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TomChum
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2011 02:46 - Edited by: TomChum
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For about $25 you can build this 6 watt LED light, which has about the same output as a 35W halogen. Color temperature is 3000K (warm white). A typical 12v, 40Amp-hour car battery will run this (0.5A) LED light for about 80 hours (or run 3 lights for 27 hours). I'm using 3 of these in my 12x16 cabin and they light it nicely.
Anyone who can build a cabin should be able to make this simple lamp, and screw it to the underside of a shelf, or whatever. It uses only 6 watts, and is nice and bright. Always look for lights that are "3000K" color (WW=warm white). Usually the brightest LEDs (most lumens, and color temperature 6000K) are 'blue' like an LED flashlight, which is not very pleasant to read with (and your food will look like hospital food). I tried this, and ended up removing the lights and buying 3000K. Wire size to run these lamps can be very small, like small speaker wires, and very easy to hide, it's only drawing 1/2 amp. 12v x 0.5A = 6w
Side socket for a 2-pin MR16 lamp that I got at McLendons hardware $3.75, available in the internet, here.
Or this socket, you can drill a small hole for the wires.
LED bulb, $19.97 from Home Depot. They call it a (20W) but the packaging says it's as bright as 35W and I believe the 35W. Notice that it is a "FLOOD". Flood is better than "SPOT" for small cabin lighting. I'd choose a spot only if it's 10+ feet away from the area you want to illuminate.
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TomChum
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# Posted: 3 Apr 2011 23:17 - Edited by: TomChum
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Here is a photo of the two sockets, with an LED bulb in them.
LED lamp in SC-110-1 and SC106 sockets. The bulb is a 6watt, from HomeDepot. It's a "flood" but they don't give a 'degrees'. I think it's about 36degree, which gives a good spread of light in the range of 5feet-10feet away. 36degree is the minimum spread I'd use in a 'small cabin'.
Be sure your bulbs are "warm white" or 3000K colortemp. I'm repeating this a lot because I bought some 6000K bulbs simply because they put out "more light per watt". That 'color' is not pleasant. I might use those lights in the barn.....
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maine_island
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# Posted: 4 Apr 2011 05:41
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the bulb looks heavy - if it's pointing down (for example a ceiling light), is pin-in-socket friction enuf to hold the bulb from falling, or must it be held up in some other manner?
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TomChum
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# Posted: 4 Apr 2011 11:06 - Edited by: TomChum
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The socket is rated for 100W halogen, to handle that 100w, it has heavy clamping force on the pins. Even downward, you have to pull on it with much more force than gravity to get the bulb out. There is no way it will fall out from any position, it's secure just on the pins.
Here is a picture of it temporarily mounted on the wall surface. I'm going to drill a 3/4" hole in the board and screw the socket to the backside. Then just poke the bulb thru the 3/4 hole (to get to the socket pins).
This light is a 3-watt (the picture below), and (at ~30 inches from a book) is very bright for reading. It's so bright that I will figure out some kind of sconce-like cover for it. If used as a reading light, at 30 inches, a bare 1watt is easily enough light. Also this light is a "2900K" color-temp bulb, and the pattern is "120degree flood".
When shopping for LED bulbs, it's pretty important to look for these 2 details:
- "3000K" (also knows as "Warm White" or WW). 3000K is perfect.
- FLOOD pattern. It's unlikely that a "small cabin" will have a use for a "spot" pattern bulb (for example '15degree'). There are '36degree' flood patterns, 36 is OK for 5 feet - 10 feet, about the minimum angle that you will want in a small cabin. The bulb in the photo below is a "120degree" and it is great for a reading light! I also have the same 120deg hanging 4 feet above my kitchen table. The 36 deg is OK,,,,, it works.... In general the only way you can get a 120deg flood is by "Surface Mounted Diode" type lights.
I ordered this bulb from "www.superbrightLEDs.com", and here is the invoice line.
MR16-WW48SMD Warm White: GX5.3 48SMD-LED bulb - $ 14.95 I would call the color of this 2900K bulb "warm, yellowish white", it's like a 25w incandescent bulb.
I also ordered small switches that fit in a 3/4" round hole, look for this switch: RRS-SP: SPST Round Rocker Switch, $ 1.95
2.85-watt MR16-WW48SMD Warm White bulb and SC-110-1 socket
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Kithera
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# Posted: 11 Apr 2011 14:22
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I want to thank you for this post. As I've been researching my own cabin project, the lighting was driving me crazy. I really wanted 12V DC only, and all commercially available CFL or LED solutions always seemed to be 120V AC only. I was afraid I would end up either very hard to find specifically made off grid replacements, or hacked automotive solutions.
When I saw this, I through of the Ikea track light I have in my office. I knew it had a transformer, but it never occurred to me that would be converted to 12V DC. These bulbs are readily available, and for the more fashion minded, there are plenty of nice lamps if you don't mind a rewiring. Thanks for the heads up.
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Connie
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# Posted: 4 Nov 2011 21:51
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LED light, in common with CFLs, has tended to be a somewhat cool blue colour, whereas we are more accustomed to a warmer yellow white colour. This is something that is now commonly addressed with the use of colored phosphors (these do reduce luminosity but this is in turn compensated for by the ever increasing lumens per watt yields for LEDs).
