DIY Solar Seed Propergater useing a coolbox + 12V HID

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hi_tech_guy_18
Posts: 120
Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 6:46 pm

DIY Solar Seed Propergater useing a coolbox + 12V HID

Post by hi_tech_guy_18 » Mon Feb 16, 2015 5:42 pm

This may be a solution to get much early starts on seeds
It can also provide all year round food production (Herbs / Small Vegetables / Fruits)

the system cheats nature by collecting solar power under it own solar arrays (250W / 500W Mono) and stores in own Lithium ion battery
- longer grow light hours

using Artificial light to grow the plants <Less than 11watt (LED) or 12V 35W - with / or- 12V 55W (HID)

The system is very flexible
it can grow soil-less (Hydroponics "Organic: Compost tea" or Auqaponics "Live Fish = The waste broken down with bacteria and plants clear up the water making it safe for the fish")
or with soil trays

Forgive the links they are all UK

Coleman Xtreme QT Passive Cooler
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-100Qt-X ... 000G36KIM/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Weather Isolation you should be able to grow mid winter

Double Aluminium Double Bubble Foil Wrap Insulation
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermawrap-400m ... 0079XA30I/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- this isn't interned to help keep in the heat in fact its to bounce the light around making the plants all get equal light and grow straight upwards (however they will still grow towards the light source)

Fantastic Elastic Flexible Glue - 20g

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fantastic-Elastic-Flexible-Glue-20g/dp/B004QX29CO/
MPPT
20A for 250W
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solar-Charge-Co ... 00M87UTUE/
40A For 500W (2x 250 Watt)

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/efficiency-charge-controller-regulator-voltage/dp/B00A8HSMLE/
It will need its remote LED display so you can get into the Advanced Charger setting stages

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/SainSonic-Remote-Display-Regulator-Meters/dp/B008RJEVVK/
- AGM Mode (NO Balance / NO Absorption - your using Lithium ion )

Skyrich - Motorcycle battery Lithium YTX20HL-BS 12V 20Ah HJX20

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00F95QMJE/
MISOL 12V Timer Switch Timer Controller LCD display,program/programmable timer switch 25A amps

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/MISOL-Controller-display-program-programmable/dp/B0090MTLFO/
DROK® 8A/100W 8-40V to 1.25-36V DC Buck Volt Converter Step Down 12V Car Power Supply Voltage Regulator
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DROK-1-25-36V-C ... 00GXXQ1VA/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- on a sunny day this allows one the HID to Directly run from the solar array output in parallel to the mppt so surplus power goes straight to the plants

Waterproof 5 Meter RGB Color Changing Mode 3528 Flexible LED Strip Kit 60 LEDs/m with IR Remote 24 Key Controller AC Power Supply Adapter UK Plug for Home Lighting Decoration Lights LD112K

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009WKRLOC/
- Why RGB is we can tailor light conditions to better suite the plants RED BLUE PURPLE it means less power to keep the plants alive and tell them what we want out of them (purple more growth / blue more crops)

HID Xenon Headlight "Slim" Conversion Kit by Kensun, 5202, 5000K 12V 35W / 55W

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Xenon-Headlight-Conversion-Kensun-6000K/dp/B00802GXFG/
- this would be are full sun light spectrum emulation + heat

once ignited and up to temp it reduces its amp draw from 8A down to 3A (takes a min)
Few things with HIDs there on the High voltage side operating @ 23,000v AC at 600hz makes for some nice shocking moments
and there high operating temp 1500F - Very BAD Burns (At this temp you will need to go to hospital due this dose deep damage that can deform for life)


To solve this problem use lab flask

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pyrex-Kitchen-Measure-Shake-Mixer/dp/B007ZQ47Z6/
to isolate the HID bulb (Water + Electrical + Some Heat isolation)
To prevent the HID "Cooking" the plants use a manual thermostat

Vitrex FWC100 Manual Thermostat

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitrex-VITFWC100-FWC100-Manual-Thermostat/dp/B004NP391U/
You put this on the 12V input side

techman
Site Admin
Posts: 1329
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:49 am

Re: DIY Solar Seed Propergater useing a coolbox + 12V HID

Post by techman » Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:47 pm

I am considering setting up some solar panels and grow lights next winter to extend the growing season for fresh winter veggies.

I hope to build a greenhouse/solar porch this summer. In winter I will see how much I can grow through the season.

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