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Can you grow with cold cathode computer lighting?
- Thread starter ScrubNinja
- Start date
Word, watts per dollar wise, it could get ridiculous, lol. If I could do it all again, I think I would use "real" CCFLs, not the computer modding type. If you can get your greasy mits on some discarded scanners or laptops, you're in business for free. One on each edge of the box (side lighting for the central CFL) could be helpful and potentially free (and also wouldn't have the retarded clear tube and seemingly pointless colouring).
Basically I need to give them a good thrashing before I can recommend them to anyone. And even then, you'd have to be an extreme nerd.
Basically I need to give them a good thrashing before I can recommend them to anyone. And even then, you'd have to be an extreme nerd.
Hi guys. Just logged into my account over at MP and noticed a PM from ScrubNinja from way back in September. Sorry for the long delay... 
When I did my CCFL grow, it was just to answer the question, "Can you grow with Cold Cathodes?" Seems the answer is, "Yes." However, as pointed out in this thread, it's probably easier to just go with CFLs.
Then again, for seedlings or bonsai mothers, it might be a way to go.
I really like what you guys did here. It's a great thread with some good info on light spectrum and electronics.
I just might try it again, though with some LEDs thrown in just for fun.
Also, thanks for using my pictures (and giving credit). I'm glad they were of some help. I wish I would have noticed earlier, so I could have helped you guys out with the wiring issues. LOL But that's my fault for not logging in earlier.
By the way, any updates?
When I did my CCFL grow, it was just to answer the question, "Can you grow with Cold Cathodes?" Seems the answer is, "Yes." However, as pointed out in this thread, it's probably easier to just go with CFLs.
Then again, for seedlings or bonsai mothers, it might be a way to go.
I really like what you guys did here. It's a great thread with some good info on light spectrum and electronics.
I just might try it again, though with some LEDs thrown in just for fun.
Also, thanks for using my pictures (and giving credit). I'm glad they were of some help. I wish I would have noticed earlier, so I could have helped you guys out with the wiring issues. LOL But that's my fault for not logging in earlier.
By the way, any updates?
HEY! Awesome! I'm very thankful you could take a look, AB! Your grow was so inspiring. I have nothing going on at the moment as it's summer here and very hot, but as soon as it cools down I'll be firing things up again. StealthDragon is close to harvest, or maybe (by now) has harvested his all-CCFL grow 
I agree, cheaper and easier to use CFL unless there's a reason, like lack of space. Hope your LED experiment turns out, please feel free to post! Peace
Edit: yup StealthD chopped his.
I agree, cheaper and easier to use CFL unless there's a reason, like lack of space. Hope your LED experiment turns out, please feel free to post! PeaceEdit: yup StealthD chopped his.
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Ordinary Joe
Member
Alright Ninja, it's winter in Oz, do you have anything going on?
Hey Joe. I just fired them up a few nights ago but it's kind of weird. I'll explain, hehe.
I just moved somewhere off-grid, but it has a small 12v solar panel/battery setup. I'm using 2 x 30cm white bulbs with each on it's own inverter, hooked up to two deep cycle batteries in a wheelbarrow. (They're extremely heavy and need to be charged on the solar system). The plants are outside and I run the lights for a few hours per night and it fools the plants that it's daylight and keeps them locked in veg so I can grow them as big as I want. Then I take them away from the light and they flower all year round.
Well, that's how it works with normal lights anyway. It's a bit of a trial with CCFLs but I'm 99% certain it's going to work. The lights ran 3 nights no problems, even with rain. They're in a hidden spot close to my remote shack and I've done the "aluminium tape as reflector" trick so it shines the light down without looking suss to planes at night or whatever. Very discrete. My friend is doing the same thing but using a ~23w 12v CFL and his battery ran out on the third night, so I reckon I would get 10 to 12 nights or so from these crapped out batteries between charges. I can add in or take out bulbs as plant numbers change. Will be an awesome system if it all works.
Photos next time - it's extremely trippy looking
I just moved somewhere off-grid, but it has a small 12v solar panel/battery setup. I'm using 2 x 30cm white bulbs with each on it's own inverter, hooked up to two deep cycle batteries in a wheelbarrow. (They're extremely heavy and need to be charged on the solar system). The plants are outside and I run the lights for a few hours per night and it fools the plants that it's daylight and keeps them locked in veg so I can grow them as big as I want. Then I take them away from the light and they flower all year round.
Well, that's how it works with normal lights anyway. It's a bit of a trial with CCFLs but I'm 99% certain it's going to work. The lights ran 3 nights no problems, even with rain. They're in a hidden spot close to my remote shack and I've done the "aluminium tape as reflector" trick so it shines the light down without looking suss to planes at night or whatever. Very discrete. My friend is doing the same thing but using a ~23w 12v CFL and his battery ran out on the third night, so I reckon I would get 10 to 12 nights or so from these crapped out batteries between charges. I can add in or take out bulbs as plant numbers change. Will be an awesome system if it all works.
Photos next time - it's extremely trippy looking
Frosty Buds
Member
Scrubs, some advice for you and your mate running off batteries, don't run the batteries below 60% capacity or you will kill them real quick, not years but weeks if that long.
If they are deep cycle batteries don't go below 40%.
Although very expensive to set up initially ultracapacitors are better than batteries as they don't suffer when fully discharged, they can be quickly charged (if you have the means) and will far outlast batteries due to no sulphation of the plates issues as capacitors don't use sulphuric acid.
They also don't need a charge regulator.
If they are deep cycle batteries don't go below 40%.
Although very expensive to set up initially ultracapacitors are better than batteries as they don't suffer when fully discharged, they can be quickly charged (if you have the means) and will far outlast batteries due to no sulphation of the plates issues as capacitors don't use sulphuric acid.
They also don't need a charge regulator.
Cool thanks man. Well I upped my game a little and got some better batteries etc. I have a couple of 50 amp hour and several 100 amp hours. They are the sealed gel type and last well. I started using CFLs to veg but I still use a CCFL for my old PLL cupboard which is now a cloning cupboard.
And here's some old shots when I was vegging outdoors with the 2 x white CCFLs. The one on the right wasn't working the night of the photo so it was usually a bit brighter. It worked but 12v CFL is a lot easier and better. The cloning CCFL is perfect though. Anyways, peace out yo.
And here's some old shots when I was vegging outdoors with the 2 x white CCFLs. The one on the right wasn't working the night of the photo so it was usually a bit brighter. It worked but 12v CFL is a lot easier and better. The cloning CCFL is perfect though. Anyways, peace out yo.
BTW I try not to let the batteries go under 12.2v.
Hiya OB, all good here
Good to see you still kickin' it!
Good to see you still kickin' it!
