| LED Gardener |
| Solar Powered Lighting There are few things we can count on in the world today, but one of them is that the sun will come up every morning providing a source of energy that does not pollute the environment. The sun is about 93 million miles away but it creates enough energy every minute to meet all of our energy needs. It is a relatively recent achievement to harness this power, and technology enabling us to do so is advancing rapidly. it is not necessary to power your LED Grow Master grow bars with solar power, but it sure is easy. Below is a breakdown of the LEDs as they relate to solar power. For those of us that don't speak the lingo- this information is easily translated by your local solar supply store. The numbers per bar are: 400 mA if powered by 24VDC direct, drawing 9.6 watts. When working with photovoltaic/battery setups, it is infinitely desirable to not use a power converter. Typical PV/battery setups are for homes which need 120 vac power- so they design the setup to have PV panels, batteries, and a power inverter to change the 12-24VDC panel voltage to 120VAC house voltage. The inverter has at best a 60-70% efficiency, meaning that you lose up to 40% of the power from your PV panels. LED Grow Master lighting runs on 24VDC, which are readily available in most locales or on the internet. A power regulator is needed, because PV panels output from 22 volts in the shade, up to 70 volts in full sun. The voltage coming into the light bar must be regulated to no higher than 24.7VDC. If you are currently using LGM lighting and would like to check that your solar system is optimized for your LEDs- please do not hesitate to call us toll free (in the USA) at 1-866-414-7244. --AL ***************************************************************** Deciphering pH In the quest for perfect plants, pH is an important consideration. This is especially true if you are using the NFT system. If the pH is not at the proper level- plants will lose their ability to absorb nutrients. For many gardeners new to the system, obtaining the Optimum PH level will often represent the first challenge. The pH scale ranges from 1(acidic) to 14(basic or alkaline). Seven is neutral. Meters are inexpensive and available at most garden supply stores. A change in one pH unit means a tenfold change in hydrogen concentration (H+). (According to the Compact Oxford English Dictionary, the "p" stands for the German word for "power", potenz, so pH is an abbreviation for "power of hydrogen".) PH will change every day (usually going up.) Over zealous gardeners may be tempted to adjust it daily but ultimately this will lead to nutrient problems. The solution should be tested each day for sharp changes but adjusted only every few days. The majority of plants will thrive in a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. When adjusting the pH it is important to adjust it slowly, 1/2 to 1 point for each adjustment. Phosphoric Acid (pH Down), and Potassium Hydroxide (pH Up) are the two most common methods of changing pH. When making a fresh batch of solution you will want to add the nutrients first and then adjust the pH. If you have soft water you will likely need very little adjustment. When first using a system it is advisable to measure how much pH up or down you use to reach your target. This will simplify future adjustments in your quest for perfection.--AL ***************************************************************** |
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| March 1, 2008 Volume 3, Issue 3 |
In This Issue Solar Powered Lighting Deciphering PH Featured Distributor All-American Hydroponics Inc all-americanhydroponics.com/ 1-888-753-2582 Miami, FL Featured Product: The ABP3 is our 3 cluster professional aquarium grow light that will promote robust growth in freshwater tanks up to 20" deep. Simply let us know that you are a reader of the LED Gardener to receive 10% off of your purchase of this featured product. Care to Comment? The LED Gardener appreciates all the input we receive from our readers. If you would like to submit an article or pictures; or if you would like to comment on a current article please send submissions and comments or questions to angela@led-grow-master.com You are receiving this email because you subscribed at led-grow-master.com If you do not wish to receive this newsletter :Request your name removed angela@led-grow-master.com Contact LED Grow Master Global: Admin@led-grow-master.com |
