LEDs are more energy efficient. LEDs last longer. These claims are becoming more and more prevalent, and rightfully so. But this breakthrough light source represents another tremendous advantage, one that is far less well known: the LED color spectrum. The “white” visible light emitted naturally by both the sun and artificial light sources is actually composed of a range of colors. These various colors can be viewed when the light is refracted through a dispersive prism. The different colors of light represent different wavelength frequencies — the typical human eye can perceive wavelengths from about 390 to 700 nm. While sunlight is composed of the richest compilation of color (within it you will see all the colors of the rainbow), many other forms of artificial “white” light are missing wide swaths of the color spectrum. Looking at the color distribution of incandescent (top) and CFLs (bottom) in the charts below, we see that there are large sections of the full spectrum missing from each of these forms of white light. In incandescents, the lower wavelengths of blue, green all the way to yellow are found at a greatly diminished value. In CFLs, on the other hand, the apparent white light is something like a visual trick, composing narrow bands of violet, blue, green and orange color frequencies to trick our brains into thinking we’re seeing white light. Below is the color spectrum found in LEDs. Notice how the LED color spectrum is heavier on the blues, and claims a more even distribution than CFLs or red heavy incandescents. The reason for this is that many LEDs are run using more efficient blue chips which shines through a phosphor coating that turn the light white. So what’s the difference between the LED color spectrum and the spectrum found in other artificial light sources? The main difference is that the LED spectrum is closer to natural daylight than incandescents, which more closely resemble sunset light, or CFLs, which are composed of narrow bands of light. The color spectrum of LED lights signal to our body’s internal circadian rhythm, a critical player in cognition and mood, that we are in a daylight situation. This makes us feel more alert, in addition to helping fight symptoms of depression. In contrast, incandescents, heavy on the red spectrum, can actually decrease alertness and increase fatigue. Interestingly, the LED color spectrum has also proven beneficial in poultry LED lighting. Chickens raised under LED lights were found to respond positively to the LED color spectrum, which enhanced growth rates while reducing food costs and increasing the amount of eggs per chicken. Furthermore, the LED color spectrum has led to great results for indoor gardeners and horticulturists. Up until now, we have only covered one way to make white LED light — a blue LED light shone through phosphor. Another method is known as RGB, which blends red, green and blue LEDs together into white. While a less developed technology than phosphor-based white LEDs, RGB-based LEDs have the advantage of increasing the dynamism of the LED color spectrum. By using remote-controlled color-changing RGBs, the LED color spectrum can be adjusted to change at different times of the day or for various situations at home or work. Any Questions? Inspired to learn more about LED lights? We’d love to lend a hand and discuss LED strip lighting possibilities whenever you’re ready. Contact: Phone: 1-844-FLEXFIRE (1-844-353-9347) Email: info@flexfireleds.com Website: flexfireleds.com ...
DIY LED Grow Lights Using Flexible LED Strips...
posted by Taran Volckhausen
“There’s nothing quite like the pleasure you get from plants and flowers,” he said to himself. “They certainly do cheer you up.” ― Charmian Hussey, The Valley of Secrets Over the years we’ve had many customers come to us with questions about DIY LED grow lighting. Taking care of plants is a pleasurable activity that can provide food for a family or offer a portal to nature within the home. Not only that, but being around plants actually increases memory retention and emotional stability. LED lights provide a rich, full spectrum light, are extremely energy efficient, provide even, directional light distribution and emit very little heat — leading to a less expensive garden with richer results. Those interested in indoor gardening should follow these steps to build a DIY LED grow light guide using Flexfire LEDs strip lights. DIY LED Grow Light Parts: UltraBright™ 24v Architectural Series LED strip lights* Aluminum bars for heat dissipation Adhesive pads Silicone RTV silicone Nylon ties Solderless LED strip connectors (strip-to-strip and strip-to-power) Female coaxial connector with screw terminals for wiring 24v LED strip light power supply * Even when working in an indoor environment, consider Outdoor 24v Architectural LED strip lights to protect against humidity and also allow for easier cleaning DIY LED Grow Light Directions: Start by cutting the strip lights to match the width dimensions of your project. Check for markings after every third chip to locate the appropriate place to make your cut. After that, peel off the paper over the adhesive backing and attach the strips along the aluminum bar mounting. The aluminum will act as a heat sink, protecting your plants from excess heat and extending the lifespan of the LED chips. From here, attach solderless connectors to the strip lights. For added stability, tie down...
How To Build Your Own Terrarium Grow Light Using LED Strip Lights...
posted by Flexfire LEDs
As both amateur and professional plant enthusiasts have discovered, energy-efficient LEDs are highly effective in virtually any grow light application. The benefits are immediately apparent: LED lights are long-lasting, use very little energy, and will not produce plant-wilting excess heat. As a result, many are installing LEDs in terrariums and other indoor garden applications. One of our customers did just that using UltraBright™ strip lights from Flexfire LEDs, and we asked him to share his experience in order to create a simple tutorial. Follow these steps and learn how to build your own terrarium grow light using LED strip lights. First, a combination of Flexfire LEDs 12v Design Series and 24v Architectural Series UltraBright™ strip lights were mounted onto aluminum bars and channels. This allows custom configuration, and the aluminum acts as a heat sink for the LEDs, helping them perform better and last longer. These aluminum bars are inexpensive and easy to find at any home improvement store. Adhesive pads were attached to the end of each bar; these pads rest on the rim of the terrarium. The power connection was soldered to the LED strip light, and a nylon tie was used to secure the power cables and protect the solder joints from any jarring movement. Finally, a blob of silicone was applied to insulate the solder points. The above process was repeated for the aluminum channels, also easily available at any home improvement store. Below left, a smaller aluminum channel was bolted onto two sides of the terrarium. Right, a view from below showing all the illuminated channels. Below left is a view from above one of the bars, which was painted black. The lights are on the underside, directed down at the plants. Also, a close-up...