My solution to awning lights - Page 36

Av8orLou · 03-12-2013, 08:32 AM

Yes I have the flexable one too, not stiff based.

TURBS · 03-12-2013, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Av8orLou

Yes I have the flexable one too, not stiff based.

Maybe its a controller issue.....

Av8orLou · 03-12-2013, 08:37 AM

Maybe. I just dont know it is weird. Does it matter that I leave the plug that is attached to the lights exposed to the elements. Not the power cord or the white control box with the remote sensor just the plug that connects to the white control box.

**Herk7769** · 03-12-2013, 09:06 AM

The way the lights work might help you figure out what is going on.

1) there are 4 control wires that run the length of the strip. One is a common ground for all 3 LED elements in each "light"; one is RED power; one is GREEN power; and one is BLUE power.

2) The LEDs are grouped on the strip in blocks so that the 12 volts is dropped across multiple LEDs (the "cut" marks serarate the blocks).

3) ALL the LEDs in a block must work for the block to light.

4) Brightness (and On/OFF) is controlled by the voltage being sent down the color control line.

5) Color is determined by the voltage on each individual control line. All voltages equal mean all LEDs on at the same brightness = white.

6) if a single LEDs lead is broken the block will not show that color. Since all control wires are "through" wires; just because one block does not light, does not mean others will not light (unless they are broken as well).

Your problem is NOT the controller. The controller outputs a "yes or no" signal voltage (of variable amplitude) to ALL the LEDs. They will all respond if the strip is working properly.

Here is the manual for the lights:

cfsoistman · 03-12-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtatum65

I noticed most people are ordering their led light strips off of ebay from china and the shipping times seem to be high, ie, 2weeks. Not sure if anyone has seen this ebay reseller, but they are in Champaign, IL and offer free shipping with pricing below 30 bucks.

5M 5050 SMD RGB LED Strip 300 LEDs Waterproof DC12V 44Key IR Remote Controller | eBay

Thanks for the find. My luck with China and Hong Kong Ebayers hasn't been the greatest. My 9v Rechargeable Batteries must have been on that real slow boat from China

. Waited 3 months and got a refund but they never showed up.

crunchman12001 · 03-13-2013, 04:13 AM

Hi all,
It took about 10 hours over the last week but I managed to read all 705 posts. A lot of helpful information here. Thank you!
I ordered a set last night, should be nice edition to the TT. I plan on mounting them on the trailer under the awning.
crunchman

OldCoot · 03-13-2013, 06:00 AM

Putting a light sensing electric eye on them sure makes a nice addition also. Never have to worry about turning them on & off.

cfsoistman · 03-13-2013, 06:06 AM

Placed my order as well yesterday. Any Georgetown owners out there using these? Any hints or advice where you ran your wiring down?

prof_fate · 03-13-2013, 08:23 AM

There is an outfit in NJ that sells them too on ebay, and I saw one in oregon.
There are waterproof and NON waterproof lights, with and without the power source. Prices run $17 to $30 and all I saw include free shipping.

I opted for NJ, waterproof, no power source and w/ double sided tape for $18.99 - figure there's 12v in the camper, right?

Im gonna follow Herk's plan and put them on the trailer wall under the awning. A couple of reasons - easy wiring, protection from the elements I think (have to go look), and this will give light from the camper side vs awning side (still have our lights for that) so it will 'balance' better and if I don't like the lights i won't be looking at them- and may get enough light to read in the evenings without having to face the camper as I do now.

I want to go camping! New TV now new lights...Just need 'new' weather!

crunchman12001 · 03-13-2013, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Putting a light sensing electric eye on them sure makes a nice addition also. Never have to worry about turning them on & off.

Hi OldCoot,
I must have missed the post that discussed the electric eye install.
I would be interested in your idea, sounds very convenient.
TIA,
crunchman

crushor · 03-13-2013, 05:32 PM

I concur ... That is a great idea. Thanks as well...

Chris

OldCoot · 03-13-2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfsoistman

Placed my order as well yesterday. Any Georgetown owners out there using these? Any hints or advice where you ran your wiring down?

