LED's Revisited

J

John S

New member
Hi guys,

I've discussed this previously but I think new technology comes along and hopefully there is something that works now. We do multiple day trips out in our boat away from marinas. One of our BIG power draws during the night are the dome lights.

I have the perko dome lights with the 1004 bulbs. I want LED replacement bulbs that are just as bright or brighter. I saw this one on E-bay. Has anyone tried it? I'm willing to change light fixtures too, BUT they new to be 5" diameter domes like the Perko's I have now, becuase C-Dory has them mounted to a starboard spacer that is also the attach point for the railing on the outside roof of the boat. ANY IDEAS appreciated.

4fa6_1_sbl.jpg
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0103242151&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT&viewitem=
 
OK, I looked at that ad. All it said was that it's a very bright light.

Now there's standard units for measuring light output: Candela (Candle Power/CP) or Lumens which are somewhat equivalent. A 1004 bulb puts out 15 CP, according to GE. No output number on the LED.

There's a reason for the above statement. I've bought LED flashlights and the one with the most LEDs gave out the least light. Harbour Freight vs Maglite.

So I'm sorta distrustful of anyone who just says "lotsa light." It may be a great light, but someone is going to have to buy/beg/steal one and tell me that it puts out as much as a 1004, which is what it's replacing. John, you may be the first. If it works it's great.

Boris
 
Boris,

Well I figure someone out there may have already guinea pigged there self on this one. My biggest concern is that all the light is directed out the point of the bulb. The way the GE 1004 bulb is mounted in my Perko unit it would be better if the light were directed from the side of the bulb. I'll see if I get some bites or other bulb brand suggestions, if not I'll order one.
 
John,
I replaced all the bulbs on my 22 with LED bulbs I bought on E-Bay for $14 from Hong Kong. I just matched the pins and contacts on the base and got bulbs with the most LED's (54) that were arranged in circles shining out from the side of the bulb. It's been a over a year with no problems. They are plenty bright enough but have that blue tint that make them a little harsh. I did the same thing on my previous sailboat 4 years ago and they were working fine when I sold it last year.
It really cuts power consumption when at anchor.
Bob
 
Sea Wolf":1g5y6k7f said:
One word answer: FLUORESCENTS (Read previous discussions.)

Joe. :teeth :thup
Click to expand...

Joe, maybe I'm lazy, but I didn't want to redo lighting fixtures throughout the entire boat, I was just hoping to change out some bulbs. I noticed Bob on Thataway said he was changing over to LED too.
Obviously I haven't backtracked yet to search the flourescent threads. I guess I thought I was being all "modern" with LED's.
Thanks :crook
I'll search thru them.
 
Incandescent bulbs draw the most amps, Fluorescents 1/3 less, LED's 1/10. Goggle the specs on the 1004 bayonet and then look at the DR LED 5 1/2" fixture. On high it puts out the equivalent of a 40 watt bulb at a tenth the output. Installed in our boat and they sure have allot more light. One comes in both red/white for chart reading at night. One thing though, you have to use the rubber ring on the Perko lamps as the notch is in the front by the switch and it needs to go in the back. Just needs to be cut and taped into place before installing. It then leaves a 1/16" gap between the wall and the fixture.
For Anchor LED light the West Marine LED Light (Model 2674901) fits like a glove into the old fixture. Just need to drill out the old rivets on both fixtures and it slides right in. I also added silicone for extra waterproofing. Draws only .025 amps compared to .94amps.
I love LED technology it just hasn't been mass produced enough yet to always be the best return. I was at Costco today and they had LED floods (40 watt) and decorative small socket bulbs. Be careful on what you buy as this is a new product and there is the good and the bad.
That's my 2 cents.
 
mmitchell":14eo3uvo said:
One thing though, you have to use the rubber ring on the Perko lamps as the notch is in the front by the switch and it needs to go in the back. Just needs to be cut and taped into place before installing. It then leaves a 1/16" gap between the wall and the fixture.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments. I really like the idea of LED also. I have a friend in Sterling who built a boat and installed nothing but LED lights and they work great.

