Half of LEDs won't turn on (1 Viewer)

[matter1331]

I tried searching on this topic, but couldn't come up with anything (maybe my web search skills are lacking). I have a 165 watt LED fixture, it's a cheapo from China that I got on Ebay, which probably gives credence to the problem. This morning the actinic half of the LEDs didn't turn on, but the rest of the spectrum came on with no problem. I checked both ends of the cord to make sure everything was plugged in properly, and after unplugging and replugging, the lights will barely come on. As I slowly adjust the dimmer from zero to 100, they act like they are going to come on, but then go back to just a very dim glow. Are these light fixtures repairable or am I out a light fixture? LEDs are pretty new to me, so I'm not sure if there are components that can be replaced like ballasts on power compacts. TIA

 

[matter1331]

After doing a little research I think it's the LED driver that is acting up. I've taken apart the fixture and disconnected and reconnected all of the quick connects in the wiring for the actinic lights with no success. If I slowly adjust the lights from 0 to 100 I can get them to briefly fire up more than a dim glow, but they go right back to it. The fixture is the Evergrow 165w with 3w per LED. Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[bicnvu]

Maybe try to use the white driver for blue momentary just to test if it's not to messy. They should be same voltage and amp. I put a few leds together but by no way a pro. It sound like driver bad though.

 

[matter1331]

So I connected the white light driver to the actinic source on the LED panel and got the same results. Then I connected the suspect driver to the white light source on the panel and the lights fired up with no problem. So I guess my problem is with the actinic LEDs themselves. I would fathom a guess that this is not a simple fix and would involve replacing the entire panel of LED lights. Does anyone think differently or should I pony up the money for a quality fixture? TIA

 

[reeftopia]

I have a boxfull ot those type led fixtures. Thats why I went with the apollo fixture now each part thats goes out can be replaced with a new part their all plug and play.
Drivers $20 and led plates 30 at least not having to buy a new fixture. Solid state means big bucks to replace and 1 bad bulb will take out a whole side.

 

[matter1331]

Thanks for the advice, looks like I'll be ordering one once I can put a little money together.

 

[steveb]

How old is it and have you contacted the ebay vendor? They may be able to walk you through troubleshooting the string. I'm not sure of the forward voltage on those but I bet it would be between 2.5 and 3.5 volts. You should be able to pick a little plastic battery pack at radio shack that will allow you take 2 double A or triple A batteries (putting them in series for 3 volts).

You could then cut the connector off of the wires if there is one and use the + and - leads off of the battery pack to test each LED in the string. I believe you should be able to touch the + and - of each LED with the + and - of the battery pack individually to find out which one is bad.

Make sure you figure out which side of the LED is + and which is - and only touch the wires to the LED momentarily. Or better yet if you can get a low end DMM that has a diode checker that will work to.

It may not be the LED's but this should help you trouble shoot it.

 

[flexrac]

Might simply be the dimming pot, take a pic of it, pm me when you post up a pic, radio shack have lots of potentiometers.

 

[steveb]

Might simply be the dimming pot, take a pic of it, pm me when you post up a pic, radio shack have lots of potentiometers.

he tried switching the Blue string onto the white controller and the problem stayed with the blue LED's... see below

So I connected the white light driver to the actinic source on the LED panel and got the same results. Then I connected the suspect driver to the white light source on the panel and the lights fired up with no problem. So I guess my problem is with the actinic LEDs themselves. I would fathom a guess that this is not a simple fix and would involve replacing the entire panel of LED lights. Does anyone think differently or should I pony up the money for a quality fixture? TIA

 

[flexrac]

Yes but the actinic string might not have the same type of LEDs and are driven at a lower voltage, switching drivers will not work in this case.
if your put LEDs on a driver that has a minimum voltage required, if that voltage is not met, the string will not light.
for example, some led drivers need a minimum of 6 LEDs at 3v each to work, some need more, ldd drivers work with just one.
so either the pot is bad or he has a bad led as you suggest Steve.

 

[steveb]

He has the ebay version of the Reefbreeders value series. I have two of the them and the drivers are identical.

 

[matter1331]

Yes, the drivers are identical.

Steveb, I think I'm just going to get a new fixture, and the Apollo fixture mentioned by reeftopia looks like a good deal, and without breaking the bank. Thank you for all of the replies and help, it's very much appreciated.

 

[fishcraze_1]

matter1331, I'm sorry that you had issues with your led fixture. Unfortunately this is one of the drawbacks of these type Chinese fixtures off Ebay. Very difficult to resolve issues when they arise. I do hope your vendor will try to make it right. One of the reasons I like the Reef Breeders is because of their attention to customer service. Not only do they come with a 2 year warranty, but they are awesome affordable fixtures as well. I can assure you Logan @ RB goes out of his way to help and or solve any issue a client may have. I've had a few customers that have dropped lights into their tanks and he has fixed them at no charge. Very few companies will honor this type of claim, at least not without charging for work. I had a client who did not have his light hooked up to a surge protector and during a storm, surge made drivers go out. Next day he sent out replacement drivers. A lot of people make the comparison of cheaper similar units to the Reef Breeders, honestly, that is hardly the case. From the inferior led layouts to the use of cheaper fans, problems are not uncommon. Honestly amongst the regularly priced fixtures, RB is hard to beat in performance or quality. But I understand your frustration. If you need a temporary light, let me know . I have a Reef Breeders Value fixture I can loan you in the meantime.

 

[inigomontoya]

I will say that I had a problem with the controller on my reefbreeders photon and they sent out a new controller and some replacement hanging parts priority mail the same day.

 

[matter1331]

Thanks for all of the replies yall. I appreciate the loaner fishcraze_1, but I already have a new fixture in place, lol. I bought an Apollo fixture that I'm very pleased with. Quality is much better and the performance has been great so far.