Home made LED lighting

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tcwaltz

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May 16, 2011
140
Oday 28 Niceville, FL
So I've been making my own led lighting for a while. Mainly because I can bring my self to spend what west marine and most places want to charge. I'm attaching photos if a few I've I've made. The first was made with aluminum c channel from the hardware store a diffuser from a 2x4 fluorescent light. This one took a bit of work because I wanted a combo red and white light for the cockpit. I installed an on off on mini switch. I'll be attaching it to the fabric pocket on my Bimini that holds one if the bows. It made so it can be removed and placed inside the salon when I'm not sailing.
The second was made from some prefab aluminum that had defuser and ends. I used a micro switch which fit perfect. End result looks much more professional and is easier to put together. End result is I'm making slim line lights to my specs for $20 or less.
 

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agprice22

agprice22

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Aug 3, 2012
2,542
Performance Cruising Telstar 28 302 Watkins Glen
Nice work! I would like to see how they light the boat! I was just thinking today about some LED lighting for my cavin on my 272.

Thanks.

Andrew
 
T

tcwaltz

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May 16, 2011
140
Oday 28 Niceville, FL
The first light has alternating white and red LEDs with an on off on switch. 36 5050 white LEDs and 18 5050 red. It was my first attempt. I used 1/2"x1/2" aluminum c channel. Cut the end and bent up the excess to close the end. This took quite a bit of time to solder the pieces together.

The second light looks the best. It's 33 5050 white LEDs with a high quality channel and diffuser. It's 24 inches long and replaces a 12" x 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 led with 39 LEDs. In 3 rows . The new light 5/16 tall, 1/2" wide 24" long. It's a tad dimmer than the existing light but does a better job lighting because it spreads the light out. I can't wait to install 3 of these since they will look nicer and throw a more even light. I have 3 of the other style and they adequately light the salon in my oday 28
 
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Forrest15112

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Jan 22, 2008
423
Catalina 30 Mandeville, La.
Looks nice. I was thinking about doing something similar. What did you do to drop the supply voltage? Did you add a regulator ckt or drop resistor?
 
T

tcwaltz

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May 16, 2011
140
Oday 28 Niceville, FL
Made two up this weekend. 33" long with 5050 LEDs. Pretty bright. Two should light up the salon pretty well. They do get warm but thst is to be expected considering the amount of lumens. Please excuse my messy boat. This photo was taken with thst being the only light on inside my oday 28
 

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agprice22

agprice22

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Aug 3, 2012
2,542
Performance Cruising Telstar 28 302 Watkins Glen
Ugh! Details! DETAILS! ;) these look really good. Please post specifics.

Thanks,

Andrew
 
Apex

Apex

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Jun 19, 2013
1,212
C&C 30 Elk Rapids
looking good! I am surprised, I thought LED's didn't give off heat?
 
T

tcwaltz

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May 16, 2011
140
Oday 28 Niceville, FL
LEDs are electronic devices and still put off heat. The smaller the device the less heat they put off. Ill take more pictures and list the actual components I used to make them.
Right now I'm estimating about $25 per light. 1meter long.
 
EggSail

EggSail

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Mar 28, 2013
1
O'day 28 Tampa / Apollo Beach
Great LED lighting ideas. Thanks for the tips. Also, love to see a FSU fan who is a sailor. Go Noles.
 
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