Anyone using Meanwell NPF series dimmable LED drivers?

rwb500 · Apr 6, 2020

It seems like everyone is using Meanwell LDD drivers these days for DIY LED's. I noticed that the Meanwell NPF-xxD-xx series is similar to the old ELN series that was so popular. It is missing the internal voltage and current limit controls, but gains "3-in-1" dimming, meaning it can be dimmed with 0-10V constant voltage (straight from Apex), 0-10V PWM, or a simple 100K Ohm potentiometer.

For example, the Meanwell NPF-60D-42 could drive 12 CREE XTE Royal Blue @ up to 1.43A. It is IP67 rated and does not require a separate DC power supply. It costs about $28. It can be controlled directly from an Apex or simply with a 100k potentiometer wired directly to it. Doesn't get any easier than that.

So, anyone have any experience with these? Any thoughts?

rwb500 · Apr 7, 2020

Just to provide an update, I think it comes down to cost and the ability to dim to 0% (which the LDD can do and I believe the NPF only dims to about 5%).

Cost breakdown for a DIY radeon clone (5 independently controlled strings at 1-1.5A, ~30V each)

NPF setup:
5 drivers at ~$28 each
Dimming: Need Apex + VDM modules or pots for manual dimming (call it $70 for one used VDM)
= $210

LDD setup:
2x LDD-1500H and 3x LDD-1000H = $29

DC Power supply: varies, call it $30 per 5 LDD drivers

LDD boards and dimming: Stevesleds holds 8 for $15
Storm X controller (16 channels): $95 + $10 enclosure + ~$10 breakout cables

Total cost per LDD setup: $189

Economies of scale:

I personally will need 15 dimming channels (3 tanks) with either 20 NPF drivers or 20 LDDs.

20*NPF + 3x VDM modules: $770

20*LDD=$116
DC power supply: call it $100
3x 8up StevesLED LDD boards: $45
Storm X controller, accessories: $115
Total: $376

So basically I guess once you have a 0-5V PWM source with enough channels, the incremental cost of adding LDD channels is incredible compared to separate NPF drivers.

Ratherbeflyen · Apr 7, 2020

I just used a 24v ac/dc power supply (~$45) and TC420 led controller (~$25) for my display, sump, and frag light. I used 10 watt led chips from ebay / China. White 10,000nm, deep blue 460nm, blue 440nm, purple 420nm, UV 390nm, and red 660nm for the sump/fuge. (~$160 for ~80 chips, they vary in price from $0.99 for whites to $4 for UV.)

3 x $25 controllers
2 x $45 power supply's (The sump and frag use the same power supply.)
$160 for leds.
= $325 for LED lighting the entire system.

I also run two T5 retrofit's from BRS @ $160 x 2 + 4 T5 bulbs @ $26 = $424