The real Black Box light study

[Manose]

We’re the results averaged or what # did you report?

Glad to hear you ended up with consistent measurements!

No averages only exact numbers from the same reference spot on each plug from each light. Really interested to see what happens when we use the 48in low boy frag tank and the same system there.

 

[naterealbig]

Absolutely (or should I say, relatively).

Unless both sensors are calibrated to a traceable standard and have identical specifications for angle, spectrum response, etc, and the testing setup is standardized, the numbers are not comparable to anything else directly. They are useful for relative measurements on the same setup.

I find it interesting that several of the fixtures have a low spot at their centers. Whether this is a measurement error (sensor angle response and integration) or real I don’t have an answer.

I've noticed this as well. I would postulate this occurs for a couple reasons. First, I imagine that the way the lenses are designed now, optimize spread by concentrating photons in a way that there is an even spread at an "optimal" depth. Anything lower or higher will result in a cool spot or hot spot respectively.

Also, the (unpainted) glass will reflect light back into the tank. It's the reason sometimes outer edge par measurements are higher than some of the readings closer to the light source.

Looking great, and keep the updates coming!

 

[instantaquatics]

Really excited when you do the viparspectra 165w. Bought one for my 29g and I'm putting it up soon. I hear it's a really good light.

 

[Manose]

Really excited when you do the viparspectra 165w. Bought one for my 29g and I'm putting it up soon. I hear it's a really good light.

Once we finish with the Noopsyche study then we will start on the Black Box only study.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Once we finish with the Noopsyche study then we will start on the Black Box only study.

This may prove to be even more interesting than the Noopsyche study. It would be very cool if someone would be willing to do an internal components comparison too. I'd volunteer but, frankly, believe I lack the expertise to do so.

 

[dantimdad]

I may crack open the K7 just to see what's going on, but, given how many different lights, from kessil to black box to Jebao to diy, I have seen the inside of, I am sure it's nothing new under the sun. Just a less expensive route.

I have so many projects going on now, my modded black box, testing the K7, upcoming hardware store diffuser tests and my own DIY projects, I should probably leave it the heck alone. :D

 

[dantimdad]

BTW, my fiancé is giving up next Saturday for me to go up and help @Manose for a few hours. I wish I could spend all day but, it's an 8 hour round trip. Given that the wedding is 113 days away, I am really surprised she said yes. LOL!

 

[Manose]

I would love to do this but not sure what or how to go about it. The best would probably take very detailed pics as the light is disassembled so that the very experienced people can id and
confirm each component. I might tackle this late in the study.

 

[Manose]

BTW, my fiancé is giving up next Saturday for me to go up and help @Manose for a few hours. I wish I could spend all day but, it's an 8 hour round trip. Given that the wedding is 113 days away, I am really surprised she said yes. LOL!

I tell you what if you come up that Saturday I will get you guys a room so you can go explore the wonders of Gatlinburg,Dolly Wood, or any of the big tourist destinations here.
My wedding gift to you guys if you want.

 

[dantimdad]

I tell you what if you come up that Saturday I will get you guys a room so you can go explore the wonders of Gatlinburg,Dolly Wood, or any of the big tourist destinations here.
My wedding gift to you guys if you want.

Appreciate the offer. She decided to tell her mom, sister and best friend I was gonna be gone for the day so they are going to a "Sister's day" Not exactly sure what the heck that is and probably don't wanna know. I just be it will cost me $$$. HAHAHAHA!

 

[theatrus]

This may prove to be even more interesting than the Noopsyche study. It would be very cool if someone would be willing to do an internal components comparison too. I'd volunteer but, frankly, believe I lack the expertise to do so.

I grabbed one since this has been a thing I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I even have a Kessil A80 in parts somewhere around here (for the record Kessil pots the PCBs in a black RTV).

 

[dantimdad]

I would love to do this but not sure what or how to go about it. The best would probably take very detailed pics as the light is disassembled so that the very experienced people can id and
confirm each component. I might tackle this late in the study.

I can help with that.

 

[dantimdad]

I grabbed one since this has been a thing I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I even have a Kessil A80 in parts somewhere around here (for the record Kessil pots the PCBs in a black RTV).

Yeah, the A80's they do. The 150's and 360's they just put the pots and connectors in clear RTV.

Honestly, they seem well built, just don't know why so many die after just two years. Shame.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

BTW, my fiancé is giving up next Saturday for me to go up and help @Manose for a few hours. I wish I could spend all day but, it's an 8 hour round trip. Given that the wedding is 113 days away, I am really surprised she said yes. LOL!

You can always appeal to her to go with you. Simply find a bridal store along the route! ;Smuggrin

 

[Kampo]

I may crack open the K7 just to see what's going on, but, given how many different lights, from kessil to black box to Jebao to diy, I have seen the inside of, I am sure it's nothing new under the sun. Just a less expensive route.

I have so many projects going on now, my modded black box, testing the K7, upcoming hardware store diffuser tests and my own DIY projects, I should probably leave it the heck alone. :D

what i'm curious about on the noopsky is how does the controller interact with the light? is it as simple as PWM and power? or is there more logic in the light.

 

[dantimdad]

what i'm curious about on the noopsky is how does the controller interact with the light? is it as simple as PWM and power? or is there more logic in the light.

My guess is it's a simple pwm controller. Which I like. The simpler the better.

 

[Kampo]

My guess is it's a simple pwm controller. Which I like. The simpler the better.

how many pins vs channels on the connector to the light? seperate power? my guess is its the number of channels + ground then a separate power?

 

[dantimdad]

Everything that is controlling the light is in the fixture. Just a power plug going to it.

I would have to crack it open to see.

 

[Kampo]

Everything that is controlling the light is in the fixture. Just a power plug going to it.

I would have to crack it open to see.

ahh thought the controller was seperate for the noopsky

 

[dantimdad]

ahh thought the controller was seperate for the noopsky

No, it has a remote. But that just transmits the user input.