Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 15-06-2017, 22:09   #1
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

I extended the Bimini structure (Stamoid type material) for my walk-in cockpit to accommodate the large solar panels.
The area is now quite large and I need to make a Lighting Plan for 24v LED lights as we still live outside in the tropics in the Rainy Season.
Basically, two Lighting Zones: (See Photo)
Aft Outside Cooking Area: S-1 & P-1
Dinning Seating Area: S-2 / S-3 & P-2 / P-3
From where I would position the downlights
2.4 m between Zone 1 and Zone 2
1.9m between Zone 2 and Zone 3
I have no experience using LED Lights.
For calculating the LUMENS strength needed for down lighting, does it compare with Incandescent per wattage?
Any recommendation for 6 pcs Small, Light, Low Profile 24V outdoor LED light fixtures as I want to run wiring next week
Thanks.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	LIGHT PLAN Final Cockpit.jpg
Views:	245
Size:	420.8 KB
ID:	149978  
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 14:58   #2
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

I did some research last night and found this waterproof 24v strip light available in various intensity.

Still Working thru intensity level but it they do provide a dimmer.

Anyone with experience using these?

Available in Warm White

http://www.ecolocityled.com/product/...rip_warm_white

Or white

http://www.ecolocityled.com/product/...ed_strip_white
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 15:45   #3
Registered User

Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 166
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic View Post
I did some research last night and found this waterproof 24v strip light available in various intensity.

Still Working thru intensity level but it they do provide a dimmer.

Anyone with experience using these?

Available in Warm White

UL Listed 24V Ribbon Star Ultra Waterproof LED Light Strip - Warm White 118" (3m)

Or white

UL Listed 24V Ribbon Star Ultra Waterproof LED Light Strip - White 118" (3m)
I have installed flexible LED under cabinet lighting in my office and kitchen. I used strips spanning the entire distance of work / prep area, they are installed approx. 2 feet above the work / prep area and are advertised at as 380 lumens per foot, 9 to 14 volts DC. At 380 lumens per foot I would say the light intensity is very good. For your use I would want something in the 380 lumins per foot range. The lights in this pic are not what I used but something you may want to consider. I didn't need waterproof lights. The web site is SuperbrightLED.com For a 8x8 foot area I would start with two 8 foot runs or equivalent. You could end up wanting more.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Screen Shot 2017-06-16 at 5.13.20 PM.png
Views:	182
Size:	162.2 KB
ID:	150016   Click image for larger version

Name:	Screen Shot 2017-06-16 at 5.13.44 PM.png
Views:	222
Size:	389.0 KB
ID:	150017  

Iaangus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 17:26   #4
֍֎֍֎֍֎֍֎֍֎

Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 15,136
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Pelagic-
I'm not sure if this helps you, but I'm looking at the box for a new "100W equivalent" LED light bulb. It says 1500 lumens, 14 watts, equal to a 100W conventional light bulb.
Now some of us would call a 100W light bulb adequate for a single room, others might want 3x-4x that much light, so your personal choice makes a big difference. If you have too much light, surely you can always find someplace else to move the excess light strips?

And you might beware dimmers. They tend to make RFI and with all the wire running around the cockpit, that probably will get into the instruments and electronics. Inexpensive dimmers generally are loud RFI sources. bare LEDs themselves, with no dimmer circuits, tend to be RFI silent. (Their power controllers can still cause RFI, look for certifications, UL, CE, FCC, that indicate some level of compliance, or ask the vendor.)
hellosailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 17:49   #5
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Thanks Laangus & hellosailor, great input and options as I have a friend in Kansas who can bring the parts to Subic.

This is the simple dimner I was considering
http://www.ecolocityled.com/product/...d_light_dimmer
Ecolocity's light products are UL certified but I don't know about this dimmer. They have many more sophisticated ones with remotes and smart phone control.

Basically, the lights won't be used underway, just at anchor for meals. My thoughts would be to make bright enough for Tasks, but dim for ambience


This photo shows the original Bimini and lights around our cockpit table.

Traditional but not practical for Sun or Rain protection when you live aboard in the Tropics.Click image for larger version

Name:	1497660563653.jpg
Views:	176
Size:	114.2 KB
ID:	150023
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 20:19   #6
֍֎֍֎֍֎֍֎֍֎

Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 15,136
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Speaking of rain or shine...You might want to make sure there is some kind of water resistance rating on those LEDs, strips, whatever they are. Even if the Bimini keeps them dry, an IP65 or similar rating will help keep salt air from rotting things out.

Looks like your original was just there to prevent heatstroke while cruising. Not an unreasonable goal.(G)
hellosailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 21:37   #7
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Yes the Ecolocity lights have an IP 68 waterproof rating and CertificationUL Listed, RoHS, CE.

Yes the original Bimini had only useable cover at the helm but with zip on extension at anchor.

Love the new stamoid vinyl one, totally waterproof that wraps around the aft mast and is strong enough to walk on,

It can be reduced to smaller sections if needed.

