Hello SmokeMaster,

I understand it a bit :o) In fact I wrote a post today on my blog dealing precisely with a LED array I built myself from similar high power LEDs : http://allhydroponics.blogspot.com/2010/06/building-your-own-high-power-led-grow.html.

Since the current rating of an LM317 (which is your voltage regulating transistor) is around 2A you will need to use a separate voltage regulator for every 1-1.5A you will be needing. Taking the voltage drop of your LEDs in mind you might want to hook them up so that their voltage drop adds a little bit higher than 13.6V. Like this :

String 1 (connect in series) = one 3 blue 3W string + one 2 red 3W string = 14 V drop

Use the lower voltage setting so that you run your LEDs at a lower and safer level. You can later increase the current through the LEDs by reducing the number of LEDs per array. You should then build the number of voltage regulators you need (one for each array) using your LM317. The datasheet for this transistor shows you how to build a classical voltage regulator. The link I posted on my blog article also shows you how to do this.

You should then connect the voltage regulators in parallel from your power suppy so that each one gets its required current. At 13.5-14V you should expect each array to consume about 1A which is enough for the LM317 to handle. However you should install small transistor dissipators on them so that they do not overheat.

I hope this helps you build your LED lamp. It is always a great project to do ! Make sure you check my blog article for more info and pictures of my array :o)

Here is a link that might be useful: Everything Hydroponics

I have them working now.
Ended up with
2 strings of 5 ,1 watt , 300ma Leds
2 strings of 3 , 3 watt Leds , 700ma
1 string of 4 , 3 watt LEDs , 700ma

Power supply was 12 volts 12 amps.

thanks

Save yourself some trouble, stay safe over the life of the array - buy a commercial driver like the Xitanium.