Lighting

[MJBaldwin]

I have seen many different posts about the rope lights or LED lights that people are using I am just wondering what you are using? I want to mount some in my portable but not sure which kind to use? I have been looking on E_B_A_Y a little but would those cheap LED lights work on there trying to save a little money but still want to mod my portable for this coming season....

PM me if you have a link or something like that where you got yours.

[Ed Carlson]

This is what I will be riggin now. Clean instalation, lots of light once can tune to your needs, very low battery draw. The LUMA Deck Light draws less than 1/4 Amps and operates on standard 12V.

F38-3521WHA-1 TACO’s impact-resistant and waterproof (non-submersion) LED Marine Deck Light are designed and tested for use in the marine and other outdoor environments.. Unlike other light bulbs, LED’s are vibration and shock-resistant ideal for withstanding running speeds and pounding wakes. Highly efficient, the LUMA Deck Light offer 100,000-hours operating life draw less than 1 Amp so they won’t drain batteries..

The 30 LED Deck light produces an output of 150 lumens white light with 120o light spread to light up decks. Offered with stainless steel, adjustable angle mounting bracket or clamp-on for easy, no-drill installation that fits 3/4" & 1" IPS pipe, standard on T-top rings.

F38-3521WHA-1

Clamp-on marine LED Deck Light w/adj clamp

(Fits 3/4" & 1" IPS pipe)

150 lumens/120o spread

5"W x 3-15/32"H x 3-1/2"D

TACO’s Marine LED Spreader Light will light up decks with six, high-powered 1-watt LED providing a wide 150o spread, 675 lumens output of bright white light, equivalent to a 50W halogen. Highly efficient, these low draw (<1 amp) hard-wired lights offer 100,000 hours of operation and won’t drain batteries.

Designed for marine use, TACO’s marine LED lights are waterproof to withstand salt spray and wash-downs, and vibration- and shock-resistant to stand-up to pounding wakes. The sleek low profile design features a high-impact, UV-resistant white plastic housing with polycarbonate lens. Mounting is easy, choose from stainless steel mounting bracket model with adjustable angle, or clamp-on model that fits standard 3/4" & 1" I.P.S. pipe T-top rings (1-1/16" & 1-5/16" OD pipe.)

F38-4520WHA-1 Clamp-on marine LED Spreader Light w/ clamp

(Fits 3/4" & 1" IPS pipe)

6 watts, 150o spread 675 lumen equiv to 50 watt halogen

5"W x 3-15/32"H x 3-1/2"D

[jeep guy]

I use best hon kong lights in my portable. they're cheap and really bright. I run them on a vex battery. I can get pretty much a whole season off of one charge and I go out at least 4 times a week.

[fishergurl]

Hey Ed, That sounds like a great idea! Where do you find those lights, and how exactly do you plan to mount them. I am assuming you are going to have more than one. I also am planning on putting lights in the portable this fall, and want to do it right the first time!

[Ed Carlson]

I plan to use only 1 light module.

Then mount it to the support frame top bar in the center or front...likely the center... as it will be easily adjustable to pan as needed.

I likely will also add a 12V dimmer on/off switch on the line. They operate on a range of 9V to 24V DC.

A Google on TACO Lights will pull up where they are sold, and it pays to shop around too.

[CJH]

Great ideas Ed!! Those look like very good options. New LED products coming out all of the time!!!

Bought the new Frabil Quad light bar at the end of last season and am looking forward to giving that a try!

[MJBaldwin]

I really like ED's ideas but that comes with a price at about 90 bucks a pop I think I will be looking for an alternative. I think the lights from Jeep are more in the right price range load the Eskimo with some of those and I should be rolling for a wonderful winter with nice lighting. Do most of you guys just put the wires through the poles and have them pop out where you want them too?

[Ed Carlson]

$49 to $59 tops..depeding on the model. Not $90 unless your buying pairs as in a set..then ya $90 at some sources on-line that sounds about right. I found 6 sources less than $59 in 4 clicks.

Like I said, shop around.

[MJBaldwin]

ED,

Yea I didnt really shop around and they could have been in pairs as well I just saw the price tag on them and then didnt keep reading. I am still up in arms with what to do though.... Wait and see I guess. This might be a dumb question but (I dont know too much about electical) how do I know if the lights i am looking at would work with a vexilar battery?

[Ed Carlson]

Yes, they will run off a 12V Vexilar battery. Very low amp draw. They will operate in a range of 9 V to up to 24V.

The 30 LED and the 6 high output larger LED model would be the best candidates for this application.

[fishergurl]

How do you string your wires with these type of lights?

[Ed Carlson]

Fishergurl...Some prefer to drill a hole in the support frame at the location the light will be mounted, and fish the wire down the tube to the hinge. This is a clean method once you know where you wish it to remain. From the hinge point wire to a battery at the best location to rig your sled.

I would also wire the TACO module with a male/female quick detach connections as to more easily re-utilize the light in a marine application. So you can also get 4 season use from it with less re-rigging...just plug it back in come winter (Shack) or in the spring (Boat).

Running on the exterior of the tubing down to the hinge point works too, secure every foot with electrical tape over a appropriate zip cable tie.

I'm a big advocate of adding a 12V dimmer switch in line near your seating position. One also equipped with a on/off. You will find the ability to trim the amount of light required will save on battery life and extend use. Mood lighting if you may, use what lighting is comfortable and practicable.

[Ed Carlson]

I'm surprised nobody has asked about the ATV and snowmobile applications for these yet?

Yup...I see them being very useful there too.

Especially the TACO LED Spotlight, and the TACO 6 LED spreader light version pictured above in my pevious post.

TACO LED Spotmight F38-5500 (F38-5520WHA-1) Clamp on model.

TACO’s Marine LED Spot Light will light up waters ahead with three, high-powered 3-watt LEDs providing 1,000,000 candlepower output or 4,474 lumens of bright white light. Highly efficient, these low draw (<1 amp) hard-wired lights offer 100,000 hours of operation and won’t drain batteries. 12-28V DC power makes it ideal for boats of all sizes.

Designed for marine use, TACO’s marine LED lights are waterproof to withstand salt spray and wash-downs, and vibration- and shock-resistant to stand-up to pounding wakes. The sleek design features a high-impact, UV-resistant white plastic housing with polycarbonate lens. Mounting is easy, choose from stainless steel mounting bracket model with adjustable angle, or clamp-on model that fits standard 3/4" & 1" I.P.S. pipe T-top rings (1-1/16" & 1-5/16" OD pipe).

[hawkeye43]

After looking at them on line, they are going on my work trucks for better lighting at a good price.