[C320-list] interior lighting system--Hull #74

[LaChance,Michael B]

Interesting, Sounds like a good article for mainsheet as well
Mike LaChance
Commodore C320IA
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 2:10 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] interior lighting system--Hull #74

I've been experimenting with LED lights to replace the originals on our
hull #62.  Well, at least part of the fixture.  I removed the festoon
bulb and diffuser cover.

I've modified an internal battery LED light, the RiteLite (at Amazon) to
replace the original.    I did this by replacing the batteries with two
dowels: one to make a positive connection and one to make a negative
connection.  The dowels are the same size as an AAA battery with a screw
in the end as the contact.  On one of the dowels, I attached a resistor
to limit the power to the LED's.  From each dowel a wire goes to the old
fixture and attaches to the festoon bulb holder.  I drilled the edge of
the RiteLite and used the screw holes on the original fixture.  Polarity
does matter with LED's so be sure to get it right.  Easy to do with a
volt meter.

I wouldn't say it's a pretty result as the LED fixtures are one color:
dark gray.  But, they do swivel, switch on and off independently, and
have two levels of light.  It is a very different light as it is a cool
white light compared to the soft yellow light of the incandescent bulb.
It is more light and is suitable for reading if you aim the light
directly on your book.  The LED's don't give much side light as the beam
seems narrow.  And, of course, the main advantage is the low current
draw. 

If there is any interest, I'll take pictures and do a more detailed
write-up for the website.

Warren & Pattie Updike
C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
Chesapeake Bay


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The Travelers e-mail system made this annotation on 08/01/07, 14:12:44.