Create Lighting Spectrum with NeoPixels?

Using Arduino LEDs and Multiplexing
1

Hi. Can anyone tell me if this is feasible?
I want to recreate the light spectrum(wavelength mix) produced by a commercially available LED system used for growing plants hydroponically using Adafruit NeoPixel LEDs.
Before I delve into all the research/learning necessary to accomplish this I would appreciate any opinion on whether this is reasonably doable or a monumental task.

The reason I ask is that these light strips are sold for over $800 a piece.

Thank you very much.

Reference - Illumitex Ecplipse Series ES2 lights -
http://www.illumitex.com/illumitex-led-products/eclipse-es2/

Spec sheet with example Spectums.
http://www.illumitex.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/EclipseES2_Spec_Sheet_8.17.15.pdf

2

Compare the wavelength characteristics here with the Illumitex #s, see if the frequencies are close, and then determine how many WS2812Bs you need to output the same power.

Maybe the conclusion you will draw is to buy the same LEDs they use and develop your own wiring/packaging.

WS2812B.pdf (381 KB)

3

You will need UV also, won't you?

.

4

Not according to the Ilumitex docs. Just Red & Blue that are somewhat different wavelength then WS2812B.
Too different? I don't know.
Maybe green too, there's a page with 2 different spectral charts.

5

Thank you for the responses.
So, the Illumitex F1 Spectrum is stated as:

F1 WAVELENGTH MIX
Blue (400 - 499nm) 22.8%
Green (500 - 599nm) 0.3%
Red (600 - 699nm) 76.8%
Far Red (700 - 780nm) 0.1%

Of course they don't say the exact nm settings. For simplicity sake let's say they are:

Blue (450nm) 22.8%
Green (550nm) 0.3%
Red (650nm) 76.8%
Far Red (740nm) 0.1%

Would if be false to suggest that by using a group of four LEDs one could.

  1. Set each LED to the above nm to RGB equivalent values in an array type grouping.
  2. Proportionally adjust power output(brightness) of each LED to match the above percentage mix. Thereby creating a similar light output.

I know this would not produce the same overall energy output as the Illumitex unit. And I know that there is a HUGE variability between the effect of my nm setting compared to the product of the actual ones, however...

Does this sound like a step in the right direction?

Thank you again.

6

bconstructive:

  1. Set each LED to the above nm to RGB equivalent values in an array type grouping.
  2. Proportionally adjust power output(brightness) of each LED to match the above percentage mix. Thereby creating a similar light output.

You cannot "set" the wavelength of an RGB LED.

The only thing you can do, is setting the brightness of red, brightness of green, and the brightness of blue.

Typical dominant wavelengths in typical RGB LEDs are:
Red ==> 620...630 nm
Green ==> 515...530 nm
Blue ==> 460...475 nm

The dominant wavelength of a color LED depends on the the chemicals which will be used to create light in a specific LED.