[C320-list] LEDs
Karl Mielenhausen _/)
c320 at suddenlink.net
Thu Jul 2 17:18:51 PDT 2009
Fear not gang, I've done the shopping and testing for you.
I did this because I could not believe the vast majority of retailer info
(claims) that I read on the internet. I modeled my test on what Practical
Sailor did in the January 2009 issue, but my focus was on finding similar
technology that was not branded for marine use, hoping the cost would be
less. And it was!!
This is the result of lightmeter testing (albeit crude) and more
importantly, a cruise last week...
http://www.catalina320.com/filemgmt/visit.php?lid=107
Bottom line, I recommend the 6 SMT MR-11 bulb (jzapower on eBay) for the
aft bunk fixtures, the 9 SMT MR-6 array for general cabin illumination
(ledwholesalers on eBay), and the LUXEON 1204WH for cabin reading (also
from ledwholesalers).
Note that the MR-11 bulbs carry the same pin spacing as the aft cabin
fixture's G-4 bulbs, but with a slightly thicker pin diameter. They fit
fine into my well-worn sockets but I have had problems making them fit
into other sockets that want only the G-4 bulb. Of course a little filing
would fix that. I like the MR-11 over the G-4 because the MR-11's
reflector directs more of the light out of the fixture and towards your
reading material.
Have fun (and go sailing),
Karl
--
Karl Mielenhausen
Catalina 320 Hull 690
New Bern, NC
Join us August 7-9, 2009 at Marina Del Rey, CA for our annual Catalina
320IA Regatta and Annual Meeting.
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