Double Dome LED Light

acadianbob · 01-26-2010, 08:39 PM

Just ordered this LED light fixture to give it a try. Wondering how "blue" and "bright" it is going to be. Anybody tried one?

http://tweetys.com/double-dome-white...light-kit.aspx

NWJeeper · 01-27-2010, 12:19 AM

The LED panels inside this light look almost identical to the replacement ones I just ordered for our existing lights, although I only paid $9.99 per panel with free shipping. See Sonicsix's web site for these lights. Much easier and cheaper than replacing the entire fixture. If they work out I will be ordering them for the whole rig.

acadianbob · 01-27-2010, 06:35 PM

Yes, that does appear cheaper and perhaps easier. What is not clear is the connector that you get. Does it plug right into the bulb socket? It doesn't list the socket type or the lumens (brightness). It DOES tell that it is 6K; fairly warm and not so blue. Let me know if they fit your rig. In the Surveyor, I believe we have the bayonnet type 921 bulb. Not sure if the connector is compatible with that. Maybe you can share that information once you get a chance to try your install. That would be a slick solution!

NWJeeper · 01-27-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Yes, that does appear cheaper and perhaps easier. What is not clear is the connector that you get. Does it plug right into the bulb socket? It doesn't list the socket type or the lumens (brightness). It DOES tell that it is 6K; fairly warm and not so blue. Let me know if they fit your rig. In the Surveyor, I believe we have the bayonnet type 921 bulb. Not sure if the connector is compatible with that. Maybe you can share that information once you get a chance to try your install. That would be a slick solution!

They come with 3 connectors included so they can be used with the spade style lights (168/192 bulb), or the 1/4 twist in style like your porch lights and one for dome lights. All for under $10.

Here is a link to the Ebay sale for these lights. They are shipped from Hong Kong but Jerry (sonicsix) has bought them with no trouble so I wasn't too worried and like I said i'm only out $20 if it doesn't work out. the other thing I noticed is that they are the same LEDs and the ones in the lights you just bough but 10 more of them per panel so should be brighter. I did find these same panels on Superbright LEDs web page but they wanted around $20 per panel plus shipping!

tonyz · 01-28-2010, 12:39 PM

I installed those exact ones NWJeeper did for my Serveyor, although they where 8.89 about 3 months ago on ebay, and they shipped darn fast from over seas. They work great, but had to play with a couple to get them working, nothing big, a couple couplings were bad and just cut, spliced, and shrink tubed them into working order.

The down side you will find NWJ, is the adhesive that is on them. it sticks wonderfully to the fixture, but comes off the light end with a few weeks of gravity working em'. So, prior to istalation I suggest taking off all the adhesive plates with a little heat and a couple dags of silicone as glue for added measure. I fixed my issues with some caulking, placed it on the adhesive pad then put a small block of foam between the bulb and fixture cover to keep her pressed up there over night.

The upside is they are SUPER bright and much less draw on the system! The key is to buy heat shrink tube, put it over the connector prior to instalation, test out the bulb, then heat tube the fittings so they don't jiggle loose in travel.

NWJeeper · 01-28-2010, 01:30 PM

Great tips Tony, thanks. No problem on the heat shrink I have lots of that in the garage as well as some good double back tape or silicone if need be. If they work out as well as you guys are reporting then I will order more and replace all of the bulbs I have with those....

cfsoistman · 01-28-2010, 02:35 PM

I removed the wire from the light and soldered the correct socket connector to the light. Then plugged it in directly to the fixture. Caution:They are polarity sensitive so be sure to place the black wire where the black wire was and red to red. I used a commercial grade velcro strip. I used a 1" x 1" piece and they're still in place but easy to remove if necessary. I've had them for about a year and a half.

miatared · 01-28-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWJeeper

The LED panels inside this light look almost identical to the replacement ones I just ordered for our existing lights, although I only paid $9.99 per panel with free shipping. See Sonicsix's web site for these lights. Much easier and cheaper than replacing the entire fixture. If they work out I will be ordering them for the whole rig.

If we, as consumers can get single units for $10 - free shipping, one kinda wonders why manufacturers - such as FR - would not buy them in large quantities and install them in new models? Seems to be a no brainer to me: great lighting and low power usage - am I missing something?tr

I will do mine, over time, as there are 2 in each fixtures and I have 6 or 7 of them, for $140 more or less... can't squeeze that one by the DW

Denis

NWJeeper · 01-28-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miatared

If we, as consumers can get single units for $10 - free shipping, one kinda wonders why manufacturers - such as FR - would not buy them in large quantities and install them in new models? Seems to be a no brainer to me: great lighting and low power usage - am I missing something?tr

I will do mine, over time, as there are 2 in each fixtures and I have 6 or 7 of them, for $140 more or less... can't squeeze that one by the DW

Denis

Probably because the manufacturers like FR buy the fixture with the incandescent bulb already in them for around $5-$7 ea. rather than $20 or so for the same fixture with the LED panels in them. Personally, since I paid over 100K for the rig I would gladly pay and extra $150 or $200 on the price to get all LED lighting if they would make it available.

Charlie, thanks for the idea on the Velcro, I have lots of that stuff laying around too. Seem to use it a lot in the motorhome for various things.

acadianbob · 01-29-2010, 10:25 AM

Awesome input you guys. I've got one on order. If this works, it should be great for dry camping. Light draw isn't a big issue mid-summer but late fall is another story as the daylight gets a LOT shorter. Dark by 5:30 pm rather than 9:30 pm. We notice that the battery is impacted by time of year; also it is colder so less battery power. DW like to read her books so lots of draw from the lights. Don't like bothering the "neighbors" with a generator even though it's the quiet Honda variety.

tonyz · 01-29-2010, 06:00 PM

yup, did it for two reasons; 1) dry camping - 60%+ of trips 2) the lil ones seem to pull off the covers and standard bulbs are HOT!

Now its up to the shop next week to fab a new bat. box frame and install a double 6V system. I see the spring light at the end of the tunnel and the wanna mods are in full swing.

between tying flies and red box videos in the down time, I have been designing a new rear bumper to accomodate some cumbersome items, including; kids toys, generator, and bbq/smoker option. I'll post pics when she's all done up for prom.

acadianbob · 01-30-2010, 04:13 PM

Got the shipment today for the "whole fixture" unit. Looks to be reasonably well made. 25 LEDs. I noticed that, between the 2 sides, one tilts a bit one way and the other tilts the other way. Probably an attempt to cast a bit broader swath of light. There also appears to be some "special" lensing in the cover. I'm anxious to try it out but it will be awhile. At least 2 months of winter left here!

acadianbob · 02-09-2010, 05:09 PM

Today the 36 LED board arrived. The board is smaller than the board in the whole fixture unit I bought, and the LEDs are much smaller but there are more of them vs the 25 in the fixture. It will be interesting to see the differences in "color" and light output. With 3 feet of snow on the ground, won't be tackling this install any time soon though.

NWJeeper · 02-09-2010, 08:12 PM

I love ours and just ordered 8 more of the panels from the same guy on Ebay. Also got the first of the 3 different types of 1156 base LED bulbs for our 3 porch lights. I am gonna try them and see which ones look best. First on is in on our light above the entry door and it seems just as bright as the standard 1156 bulb that came in the light but much less amperage draw.

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