So I decided to grow potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and herbs indoors this winter. The grow light I used last year was way underpowered, so I decided to get a new one capable of my needs. Apparently, my needs are also very expensive, as a decent light that doesn't need to be right on top of them was way over a hundred bucks; in most cases by several times.
I wasn't about to spend several hundred dollars on a light that I had no idea how it would perform, so I decided to make my own. I'm one of those people who if I can't find it, I can make it. This was no exception. I had three LED headlight bulbs hanging around at 10,000 lumens and 6,000 K temperature each, so I figured, "Hey Doug, why not make your own?" Well, I did just that.
I used a piece of aluminum track from my old screen porch company for the main beam, drilled holes for the bulbs to fit through and wired in place. I ordered a transformer to drop the 120v AC down to 200 watts of 12v DC, which means I can wire up to four bulbs to this unit. I spent another five bucks for a pair of headlight harnesses to wire into the power pack. I also bought a set of three stainless steel bowls to use as reflectors, to direct the sideways light down. So what you see are the two in place with the reflectors, but if you notice the light arcs, I think I will mount the third bulb sideways without a reflector, so that it shines downward, but in a more open pattern. That will boost the output from 20,000 lumens to 30,000. I will still have enough wattage left to use the third bowl to make a clip-on light for specific areas.
I think I have this worked out, but if anyone has any suggestions, I'm open for ideas!
So here are some of the pieces. You see two of the bowls drilled and ready to mount, along with the headlights.
This is the light beam with the transformer and headlights mounted from the top:
This is what it looked like underneath, prior to mounting the reflectors. Note the bulbs protruding out:
Testing it in the kitchen to check the brightness. I think I could communicate with the ISS!
And finally, here it is place. See how the light arcs overlap on the front of the freezer? This is why I think I will add a third in the middle, but mounted sideways and aiming down without a reflector. I think I can easily mount this five feet up without causing the plants to leg up, if not more.
