Crazy deal is gone

[Satyaban]

If the spectrum of the light being emitted is the same from a cheap light as an expensive one, the difference must be in quality of material, tolerances, and wages. So the lights won't last too long and probably don't perform at their peak very long because of cheap materials. Heat could also be an issue. It all depends on a person's budget.

[90Gizmo]

Maybe. Short of bad assembly, and all boards are done on the same machines as everything else, I would expect these to last as long as anything else unless there are design abuses like overdriving the LEDs or the driver output transistors. I only run my existing lights at 85% trying to extend lifetime and aim a fan across them to cool them (and direct the heat towards the exhaust duct.) These lights and my other two all have MeanWell drivers which I understand are pretty good ones. If they stay on for the first 30 minutes I expect them to go the distance.

[GroBuddy]

This is at 75% or 540 watts in a 4x4 Plants are several feet away from light. That extra brightness adds to penetration.

Lowest buds will ripen the same time as everything else, will also be just a good. No difference in tops, mids bottoms all equal. To believe what light manufacturers say about their light when it's a fraction of the price should lead one to believe they are trying to get sells and make money. Similar to nutrient feeding charts they also lie saying you must use this wacky amount, in so people who follow use more nutrients in turn spend more money.

[Satyaban]

Besides outright bull shitting, advertising cites use under optimum conditions when telling near the truth.

[90Gizmo]

Now this I understand! (I have a background in optical engineering.) It's the main reason I went from LED shop lights to purpose-built grow lights in the first place. At 85% of this 150 watts unit plus my existing 230 watt unit, I'll have 320 watts net for my 2x4 tent... I'll have the option to turn them down more or raise them higher. When a company is on the bleeding edge they can charge whatever they want. Once a product goes mainstream pricing will move toward commodity pricing.

[Satyaban]

90Gizmo I remember when color TV was new, and community news when someone got one because they were so very expensive. I think LEDs are going to take over for people growing like me, what large growers do may be best for them but doesn't concern me. Whatever a person's endeavor they can always take it deeper from grower, to expert, scientist, to experimental but it's what a person is happy with.

[90Gizmo]

The 150 watt light now has 300+ positive reviews on Amazon and it's now $100 with discount. I suspect most reviewers got it for $25 USD like I did. It works perfectly and I like the tuya app better than Alexa. But there are so many choices at $100, I likely would have bought something known vs unknown. No regrets. I now have it in my drying tent with some seedlings. I'm so cheap! Total cost of this setup $110 with 40x40x80 tent, 150 watt light, 4" duct fan and body and totally free diy plant stand.

[changeofpace2014]

Amazon showed me this 150 watt grow light on sale with an additional 50% off... Total cost 24.99!!! I know, Chinese clone light but for $25USD i got it. Was going to get 2 but coupon disappeared on the second one... Even so it's $50 for a 150 watt light.

IMO the diodes and led drivers used are a good indication of the fixture quality...cheap products do not use good components...The cost of led grow lights has come way down, however the cost of building your own cob fixture has doubled..especially the thermal control.

[SoOrbudgal]

I'd use it for veg light for sure an seedling light.

[changeofpace2014]

regarding amazon...manufactures often list returned items for discount on there product pages...I just added a mars hydro ts 2000 to my new grow area. The new light was listed as a returned item, but it came with every thing plus the 5 yr warranty....It will be a nice comparison between cob and single led chip array.

[90Gizmo]

Cop2014... Yes! I buy used from Amazon Warehouse all the time and get what looks like brand new stuff. Same since those are sold by Amazon there's great returns of you need to.

[90Gizmo]

150 watt light back at $45 USD.
I've used this for two grows, now with over 400 reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DKYZRWP/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A2AJ0653QY6V72&th=1

[SoOrbudgal]

Great deal for starts an small veg area 90Gizmo

[90Gizmo]

... or put one over your workbench.

[90Gizmo]

Finally, the $20 daisy chain accessory used to connect two or more lights is in stock. I connected two and now have a 300 watt light for less than $100. (Current sale price would be $120, list (who pays list?) would be $240.)

The lights come on two versions. The daisy chain kit isn't needed to link the "app version" of the lights but the kit does include a link cable link to link the dimmer-knob versions of the lights. Both versions go on sale for the same $50 price. The app version works with my wireless automation system while the dimmer knob version has the typically phone cord connection that ACI and other wired controllers use.

I'll be creating a ppfd for the two. My hope is to get a big warm-spot that will be suitable for my spread out manifold grows vs. a smaller hot-spot that a single light gives that would only hit an apical cola.

[changeofpace2014]

Nice Catch Gizmo...