One other thing... when my batteries were charging on the charger after I'd been away from the boat for a month, the voltage initially approached 14.2 volts. Before I used the buck converters, I measured the temperature of the LEDs with a temperature probe in contact with an LED. It approached 182 degrees F, much to hot. This temperature will dramatically shorten the LEDs life, or cause damage to the circuitry built into the strips, causing premature failure. After installing the buck converters, the LED temperature (after being on for 1/2 hour) was in the 100-110 degrees F range as best I recall. Ambient temperature in both cases was about 80 degrees F, and these are high-output LEDs. Part of the problem with these strips is that they cannot/do not have effective heat sinks to dissipate high temperatures. This is even more of a factor with the newer higher-output LEDs being used. Bill MYSTY Landfall 39 ____________________________________
From: bria...@aol.com To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Sent: 6/28/2013 8:13:29 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time Subj: Re: Stus-List LED cabin lights Rich, I replaced all the recessed light fixtures on MYSTY with LED's that I made, using the cleaned-up carcasses of the original fluorescents, some very bright double-wide LED strips, and buck voltage converters. I used buck converters (that's really what they're called) that I found on eBay. They serve the same function as the devices your link describes. I bought 5 at a time, and paid approximately US$10 for all, including shipping from China. I then, using an adjustable DC power supply, connected the completed converted lights and set the converters. I set the converter output to 12 volts when the input voltage is 15.0. The net result is slightly less light output at voltages lower than 15.0, but the LEDs are protected should the voltage go that high. Only one issue to be aware of. The converters DO NOT tolerate being connected with "+" and "-" inputs reversed. Don't ask how I know.... Bill MYSTY Landfall 39 In a message dated 6/28/2013 7:31:03 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, r...@sailpower.ca writes: http://dx.com/p/car-150w-dc-8-32v-to-9-46v-voltage-boost-converter-regulator -for-laptop-blue-206971?utm_rid=95527470%2C95527470&utm_source=shopping&utm_ medium=pcs&utm_campaign=paidshopping
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