I think my current perko installation may be different than yours, I'm not sure what you're speaking of when you talk about a rubber ring. I looked thru your album and didn't see your lights. Do you have any photos of what you've done?

Thanks,
John
 
I don't have any photo's. The ring is the trim on the Perko (Mounting side). Remove it and use it as the spacer. That way you have a reason to throw the old fixture away.
 
I believe you are talking about the black gasket that fits between the light and the ceiling.



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Ok, I was looking thru my own album and found one of my lights and see the rubber ring you were speaking of. My boat has these strange bases that you see in the photo made of starboard that the factory also used for mounting the bolt for the handrail on the roof.

Do the Dr. Led Domes mount with the same screw pattern (basically) as the old perko's? I guess the diameter is the same if you're using the same rubber ring.
IMG_5470.sized.jpg

Anybody check out the "Mars LED Light Kit" from Dr. LED. This is a dome light retrofit kit? It's supposed to be new.

260315_DLE_8001610_WPM.jpg


Thanks again, I'm done for the night, have to work tomorrow.

John
 
I have wanted to switch to LED's also, but was hoping for a "Plug and Play" conversion too. I'm hoping this one will work.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
I've been looking for a plug-in replacement for our anchor light. No joy, yet. Our anchor light is actually two lights, one facing forward, one aft. They are the bulbs that have the points on either end instead of the bayonet. I had a tough time finding a replacement bulb when the aft one went out.

When we have been trying to conserve battery power, we have used an LED flashlight with a small fresnel lens over the end velcroed to the anchor light post... it went for a couple weeks on one AA battery.

Good discussion.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
toyman":16ycvtl1 said:
Is this the one you are looking for Jim ?
http://www.doctorled.com/f16.htm
Click to expand...

I saved that site, Dave. I'll have to check my bulbs to see if there's clearance for that wide size. Our side nav lights use the same bulbs. That's the first I've seen the "festooned" bulb (and now I know what to call 'em. :wink: ) in an LED replacement.

Thanks,
Jim B.
 
Welcome to the Land of $50 LED light bulb replacements! :lol: I guess the novelty of the new technology lures folk into spending the $$$ in a curious manner.

You might get more for your money by spending a little more for a just a new conventional incandescent bulb and another battery, which would power more stuff in the long run.

Better yet, design and build your own! The components are inexpensive, and your brain usage is free and fun! And if something fails, you get to have the fun of re-engineering it, which is part of the joy of being alive, alert, and having the time available to create.

No doubt the LED's are the most efficient light generating device commonly available today, and make the most sense in navigational and other lights where physical size and current draw are major considerations.

However, the price of some of these bulb substitute LED units is out in orbit, and it's little wonder that the cottage industry surrounding them seems alive and well.

Sooner or later, GE, Westinghouse, Sylvania, Phillips, or some other industrial market share holder will come in and usurp the manufacture and supply of these gizmos. This is a pattern found in a lot of manufactured products.

I still like fluorescents inside the cabin for larger lights, because of their proven and reliable technology, reasonable costs, color rendition (temperature), and even lighting (not pinpoint, with it's harsh shadows). While not as efficient as LED's, they're four to six times as efficient as incadescents, and their power draw is very minimal.

As usual, YMMV.

JOE. :teeth :thup
 
Dave and Jim

Thanks for posting the photo of the Festoon Star LED's - I purchased a red and green for $40 /a piece at SBS - fisheries supply - they have been 50 for quite a while. I installed them and they are much brighter than the Perko incandescent that was stock on my CDOry. I made the purchase because I have had several bulbs burn out when light on - filament hot and in rough conditions. So I got tired of the hassle and hope these work. If not I plan to buy a Hella or other light with the LED in resin . The idea of dimpled and festooned options and different lengths worked great so far on my boat.

I am also a big fan of the Princeton Tec LED headlamps that are water resistant to one meter. REI and other places sell them - but with REI there is lifetime replacement if switch or something else wears out. - I am on my second or third so far - as I use them daily.

Jim
 
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