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TomChum
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# Posted: 5 Nov 2011 00:49 - Edited by: TomChum
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Quoting: Connie LED light, in common with CFLs, has tended to be a somewhat cool blue colour,
That's so '09 of you. I'll repeat the 2011 update for you ;-)
Quoting: TomChum Always look for lights that are "3000K" color (WW=warm white). Usually the brightest LEDs (most lumens, and color temperature 6000K) are 'blue' like an LED flashlight, which is not very pleasant to read with (and your food will look like hospital food).
A 3000K LED bulb is pleasant light. Some that I have ( from Home Depot as describe above ) are similar to an incandescent halogen.
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TomChum
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# Posted: 27 Nov 2011 13:11 - Edited by: TomChum
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See these LED bulbs used in a project that was NOT simple and minimalist (more like ...... obsessive/compulsive) here:
LED lighting project (Electrifying Kerosene lanterns)
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jcorrigan
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2012 18:45
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Oh you have GOT to be kidding me!! Like Kithera I've been searching everywhere for 12V LED bulbs for the cabin!!! I'm putting in a small solar bank for mostly weekend use and I've looked in RV places, marine places etc!!! Thanks so much!
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TomChum
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2012 11:06 - Edited by: TomChum
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Glad to help. Here's another useful 12v LED, it uses only 1/5th of a watt. Its so tiny but almost too bright to look at. It's on a ribbon cable so I was able to snake it outside onto the porch as a nightlight. One of these (night-)lights my entire (7x16) deck, and I can see the woodpile next to the door.
I'd estimate it's about as bright as 2 candles (did not test). I bought a few "Yellow" LittleDots to see if they more closely resembled the color of flame, but they're way too yellow, and produce maybe 25% of the light or less. I did not test the "natural white" color, which is probably a little brighter than "warm white". I'm happy with "warm white".
At .2w, a basic 40Ah 12v car battery could run this little LED for (40Ah/(.2w/12v) = 2400 hours = 100 days!
Another way to look at it, you could run it for 24 hours, and a 5watt solar panel can replenish 24 hours of light with one hour of sunlight.
Part#: LD1-WW (warm white color) $1.99 http://www.superbrightleds.com
One thing I enjoy about the cabin is that when it's dark, you can't see your hand in front of your face - but sometimes that's a hassle. Basically once you get a light like this, you're back in the city,,,,, "the dark" is gone and takes away a little of the charm too. But on the other hand, you're not tripping over stuff, and it doesn't spoil your night-vision.
Little Dot 12v LED 1/5watt
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Tiny!
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Front window 'closed' onto LED ribbon cable. Can see everything on the deck.
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jcorrigan
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2012 18:03
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Here's a quick shot of the lamp I made using your instructions. The holder was from home hardware (less than $5) and the bulb came from Canadian tire($20). The bulb is a 3 LED 4W bulb which claims to be 20W.
Two of these in the cabin kitchen ought to do nicely! Thanks again!
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jcorrigan
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# Posted: 22 Apr 2012 18:09
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Just thought I'd post an update, the lights are up and give more than enough lighting inside the kitchen! Together they use about 8 Watts.
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danielgraff
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 19:10
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Here is something a bit brighter if you are in need
a 9 watt at:
http://www.ledliquidatorsinc.com/cat-mr16.php
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Cabby
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# Posted: 1 Jun 2012 01:01
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What a great discussion! I have been wanting to hook up a couple of these lights in my off grid cabin because the generator really ruins the peace and quiet! I have a question though. What is the smallest watt solar panel I could use to charge the battery? Any suggestions for the most economical choice in panels?
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livefree
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# Posted: 1 Jun 2012 11:04
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Oh I'm interested! This would be great, I was kind of avoiding thinking about lights because, hey whats wrong with a flashlight? lol. Plus the sun doesn't go down until 10:30 pm but I have not tried to read a book in my cabin yet but I doubt there is enough light inside.
Anyway.. do you or anyone know if I can get the holders from like Rona, Homedepot, HomeHardware, etc? Just easier and quicker then ordering online..
Also, can I just run that super bright LED to a battery with a switch inbetween??..
I'm warning you, I'm not very good at electrical things lol
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TomChum
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# Posted: 1 Jun 2012 12:16
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Quoting: livefree can I just run that super bright LED to a battery with a switch inbetween??..
Yes (12v battery)
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jcorrigan
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# Posted: 3 Jun 2012 18:49
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Quoting: livefree Anyway.. do you or anyone know if I can get the holders from like Rona, Homedepot, HomeHardware, etc? Just easier and quicker then ordering online..
Yes, I got mine from Home Hardware
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livfree
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# Posted: 3 Jun 2012 21:15
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Thanks guys! Hopefully I can make some time this week and try making them.
