Other uses for LEDs

[Paul B]

After I installed LEDs on my tank I looked for other uses for these great, energy saving devices. I have been using them for various indication lights since they were invented but now they make them much more powerful and you can use them for general lighting. I am sure that in a few years, they will be the only lighting available for just about everything.
On my boat I have what in a car would be called courtesy lights. We use them on the boat when we anchor at night to light up the cabin area but I don't like leaving them on all night because of the drain on the battery.
I have begun replacing the incandescent lights with DIY LED bulbs.
This one pictures in the construction stage replaces the bulb on the workbench. It is the same size, puts out the same amount of light but uses 15 times less power so I can run it continousely with no fear of killing the battery.
They do sell some types of 12 volt LED bulbs but they are almost $30.00 and I have not seen this type, although it may be out there someplace. Besides I like building things. This one cost me $5.00. The completed model has no wires visable and it plugs into the same socket as the other "real" bulb.
I love this stuff.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Great job.

 

[SIReefer]

Nice one Paul.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Be careful. If you are not a licensed electrician and something goes wrong your insurance might not cover your losses in the event of a malfunction.

 

[Paul B]

Be careful. If you are not a licensed electrician and something goes wrong your insurance might not cover your losses in the event of a malfunction

What makes you think I am not a lisenced electrician?

Besides, it's my boat.

 

[tosiek]

Nice work Paul. I always loved the steampunk type DIY look in all of your projects.

I just brought my boat into get fixed and they had LED versions of those courtesy cabin lights for sale. I didn't check the price but it caught my eye being LED and in a boat store. Makes it real easy to get replacement LED bulbs for those looking to upgrade. I wouldn't be surprised if Overtons carried replacements.

All of my lighting in my Seadoo is LED so I don't need to convert. Its around 8 yrs old too.

 

[tosiek]

Here is the link to the overtons version for 19.99 in amber.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...i_LED_Light_amber_beam&aID=601I6&merchID=4006

They also have strip lights that are watertight.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

I like the arc reactor Paul, does this mean you'll be fighting crime as soon as the rest of the suit is done?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

What makes you think I am not a lisenced electrician?

Besides, it's my boat.

Not saying you aren't just general advice.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Here is the link to the overtons version for 19.99 in amber.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...i_LED_Light_amber_beam&aID=601I6&merchID=4006

They also have strip lights that are watertight.

The $5 vs 19.99 is not an issue-I agreed with you that it's the style of MACHO in Paul's design that make them desirable!

BTW, Paul what are all those spider web thing on the gadget?

 

[Paul B]

I just brought my boat into get fixed and they had LED versions of those courtesy cabin lights for sale.

Those are for entire fixtures, the boat already has built in lights, I just want to change the bulbs.

I always loved the steampunk type DIY look in all of your projects.

Thanks, I think

I like the arc reactor Paul, does this mean you'll be fighting crime as soon as the rest of the suit is done?

Whats an arc reactor?

BTW, Paul what are all those spider web thing on the gadget?

Those are from the glue that I used to mount the LEDs into the copper and acrylic housing. I removed them and also the LED wires you see all over the place. Now those wires are soldered into the copper contacts at the sides. It is very bright with that dead 6 volt battery, they should work great on the boats 12 volt system. They are 12 volt LEDs.
I also made an overhead LED light that is supported from the anchor light at the back of the boat. The light illuminates the table at the back of the boat.
We stay out a lot at night and I want to be able to have the lights on all night for a few nights in a row with out worrying about the battery. The boat has 3 batteries but I still like saving electricity wherever I can. That is also why I installed solar panels on my house.

 

[rickytsui]

I like the arc reactor Paul, does this mean you'll be fighting crime as soon as the rest of the suit is done?

hahah paul arc reactor is what icon man use to get his power =)

 

[Paul B]

Oh great, I think

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Arc Reactor

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

hahah paul arc reactor is what icon man use to get his power =)

Now what the hack is ICON MAN?

Captain American is not even off yet, we got a new hero?:bunnies:

 

[Paul B]

We are full service, covering all your aquatic, reptile, and amphibian needs!

Lfsmaerineguy, I see you sell stuff for reptiles. This 3' guy walked out of the jungle, came up and almost sat on my lap once.
It was a long time ago but he ate rats and slept on a hot artillery gun. He stayed with me a while then just walked away.

 

[howze01]

Awesome pic!! Looks like some kind of Monitor Lizard. Is that from over in Vietnam?

 

[rookie07]

Not saying you aren't just general advice.

Don't be sad chief! I think it was great advice, and i thank you for posting it.

 

[Paul B]

Awesome pic!! Looks like some kind of Monitor Lizard. Is that from over in Vietnam?

Yes, he was up in the high country on the Cambodian border.

We also found some very large cobra's (which I had to shoot) and also really large pythons.

 

[Paul B]

Here is another DIY LED bulb that I will use to replace another bulb for my boat.