Quality source of LED strips/bulbs/assemblies?

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by aybabtme

Was aware of potential for RF noise and was planning to avoid switching voltage converters, although I already have some of that in DC buck-boosters for my networking gear. I'm aware of the potential problem so I'm keeping an eye out.

The majority of "raw" 12v LED strips are just groups of 3 LEDs and one current-limiting resistor, repeated every few inches. Alone, such strips produce zero RFI or EMI. They're most commonly used with a PWM dimmer, though, and that could be a source of noise.

I have a home-grown PWM dimmer, and a few of the Chinese modular DC-DC converters, and so far, no noise problems from them.

[MV Wanderlust]

We have used SuperBrightLEDs on our current boat and on the previous boat. They're inexpensive, easy to work with, and we've never had any interference on the VHF. We recommend them.

[Ken Pole]

Superbright LEDs are probably the best source I've found for "bulbs" and sundry fixtures. Not a problem in the five years I've had sundry products at reasonable costs, includng shipping to Canada.

[skipgundlach]

<following - sorry!>

[ayates]

I use Super Bright LEDs (https://www.superbrightleds.com/) exclusively. For marine use, I specifically used these two waterproof products for red and white (though it appears these precise models have been discontinued):

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...edirect_disc=0

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...edirect_disc=0


Allan.

[guyrj33]

Originally Posted by Lake-Effect

I bought cheap warm white 12v LED strip from ebay, and it's been great for about 4 years so far. (installed in a freshwater trailer-sailor). I put a PWM dimmer on it. To do it again, I would consider some sort of clear protective spray (eg Krylon) on the strip, or maybe slide the strip into clear vinyl tube. I believe you can also buy extrusions with clear covers for use with the strip, which look pretty durable.

I did something very similar, largest difference is I found waterproof stick on strips. I haven't noticed any radio interference from the PWM or the LEDs.

[Boatwright]

IMO this fear that LED's cause interference with radios is an over-exagerated legend spread by folks who read about it in a boating magazine.

Our entire boat is equipped with SuperBright led's, and a few we got from eBay. Over the years, out of several dozen bulbs tested by placing the antenna of our portable VHF right next to a bulb on both transmit and receive, we found one eBay bulb that generated interference. That particular bulb looked cheaply made.

I ordered a Marine Beam bulb a few years ago for a cabin reading light. It was identical to bulbs from SuperBright at 4x the price. The only difference as far as I can tell is MarineBeam checks their Chinese made bulbs for interference before they sell them.

One thing to watch out for is the voltage range spec.. Some bulbs are rated for lower maximum voltage and will flicker at a higher charging voltage when the engine is running or when the voltage regulator is in equalizing mode. Look for bulbs with a 20+ volt max rating.

We do have an expensive certified Hella tri-color at the top of the mast close to our main antenna, but would have bought that one anyway because of its high quality.

[mvmojo]

As others have opined, Marine Beam is a reliable source of high quality LED lighting. Not the cheapest compared to the Chinese junk on the market, but fairly priced and of good quality. We've been using them for years on MOJO www.mvmojo.com and have recommended them to a number of other cruisers. No complaints at all!

[Hardhead]

Originally Posted by Lake-Effect

I bought cheap warm white 12v LED strip from ebay, and it's been great for about 4 years so far. (installed in a freshwater trailer-sailor). I put a PWM dimmer on it. To do it again, I would consider some sort of clear protective spray (eg Krylon) on the strip, or maybe slide the strip into clear vinyl tube. I believe you can also buy extrusions with clear covers for use with the strip, which look pretty durable.

Just out of curiosity - why do you feel that way? I'm in the same boat... Is water/humidity getting to them?

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by Hardhead

Just out of curiosity - why do you feel that way? I'm in the same boat... Is water/humidity getting to them?

We're not in saltwater; things don't corrode as fast for us. Still, I have the expectation that temp extremes, condensation, etc will eventually cause deterioration around solder joints and exposed copper. This year I might spend a pleasant couple of hours on my back, painting the installed strips with clear urethane.

As I mentioned, I think I'd spray a clear-coat on the topside of any LED strip-lighting I install in future, even if it's installed in a tube or housing.

Bonus tip: before installing the self-adhesive sort of LED strip onto fiberglass, mark the location and paint a stripe of contact cement there. Let set for 15 min or so, carefully position the strip then press into place... it's there for decades.

[CarinaPDX]

Another vote for superbrightleds - good, inexpensive stuff. On the high end look at lunasea - the owner is a fanatical engineer and makes sure things are done right.

As others have noted the problem is not the LEDs, it is usually the drivers. Buying cheap LED strips from China shouldn't be a problem but be careful about the drivers. I am using $20 US drivers for my LED lights - stable, dimmable, constant current drivers with no EMI. The $2 Chinese ones don't belong on a boat.

Greg

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by hurricanehole

Marinebeam for quality. My recommendation after 4 years of use and no issues.

And to counter that, cheapies off of ebay.
4 years of use and no issues here as well.

I reckon the vast majority of LED are probably sourced on alibaba, packaged in a box in country and then claim made in that country.
Of course I could be wrong, but google image search reveals some interesting stuff.

For example, found in under a minute

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...att/3317/6934/

Vs

https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...681642508.html

[Mr B]

My Transom lights, IP68, 316 Stainless Steel, $13-00 each delivered,
Ebay, China,
Incredible Light output,

I see the same lights from Canada, $28-00 a Pair, Delivered, Worldwide,

I also see the same lights if you scroll down the page from the USA for $70-00 and upwards plus delivery,

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by Mr B

My Transom lights, IP68, 316 Stainless Steel, $13-00 each delivered,
Ebay, China,
Incredible Light output,

I see the same lights from Canada, $28-00 a Pair, Delivered, Worldwide,

I also see the same lights if you scroll down the page from the USA for $70-00 and upwards plus delivery,

The pic is nice, but links to your examples would be even better

[Uncle Bob]

Hi, I have tried a number of ebay sellers and found most to be junk, however a seller by this name, toplightparts, has consistently delivered quickly and good quality globes, I would definitely recommend.