I ran the wiring along side the power awning wires and down into the storage area and out to the step light. Removed the bulb from the step light and wired the awning lights and the led strip lights I added in the step cutout and put the light sensing electric eye between side the step and the cutout . Works great and if I want to shut them off, I just turn off the step light switch inside the camper.

dec1952 · 03-13-2013, 06:48 PM

Does any have a picture they can post of the lights mounted on the trailer under the awning? Originally I had put mine on the roller bar of the awning. After about 6 trips they stopped working and I think that may have been from them being wrapped up in the awning. I now have a replacement set and am thinking of putting them on the trailer under the awning. If anyone could post a picture that would be great!! Thanks.

crunchman12001 · 03-13-2013, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I ran the wiring along side the power awning wires and down into the storage area and out to the step light. Removed the bulb from the step light and wired the awning lights and the led strip lights I added in the step cutout and put the light sensing electric eye between side the step and the cutout . Works great and if I want to shut them off, I just turn off the step light switch inside the camper.

Hi OldCoot,
Would you happen to remember the part # of the photo eye? My google search turned up 81,400 results. Do you have a pic of the install and is in just wired inline. I will be using a 110V plug for my LED power. Would your 12V eye work for my 110V application?
Thanks for your time.
crunchman

crunchman12001 · 03-13-2013, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dec1952

Does any have a picture they can post of the lights mounted on the trailer under the awning? Originally I had put mine on the roller bar of the awning. After about 6 trips they stopped working and I think that may have been from them being wrapped up in the awning. I now have a replacement set and am thinking of putting them on the trailer under the awning. If anyone could post a picture that would be great!! Thanks.

Hi, The first 100 post on this thread have many pics and a few videos of lights in action. Herk7769 did a great write up so did OldCoot.
crunchman

OldCoot · 03-13-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

Hi OldCoot,
Would you happen to remember the part # of the photo eye? My google search turned up 81,400 results. Do you have a pic of the install and is in just wired inline. I will be using a 110V plug for my LED power. Would your 12V eye work for my 110V application?
Thanks for your time.
crunchman

The electric eyes I have (4 or 5 extra) are all 12v. You should be able to get 110v ones @ Lowes,HD or Quick Change Photo Eye

I will take a picture tomorrow of the location of the eye.

SYE · 03-14-2013, 12:57 AM

This is the one that I bought, it is a 5-18V unit, it took 2-3 weeks to get here but I was not in a hurry. It is a dusk to dawn not a motion detector.

Dusk to Dawn Light Control Sunset Twilight Switch Day Off Night Work DC 5V 18V | eBay

RodeoGeorge · 03-14-2013, 02:04 AM

If you are looking for a motion sensor, here is the link to one from the same company.

I just ordered the Dusk-To-Dawn switch from the above link, and it's being shipped from California. They have a warehouse there for SOME of their items.

Here's the motion switch, which from their description may also include the Dusk-To-Dawn feature (not sure).

12V Save Energy IR Motion Sensor Automatic Light Switch | eBay

RodeoGeorge

crunchman12001 · 03-14-2013, 04:06 AM

Thank you for your time OldCoot, syencer and RodeoGeorge.
I am looking at the dusk to dawn switch for the LED lights but the motion switch would work for another project that I have been thinking about for adding a light to my steps.
Thank you all for the time and effort of your post.
I will try to figure out how to get this thing wired (cutting into power of the trailer) and positioning the sensor and IR for the LED's when I get the lights from China. Hope the boat is not too slow.
I did order the 110V power supply due to my lack of electrical skills. Wondering if I should order a 12V supply as an alternative?
I was thinking of just adding another 110V plug behind an access panel behind the awning wires where Herk put his through the wall. (I can see them behind the panel) I know how to add a 110V plug and box, just need to tap off of a plug from the kitchen area.
Once I get the supplies, I will know what I have to work with so questions to follow.
TIA,
crunchman

RodeoGeorge · 03-14-2013, 10:24 AM

I hope that I can explain this sufficiently without pictures, but I'm waiting for my RV to do the mod and consequently have no pictures.

Crunchman, if you interrupt (cut) the +12V wire going to your existing step light and insert the motion switch in that line, then also attach the LED Lights to the output of the motion switch, both will turn on At Night when there is Motion within about 20' of the motion switch.

There is no need to install a 110V Receptacle and then use a 12V Power Supply to obtain the 12V required for the LEDs. You have the 12V right there at the Step Light, and the entire mod (Original Step Light and LEDs) can be manually switched off by the original Step Light Switch when you do not want the lights coming on or when in storage.

RodeoGeorge

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