Jandre2k3's Intelligent-Gro Testing: Phase 2

Thanks Greytail,

95+% of the innovation and knowledge for this grow and been "gained and borrowed" from this site. Research is only going to get me so far though - But know I am now actually "Growing" :)

To Clarify - it was not the Circuit cable that got hot. That was using a 15 or 20 amp extension cable although that was warm too so I am using 2 of those off the "Circuit". It was the first light plugin cord and it was not just heat - it was HOT and felt dangerous. The second in the chain was VERY warm. No problem now keeping them to 4 a piece. I added a 30 amp circuit in the room to go with the shared 20 amp. So I should be fine with this tent and the other I am working today (4x8). This room will have AC and is for flower only. I have another small room for Vegging that does not require so many environmental controls. I am new but one of those "Go big or go home" types so I am going to get in over my head for a bit but will hopefully adapt quickly and do ok :)

I don't want to detract from Jandre's light thread here so to stick with the lighting part I will say I own, TOPLED Mars and Reflectors, Advanced LED, all used in my first test run, and now Intelligent Gro. I am most happy with the latter since I am especially excited about the "custom" lighting feature. Stealth measures are my primary concern and too much power draw makes me nervous. Plus the sun simulation just seems "right" in my gut not to mention the rest of the tech specs.

WG
 
wizgrow said:
Appreciate the info - Really Great stuff - I have been researching this for about 6 months now and never came across that!

Happy Happy Happy with the lights so far :)

I really like that I can see and take pic's that are not as "red" as my TopLed lights.


One thing I should note about the lights - Power cables: I had 8 x 180w daisy chained and did not feel comfy with the heat being put off the first cable. I switched it out to run off 2 power lines and all good to go.

Tent is getting a little too warm (84F - more light heat than anticipated) right now but dialing it in with some AC today shooting for a steady 78F +/- 2. 6 days into flower and very little stretch with Bianca strain and day night temps only +/- 4 degrees.

WG
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Yeah... there used to be a diagram on the Daisy Chain page of the website, showing 3-4 on one power cord, and then 3-4 on another tapped into the center. They all still work with one controller, but it effectively breaks the numbers up for the power aspect. The controller can do up to 10 panels, but, depending on the fixtures, I wouldn't put more than 5amps through one single cord.


84Deg(F) isn't bad at all. With my 400w HPS, I regularly got over 90 up to 95- and that's WITH a/c.
 
jandre2k3 said:
Yeah... there used to be a diagram on the Daisy Chain page of the website, showing 3-4 on one power cord, and then 3-4 on another tapped into the center. They all still work with one controller, but it effectively breaks the numbers up for the power aspect. The controller can do up to 10 panels, but, depending on the fixtures, I wouldn't put more than 5amps through one single cord.


84Deg(F) isn't bad at all. With my 400w HPS, I regularly got over 90 up to 95- and that's WITH a/c.
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I have been wondering about this - MOST say 78 is ideal.....or so the perspective I have developed. So far I am just doing the best I can from what I have read - now the growing action is on and the fun beginning! I just got the AC in and working but not turned on........ is there a way test to see if I actually need to? What are the sure tell signs? FYI - No Co2 running - :)

I think your right on the 5 amps per cord - I will switch to 2 per ......better safe than sorry!

I really like "testing" my own solutions - again, liking the IG's customs settings for that purpose. Using Jack's Pro Hydro now and ran Rice hulls as my media in the test run. I liked both and re-using the Rice hulls again for the clones I just started. A lot of great knowledge here but when it comes to anything "sponsor" related I try to take it with a grain of salt - My Gym Rat background and the Supplement Nutrition industry cured my of the "Hype" :)

WG
 
wizgrow said:
I have been wondering about this - MOST say 78 is ideal.....or so the perspective I have developed. So far I am just doing the best I can from what I have read - now the growing action is on and the fun beginning! I just got the AC in and working but not turned on........ is there a way test to see if I actually need to? What are the sure tell signs? FYI - No Co2 running - :)

I think your right on the 5 amps per cord - I will switch to 2 per ......better safe than sorry!

I really like "testing" my own solutions - again, liking the IG's customs settings for that purpose. Using Jack's Pro Hydro now and ran Rice hulls as my media in the test run. I liked both and re-using the Rice hulls again for the clones I just started. A lot of great knowledge here but when it comes to anything "sponsor" related I try to take it with a grain of salt - My Gym Rat background and the Supplement Nutrition industry cured my of the "Hype" :)

WG
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Granted, 70-78 is ideal, but 84 isn't all that bad. If you start to see upturned margins and tips of the fan leaves, you'll know to really watch the heat.

Here's a pic of what to look for:
1134heat-stress-RD1.jpg

1134Heat-stress-2.jpg




Find this and other problems here: Cannabis Plant and Pest Problem Solver: Pictorial
 
jandre2k3 said:
First, it's about the very lights we're testing, so it's very much welcomed to continue in this thread.

Second, the LCD backlight on the controller is not enough light to cause any problems as it is way less that even 1% of the moon, but, if you want to turn it off, press the "LEFT" arrow on the control pad for three seconds. Your LCD will be turned off so any worry about errant light rays at night will be laid to rest.

A plant can actually get 14 hours of light and still flower and finish, but you're actually only getting just over 12 hours of photosynthesizing light. Until the controller gets over about 23%, the plant doesn't get enough light to drive photosynthesis, much less disturb the flower cycle.
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I just double checked this and GOOD info - again thanks! I just learned about rep and your the first I have given it too :goodjob:
 
wizgrow said:
Is this Pic taken at 100,100,100? You seem to have A LOT more red output than mine.......

WG
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It was early this morning, and the lights were still on but dimming. I had to turn it onto "Sunny" to get the right light to shine for the pic. So, in answer to your question, "Yes, full power 100% all channels."
 
jandre2k3 said:
It was early this morning, and the lights were still on but dimming. I had to turn it onto "Sunny" to get the right light to shine for the pic. So, in answer to your question, "Yes, full power 100% all channels."
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I think I need to do some testing ...... I just ran home (At work) and looked at them......definitely not as "red" - I also just went through the pics on my camera and see that the older ones are more "red"........ Possible something in the controller or one of the link cables..... or maybe even my insanity..... who knows? I WILL get it figured out though and update :)
 
wizgrow said:
I think I need to do some testing ...... I just ran home (At work) and looked at them......definitely not as "red" - I also just went through the pics on my camera and see that the older ones are more "red"........ Possible something in the controller or one of the link cables..... or maybe even my insanity..... who knows? I WILL get it figured out though and update :)
Click to expand...

Your "White Balance" may be working better on your camera.
 
very nice. so what distance do you like to run the leds once the plants are established and strong?
 
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