_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

That's all for tonight haven't had much time and grafts got me knackered. Thanks for looking :yep:

Edited by Stevenn420
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So after finishing the frame, it was now time to add the strips. I was going to screw these down also but the tape was very strong so we will see.

large.IMG_20201125_112929_copy_3024x1701.jpglarge.IMG_20201125_112510_copy_3024x1701.jpg

I needed 3.8mm gap on each side of the LED module to make sure they were centered.      (Cut a bit of card at 3.8cm to wedge in place, sped things up a lot).

 

large.IMG_20201125_115337_copy_3024x1701.jpglarge.IMG_20201125_115330_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

Now all the strips have been added I need to figure a way out to do the wiring.

 

 

@diyleduk hello mate, said to tag you when I was ready as you have some images similar to the wiring I'm doing or something?

 

Thanks for looking all.

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Thanks @tokenroll so DIYled mentioned something about 2 groups of 8 run at 40v so 2S8P I think, although not too sure what that exactly means would this diagram give me the 2 groups of 8 at 40v? 

 

large.Screenshot_20201125-135821.png

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that should do the trick fine. Don't make mounting holes etc for the wiring until you have done a test run.

Edited by tokenroll
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@tokenroll spot on mate , thanks for the help. One thing though I won't be able to test until I find a plug to connect to the driver. Can this just be any household plug? Just have a toaster I could use the plug off. Thanks

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Right the wires do come back out just need a bit force...sometimes I am so stupid why on earth did I think 2.5m of cable would have been enough lol used it all already.

 

Anyways I believe I am getting on okay so far with the wiring. I've tried to take the photo best as I can with the wiring spaced out for people to see encase it is wrong.

 

Using the wago from the driver which is connected to the negative ( - ) I attached the first 8 strips to all of the negatives ( - ) using 3 other wago clips. Then I returned back the the first wago that is connected to the driver and ran a wire to start the next set of 8 strips where I will connect all of the negatives          ( - ) again. I think this is correct. large.IMG_20201125_145234_copy_3024x1701.jpg

 

I hope you can understand what I've explained so far and see on the image.

 

Thanks

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Right, anyone know where I can get RED and BLACK 18awg solid core wire, can find stranded but not solid core in those colours or is there an alternative I can use?

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