My planned set-up:

A 3 channel (3 different sets of chips->B,R,W) aquarium LED rig with a dimming device for each channel.

Stuff I've got so far:

- 1 x 12v 16a DC PSU (Mean Well)
- 3 x CC/CV DC booster PSUs for each LED chip set (with 2 POTs, generic eBay/Aliexpress)
- Several different high-power LEDs (20~100w, generic eBay/Aliexpress & CREE)

My question:

I'm looking for a cheap, compact and easy way to "dim" these LED channels.

• Can I use a generic, simple PWM controller usually sold as "DC motor speed controller" as dimmers?

They can be found cheap (5-15 bucks) and seem to support a wide range of input/output voltage levels (x/30->10-60v, for example).

My LED channels will require ~24v, ~30v & ~42v each.

Example PWM controllers I'm referring to:

1. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC12...le-PWM-Stepless-Speed-Control/2051768941.html
   
2. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/FREE...ch-PWM-DC-controller-150W/2030138480.html?s=p
   
3. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/12V-...trol-Switch-New-Free-Shipping/1496356650.html
   
4. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/CCMH...rnor-Pulse-Width-15A-0-100-6V/1691481482.html
   
5. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-M...ension-Cord-10-50V-40A-2000W/32226892428.html

Thanks!

P.S. None of the PSUs or controllers will be anywhere near water.

 

I'd expect this CC/CV supply will allow the ability to adjust the output current already.. Thats dimming.
Unless you just like to show off, aquarium (reef) LED fixtures with manual dimming are rarely adjusted once set.

You don't need anything else..

 

Hi @mcgyvr, thanks for the input.

I do need an additional dimmer.

Can you enlighten me on this one please? If any or all of those PWM controllers would work to dim further more?