Satering iron for diy led

I don't know exactly how you're measuring the current, which is problematic. If you don't put the current through the multimeter, it could create a parallel circuit. In other words, if you imagine a ruler, insert probe at 2" and one at 10", creating two paths for current to flow (multimeter and ruler)... versus, cutting the ruler at the 6" mark and putting one probe to each end, thus retaining one path for current to flow.

 

I put the multimeter on the + and - of two LEDs as if I was connecting another LED to the string.

 

To correctly measure current you need to break the circuit, ie disconnect/unsolder the positive wire going to the first led in the string, connect one wire from the meter to the wire of the led driver, the other wire of the meter connect to the first led like the driver wire was. Then power the led driver on and read the meter. Don't run these less anymore with out hooking it up like this....you have the driver maxed out so it is driving the strings @ 1.5 amps....you will/have damaged them, colorsgift is what less do under powered or over powered....not good for reef lights.

 

Danny, thanks for the input. I got everything working at .99 Amps.

 

If you messed with SVR1, make sure your driver is still producing the correct voltage.

You don't need to touch SVR1; SVR1 is voltage, SVR2 is current.

The only time adjustments to SVR1 should be performed is if you are doing something different with the driver than the standard 8-14 diodes in series, which would require voltage adjustments.

 

I was told by Mike from Rapid LED to turn up my SVR1. What is the proper voltage my driver should be producing? I will calibrate my drivers when I get home tonight.

 

How many diodes in your sting? 24-48V, depending.

SVR1 should be preset from the factory, but I suspect some might be off if Mike told you to adjust it. I'm not sure why else he might have advised that; surely there was a reason however.

 

I have 12 LEDs per driver

 

Then I'd expect your voltage to be running around 36V, if you're truely running near an amp at full power (power = voltage * current).

 

Long story short.... I purchased the plug and play kit, this requires a different setup. I was following the provided instructions online and there is a different procedure to measure mA output from the drivers. Well I was following the non plug and play instructions "there are none for plug and play" and that's why my readings were off. So now everything is working I want to get my SVR1 back to the proper voltage.

Thanks Evolved for the help, I'll take my drivers down to 36 volts tonight.