I'm completely new to all of this so I have a lot of questions. Seriously, pretty much everything is new. I read through most of this thread but still don't quite get all of it. I guess I should start with what I'm trying to do. My goal is to find out if it will be worth it to build one of these rather than buy a LED grow light online. Budget is an important factor. I'm looking to spend $150 to $200 max. I have easy access to cheap heat sinks and fans so all I would need is the COBs/wiring/driver.
so..here goes
On LEDs grow lights I have been researching they list the nm. With these it's k. What exactly does K stand for and how does it effect the LED? Are COBs all full spectrum?
What exactly are bins and what makes them good or bad?
Why is it important for the heat sink to be perfectly flat to the point of sanding it?
OK so now for what I'm going for. I'm looking to have a approx 4x4 grow area and fit as many plants as I can. From what I read here I'm thinking possibly 4 CXA 3070's? Could I use less and run at a higher voltage?
I see people saying you can run COBs and different watts. Do the amps you run to it decide that? I'm completely new to everything I'm not sure how it all ties together (volts, amps, watts). I know the driver would have amps and volts but I guess I don't get if you have a driver pushing x amount of volts how you could vary how much each one gets? I hope this makes sense I'm sure it's frustrating to read for those of you that know your shit.
If I were to go this route what would you suggest for my setup? What COB? k? Driver? I think I would rather go for less cobs with more w to save money in the beginning. If that would even be true.. How much $ approx for the setup you suggest?
My other option is a
Mars Hydro 600 LED Grow Light Panel Full Spectrum 272±5%True Watt for $170 which will only cover about 3x3.
Will I save money building one of these for my purposes described? If they're about the same price why build one? What are the advantages. Is it all about efficiency?
I know I could probably find most of this by scouring the internet more but I have been and it's kind of hard to figure out by myself. I'd really appreciate any help. Thank you!