Modular Design Can Save Your Grow
I recently had an interesting experience with one of my LED grow lights that I thought may benefit my readers and others interested in the technology.
Right in the middle of my grow some of my diodes stopped working (see picture below).
The two modules on the right side stopped working.
No matter what type of light you use, you are occasionally going to run into problems like this. If a company is making 10,000 lights a month a few of them are not going to work perfectly (it’s just how manufacturing works).
Why Modular Design is Amazing
Normally with an LED grow light if a few of the diodes goes out, then you either have to live with the reduced lighting or send your entire light to the manufacturer to get fixed. Fortunately the Penetrator X-Pro from Hydro Grow LED (HGL) is set up to avoid this problem. Each module is on a different circuit board meaning only that module will need to be fixed (instead of your whole light).
Normally when this happens to your light you have to send the light to China and back (literally) to get it fixed. This takes at least two weeks and it’s a major pain. Basically, if you don’t have another light on hand then your grow gets completely wasted!
My experience was much different. I simply phoned HGL and let them know about my issue. Together we diagnosed the problem (turns out one of my power supplies was bad). They keep all supplies on hand in the United States and they had another power supply to my house within two days.
During those two days my beautiful plant was still receiving light. I’m definitely in love with modular design.
Conclusion
Obviously it would have been better if the light had never broken in the first place. Most people won’t have this problem as lighting malfunctions aren’t very common in LED grow lights. However for those of you planning on purchasing multiple lights over your lifetime you might want to consider investing in a modular design. Right now HGL is pioneering the modular design movement. You can go here to read my full Penetrator LED Grow Light Review.
Hello nate. Thx for the previous advice, I was curious if you’ve heard anything about this light..
http://www.dormgrow.com/240-watt-led-grow-light.html
I know it only puts out 180 watts, but I think it might do well in a 2×3 veg. space. The only reason I ask is because it has a three year warranty and I know that is usually a good sign in lights. Please let me know, I’m super excited to get an LED and $320 is a good price for three years..
Hey Chewy,
I’ve talked with the guys at dormgrow in the past. They were going to send me a light for testing but then I got a rather odd email from them explaining that they weren’t sure about what direction their business was going in and wouldn’t be able to work with me for the time being. This made me think that they might not be around for long.
Mad me a bit nervous for sure.
Nate