What's the similarities and diffrences between Mars Hydro FC series and FC-E series?

Many growers are confused about how to choose between FC series and fc-e series. They have similar names and appearance, but their prices are very different.
In this blog, we will explain their similarities and differences.
FC series includes FC 3000, FC 4800, FC 6500 and FC 8000
FC-E series includes FC-E 3000, FC-E 4800, FC-E 6500 and FC-E 8000

Similarities between FC series and FC-E series

To clearly understand their differences, we must first know their similarities. FC series and fc-e series have 7 similarities.
·Appearance. They are all multi bar LEDs.
·Driver. Both FC series and fc-e series are equipped with Moso drivers. (fc3000 and fc-e3000 have mean well driver installed)
·Spectrum. They have the same spectrum design.
3000, 4800 models: 380-410nm (UV), 650-665nm, 730-740nm (IR), 2800-3000k, 4800-5000k
6500 model: 650-665nm, 2800-3000k, 4800-5000k
·Heat dissipation performance. They have the same fin design - peaked aluminum fins on each light bar to increase the heat dissipation area. So if you ask which is cooler. We would say that there is little difference between them in this regard.
·Uniformity. Both series have a uniform light distribution due to their multi bar appearance. Moreover, due to the special arrangement of chips and light strips, their light distribution is more uniform than other LEDs.
·Daisy chain dimming function. Both FC series and fc-e series have daisy chain function and dimming function.
·Waterproof. They all have IP65 waterproof grade.

Differences between FC series and FC-E series

After we find all their similarities, now it’s time for their differences. They have 4 main differences.

·LED Chips/Diodes

The biggest difference between FC series and FC-E series is the LED diode mounted.

FC series mounts Samsung diodes

FC-E series mounts BridgeLux diodes

These two brands are known in the industry. Samsung is well-known as a leading diode manufacturer; BridgeLux is a local American manufacturer with 18 years of experience. There’s nothing much to say about the history. They’re both reliable manufacturers. If you are interested, you can check their official website for information. What we growers concern is their contribution to growing cannabis.

FC series use Samsung LM301B diodes, official efficacy data: 2.92μmol/J

FC-E series use BridgeLux 2835 series, tested efficacy data: 2.7μmol/J

In terms of efficacy, Samsung is the winner. Therefore, to ensure the whole-light efficiency of FC-E series, we use more diodes on it. You can clearly see in the below table.

·PPE/PPFD

It is most accurate to measure the efficiency of a grow light by PPE or PPFD. Let’s review their definitions:

PPFD - Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) is the measurement of PAR delivered to a specific area. It is expressed as micro-mole-per-meter squared-per second (µmol/s/m2).

PPE - Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy describes how much light a grow light produces from its input power. The metric used to measure PPE is micro-moles per second per Watt -which simplifies to µmol/J.

Approximately: PPE x Wattage = PPFD

The PPE & PPF data of FC series and FC-E series are shown in the table below:

·Functional Design

Despite their similar appearance, their body design carries two different functions.

FC series(4800 & 6500) is foldable. The light body itself can be folded in half. This design avoids the inconvenience of transporting and storing the huge light body, and the ability to fold freely at 180° allows the light itself to be bent to an angle to focus light on the central area - reduce coverage area for more light in the center.

FC-E series are built with detachable light bars. This makes transportation and storage more convenient and the moveable light bars also provide growers with a more flexible, unique space to make their own lighting system. 

·Applications

Our comparison above is clear. For practical applications, PPE (or PPFD) & body design are the two major differences that may have an impact when using.

0.1 µmol/J PPE gap between FC series and FC-E series won’t make much difference on personal cultivation. But when it is applied to large commercial cultivation, 0.1 difference is able to create thousands of dollars margin. Of course, if you’re an individual grower seeking top yields, the FC series will be your best choice.

The detachable-bar design might be a small surprise for individual growers to enjoy the DIY time, while it is tough work for commercial growers because you will need to install hundreds of bars after receiving the lights.

Consequently, FC series and FC-E series have different applicability.

FC Series: Top yield, top quality required; for any grow size/scale.

FC-E Series: High yield, high quality required; for individual grower scale or small commercial scale; for people with a limited budget.

If you still have problems after reading this blog, feel free to send us emails, we will help you to choose the proper LED.