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DaJTCHA
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# Posted: 7 Jun 2012 16:06
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I just received the 1/5watt warm white LED's and I'm amazed at how "micro" these babies are! My plans are to install them into the 12v fluorescent lighting fixtures that I've recently installed in the camper along with the single throw circular switches I received. The fixtures are all white (even the switches) so the black switches will be easy to identify as the lower wattage LED controls. I'm not sure whether I'll hide the LED light behind the lens or fasten them to the outside of the light fixture framing? I guess I'll know when I see how bright they truly are. Given there power miser specifications, I felt having the option to use them for night lights or bathroom trips was good for battery longevity. I'll be sure to post photos for the forum's review.
DaJtcha
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The Great Gazoo
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2012 23:27
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Has anybody tried the solar powered lights available from IKEA? The Sunnan looks like it would be a good bedside lamp. I might get one and leave it on my window sill near the bed so that it would get charged up during the day. I'm thinking about the Solvinden for my front deck too.
Since they are only $20 each I will give them a whirl. They claim the batteries are good for only two years but better quality replacement ones might be worth it when the time comes.
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DaJTCHA
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2012 10:27
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Would anyone benefit from a step by step pictorial of how I rigged the 12volt lighting in my camper? I've used a combination of superbrightled's and fluorescent installed within the housing of the dual 8watt fluor lighting fixtures.
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DaJTCHA
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# Posted: 27 Jun 2012 19:28 - Edited by: DaJTCHA
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I posted photos of how I wired in my 12 volt lighting in the camper. I will be duplicating this setup within the Shed Mahal eventually. Link to thread is here:
My 12v Fluorescent & SuperBright LED Project
And all I can say is the warm white LEDs are all I need to illuminate the inside of the cabin. I thought I would use them as "night lights", but they are almost too bright for that (even under the diffused lens of the fixture). I bought (4) WW LEDs and (4) of the round toggles. It was well worth the minimal investment.
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sunpialia
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# Posted: 28 May 2013 23:34
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LED Lights has a low power consumption and long and predictable lifetime.The lifetime of LED street lights is usually 10 to 15 years, three times the life of current technologies adopted. LEDs also have low maintenance cost.
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rayyy
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# Posted: 29 May 2013 07:57
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/E27-Screw-Light-B22-bayonet-201-LED-Corn-Bulb-Lamp-12W-DC-12- 24V-10W-AC-110-240V-/221033936015?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&var=&hash=item3376a6348f This is a LED bulb you can get with a E27 base to fit into a standard light fixture.12 volts DC.I say it's around the equivelents of a 60 watt incandescent.Very nice light emited.Not blue at all.Uses 13 watts.I love it.Very expensive though.
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creeky
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# Posted: 29 May 2013 09:59
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I use 1157 bayonet led lights (12v), both bright white and warm white in my travel trailer. i love them. the bright white (blue) I use in the "hallway" and outside areas. the warm white I use in the bathroom / kitchen / entertainment / bedroom areas for the nicer light. excellent to read by.
Home Depot has Cree led lights for 120v fixtures for 10 bucks. these are a great deal.
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littlesalmon4
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# Posted: 29 May 2013 11:10
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Here is what I have used. They work very good and are individually switched. This is the 1' long version. If you search around they also have a 2' version. they come in bright white and warm white. I find the warm white are very yellow. They are also only .5 amp and 5 watt draw
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/DC-12V-4W-LED-Bulb-Solar-Light-Tube-Camp-Marine-12-Volt-includ es-ON-OFF-switch-/251109896820?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7750f274#ht_4345wt_80 6
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razmichael
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# Posted: 29 May 2013 12:57
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Amazing how things have changed - this thread started over 2 years ago - I was modifying "puck" LED lights to run from the 12V PopUp trailer we were using. Now there are so many sources of well priced (comparably) LED lights available. Like Rayyy I went with E27 bases so I could use standard fixtures. I found this source Lights Note that this is a ten pack so about $11 a light. I went with soft white (you need to specify this) and was slightly skeptical about the 65 watt claim from a 6 watt light. A couple of weeks ago was the first time i had all the internal lights wired and was amazed at how bright they are! I wired up most on individual switches so we can select as little as a single light at a time to minimize draw on the system (that's the theory - two kids who like to turn everything on and forget to turn them off is more the reality).
Highly recommend these if you want to use standard fixtures but 12 volts.
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rayyy
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# Posted: 30 May 2013 08:13
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I agree raz.2 years ago there wasn't any decent LED lighting out there.All you could find were solar lighting that was very unnatural bluish light.These LED bulbs I have bought are equally,if not better than incan or flourscent bulbs.The 12 volt fluorescent 13 watt bulbs that I originally started out with are showing signs of failure.They get hot and discolor with time and actually put a smokey film on the light's glass globes.I plan on going to all LED as I can afford.
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cabingal3
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# Posted: 30 May 2013 08:30
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here is what i want to get.i love our led lanterns and led lites we have in our kitchen but they are more simple that what u are all speaking of.
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sparky1
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# Posted: 1 Jun 2013 10:44
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I have bought 20 of these.
got them in the house & campers.they are great (my 2 Cents)
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/DC-12V-4W-LED-Bulb-Solar-Light-Tube-Camp-Marine-12-Volt-includ es-ON-OFF-switch-/251109896820?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7750f274#ht_4345wt_80 6
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