Peter: Question #2 is easier to answer, so let’s get that out of the way. The dial-in knobs for RGBW settings are a good thing. The community already knows to avoid high light output and potential eye safety threats. I have detected a reduction in output irradiance with my older unit, so cost effective PAR and/or LUX meters are important additions to the user toolset. We also know about the spatial non-uniformity of light within the chamber, especially for the Green LEDs. See the Eye Safety thread in this community forum.
https://community.marsfarm.com/t/gbe-eye-safety-analysis/53
Users who are paying attention to PAR should be aware that a change in current for one knob can impact the light output for the other LED strings. This impact is about 10% and has been described in the “n-PAR Zero Sum Game” thread:
https://community.marsfarm.com/t/n-par-zero-sum-game/25/1
I also find the unit with detachable RGBW power cables to be easier to use in my applications. Space is an issue, and the power cables provided are either too long, or too short. Looking for Goldilocks.
Summary:
- Clamp or limit high power operation (electrical design).
- Be clear on what the threats for high-power operation are (documentation).
- Provide or identify low-cost PAR/LUX meters (community service).
- Address uniformity of the light fields (layout).
- Independence of light channel currents (electrical design).
- Cable connectors or adapters (design).
- Revisit the reasoning for putting a fan in the light board (CSTR).
Scott (WxAzygy)