Reading light prototype attempt

[svsoutherncross]

Well, this project in and of itself was pretty much an exercise in failure, but I figured I'd share anyway. My goal was to create a low-draw, portable reading/courtesy light that plugged into 12vdc outlets I've been scattering throughout the boat for fans and such. Long story short, a parallel project (creating a light string for a craft project of my GF's) led me to realize standard Christmas lights will run off 12v when placed in 5-light series strings. Anyway, on to the project:

First, I cut a short piece of 1 1/4", schedule 40 PVC tube. This was formed into a flat sheet (drop it into boiling water and you can form/cut PVC like thick rubber), and cut with a hole saw to fit flush to the end of the remainder of the tube. Drill 5 holes to fit the Christmas lights, and wire in series (soldered Western Union joints)


Next, I cut the tube to the length I desired, and drilled four holes (opposing sides, top and bottom) for the support wires. The wires were fished through as shown below. These were just 12" strands of 12 ga Romex solid core wire. They were attached similarly to the male plug later on.


With the support wires in place, I glued the top disc with the lights in it onto the body of the lamp. The wires for the lights were threaded through a central hole on the bottom disc, while the support wires each exited their own seperate holes on opposing sides of the lamp body. This was then cemented on.

Next, the two electrical wires were twisted together, then braided with the two support wires. Attach to the male plug and in a similar fashion, and you have a reading lamp!


For some reason, I never checked whether or not the Christmas lights actually put out a decent amount of light in the forward direction. They don't. But I got 250 of them for $1, and a group of 5 only draws 0.1A, so I thought I'd give it a go. The next one will be LED of course, but I'm currently doing a study of the various lighting aboard, and determining exactly what I need.

[AdriftAtSea]

LEDs would make far more sense in this application, since they are fairly directional.  However, you do need to get the heat dissipation and voltage regulation correct to have them last any significant period of time.

[s/v Faith]

Thank you for posting the projects that don't work out perfectly.  It is good, if for no other reason then to help keep someone else from trying it.

Much like my brilliant 'foul weather gear drip rack in the anchor locker' idea... it is good to share so that no one else need try it. 

[AdriftAtSea]

I'd like to hear more about the foul weather gear drip rack...

[s/v Faith]

I'd like to hear more about the foul weather gear drip rack...

Oh I posted it somewhere... just do a quick search through my posts.. it should not take you long.  It is not like I have as many as you do to look through.   

[svsoutherncross]

Adrift - Yes, LED's would make FAR more sense for the application, but I just used what I had on hand and hoped for the best. Eventually I will convert the majority of the lighting aboard SC to LED. The next version of this lamp will use white LED's of a narrow viewing angle with a LM317 voltage regulator. But for now, it's just a mood light! One thing I DID like coming out of this project was the fixture itself. The LED version will be the same. It's simple, no switches or anything, bends in any direction, and was essentially free!

S/V Faith, I'm definitely going to have to investigate this drip rack as well... or perhaps the solution that worked right?

[ggrizzard]

I have had a similar need for years, but am not able to do the spec and wiring stuff, so...

I found a 3 pack of AAA battery powered LED puck lights at Kmart, installed them in strategic locations, loved the result and bought 9 more.  Eack light has 5 LEDs and two brightness settings and they can be mounted with a stick-on velcro base, or you can screw the base into the location surface.

The puck is removed from the base to replace three AAA batts that will last 60 hrs (approx).  Walmart's version was not even close in function or form.

Can you see me now?

[Sheppy]

Try these.  I've used them for different things in the boats.  I have these 10" ones rolled up to do what you are doing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2x-24-LED-white-Strip-Car-Flexible-Bulb-Light-Auto-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3caee3937dQQitemZ260632187773QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I have longer ones to provide my interior lighting.  One strip in the cabin and one in the vee berth.  Each of the longer ones is fine to read by.

Cheers,

RossD.

[Steve Bean]

OK, I'll try them.  I just ordered 2 pair (total under $7.00, free shipping).  I'll report results.
Steve