Designed my own Solar Frame that hinges up for maintenance using the topping lift yet seals and is bolted down on the angled stainless studs above flat bar on top of the hand holds.
Makes a perfect weather seal when the Bimini acts as a gasket[

Click image for larger version

Name:	1497673915274.jpg
Views:	195
Size:	69.3 KB
ID:	150028
Click image for larger version

Name:	1497673502266.jpg
Views:	146
Size:	56.2 KB
ID:	150027
Click image for larger version

Name:	1497674051032.jpg
Views:	172
Size:	65.2 KB
ID:	150029
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1497674193592.jpg
Views:	139
Size:	59.6 KB
ID:	150030  
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 21:58   #8
always in motion is the future
 
s/v Jedi's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: in paradise
Boat: Sundeer 64
Posts: 18,867
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

I am using aluminum channels for regular LED strips. I use the waterproof strips outside even when protected by the channel. There is also a 45 degree angled version if you want to mount it to the side of something.

In your case you could stick them up against the bimini using 3M VHB tape.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LL2SLME
s/v Jedi is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 16-06-2017, 23:20   #9
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

[QUOTE=s/v Jedi;2415183
.....In your case you could stick them up against the bimini using 3M VHB tape
[/QUOTE]

Hi Nick, ...thanks!....that's exactly what I have in mind.

In the product description section of this one it says it comes with base already lined with the 3M VHB tape.

http://www.ecolocityled.com/product/...rip_warm_white

If I don't find anything better, I will order on Monday

The tape gives me a lot of flexibility and I will play with mounting light so it reflects indirectly off of my yellow vinyl ceiling .
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-06-2017, 00:32   #10
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Found this tutorial site for LED lighting good for a beginner like me

http://www.ecolocityled.com/category/led_tutorials
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-06-2017, 03:19   #11
Senior Cruiser
 
GordMay's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 49,143
Images: 241
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

To replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, look for an LED that gives you about 1600 lumens.
Replace a 75W bulb with an LED bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens.
Replace a 60W bulb with an LED bulb that gives you about 800 lumens
Replace a 40W bulb with an LED bulb that gives you about 450 lumens
__________________
Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"



GordMay is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 17-06-2017, 03:29   #12
CF Adviser
 
Pelagic's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Quote:
Originally Posted by GordMay View Post
To replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, look for an LED that gives you about 1600 lumens.
Replace a 75W bulb with an LED bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens.
Replace a 60W bulb with an LED bulb that gives you about 800 lumens
Replace a 40W bulb with an LED bulb that gives you about 450 lumens
Thanks Gord, that is exactly the information I needed to finalize order. [emoji106]
Pelagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-06-2017, 03:54   #13
Registered User

Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Brazil
Boat: Custom Swedish Vindö 50 (35 ft)
Posts: 804
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Pelagic, those cheap (warm) LED waterproof strips are terrific. I started using them years ago and all have stood up fine. Today they are even better and the light is almost the same as incandescent (a nice warm glow). If you want two settings (bright for cockpit work and dim for dining) an easy solution is having two switches: one that turns on a few and another that turns on the rest. When you dine you just turn on part of the lights. I've done this in a number of spots on the boat using a simple 3-way switch. You can cut these strips and set them at 13 or 14 volts to avoid shortening their lifespan when you charge the batteries (although if you charge with solar and only use the lights at night it's not an issue). My electric guy builds beautiful LED lights (using LED strips) and light fixtures from the aluminum profiles for shower boxes.
Copacabana is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-06-2017, 05:54   #14
always in motion is the future
 
s/v Jedi's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: in paradise
Boat: Sundeer 64
Posts: 18,867
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

The LED strip you show is what I put inside the aluminum channels that I linked to. This provides better (mechanical) protection and ensures that they don't fall off. I am pretty sure that the LED strip adhesive tape will not stick where you want. Even on new clean smooth awlgripped surface, I have it come off at places. The aluminum channel with the (window construction rated) VHB tape won't come off.
__________________
“It’s a trap!” - Admiral Ackbar.

s/v Jedi is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 17-06-2017, 06:58   #15
Registered User
 
Bill O's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2015
Boat: Bruce Bingham Christina 49
Posts: 3,328
Re: Cockpit Lighting Plan LED24v

Nick,
Cant' tell in the description of the channel, but is there any light quality/brightness loss from the channel cover?

Bill O.
__________________
Bill O.
KB3YMH
https://phoenixketch.blogspot.com/
Bill O is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
cockpit, lighting

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Center Cockpit vs Aft Cockpit MaDouleur Monohull Sailboats 48 12-08-2017 05:56
Endeavour 37.5 A plan vs B plan Cutter45 Monohull Sailboats 10 30-05-2015 04:25
Centre Cockpit V Aft Cockpit Nostrodamus Monohull Sailboats 3 22-06-2012 03:22
Center cockpit vrs aft cockpit Panamajames Monohull Sailboats 54 24-03-2009 15:00
Some Marine Lighting References GordMay Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 5 29-04-2005 18:53

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:22.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.