wildernessroadie
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2016
- Messages
- 8
alright, so super budget build, since I need to be able to make 8 or so of these. Right now for group camp settings we have been using cheap-o half-meter 3528 strips, running off of a 12v 1.3ah SLA.
I'd like to get a bit more light if possible, and am looking to change the form-factor since the bars are hard to pack without them getting damaged. (despite the aluminum channel, and other protection, kids are hard on stuff) So I'm looking at other G4 bulb replacement units, either 3528 smd disks, the bigger 68 element "bulb" style, or even bumping to 5050s (although I think the 3528s should be more efficient right?)
Batteries! Any ideas for a battery in the ballpark of price for your standard exit sign SLA, but more capacity? weight will be limited to 500g, about what the current battery weighs. It would be nice to jump to a regulated battery pack, but $$$ and durability are a factor. Was looking at power tool batteries, but not sure about investing in a bunch of ni-cd or nimh, and having to get chargers
Is my best bet to just adopt the 24 element 3528 disks, and make an enclosure for them? I'd like 8 hours of usable light, say just to have some numbers, although maybe using them wrong... 100 lumens on the ground over a 5x5m area? head-lamp replacement while making dinner and washing up.
This maybe a total lost cause, the SLA might be the best given the low drain rate of the 1-2w units. ( I got some 5050 strips, and they chew the batteries up a little fast as SLAs are prone to. And I can get SLAs cheap, funny thing, turning electronics upside-down so they work in auatralia is apparently very expensive.
Thanks for any ideas, as I play with stuff, I'll try to add some more here as well.
I'd like to get a bit more light if possible, and am looking to change the form-factor since the bars are hard to pack without them getting damaged. (despite the aluminum channel, and other protection, kids are hard on stuff) So I'm looking at other G4 bulb replacement units, either 3528 smd disks, the bigger 68 element "bulb" style, or even bumping to 5050s (although I think the 3528s should be more efficient right?)
Batteries! Any ideas for a battery in the ballpark of price for your standard exit sign SLA, but more capacity? weight will be limited to 500g, about what the current battery weighs. It would be nice to jump to a regulated battery pack, but $$$ and durability are a factor. Was looking at power tool batteries, but not sure about investing in a bunch of ni-cd or nimh, and having to get chargers
Is my best bet to just adopt the 24 element 3528 disks, and make an enclosure for them? I'd like 8 hours of usable light, say just to have some numbers, although maybe using them wrong... 100 lumens on the ground over a 5x5m area? head-lamp replacement while making dinner and washing up.
This maybe a total lost cause, the SLA might be the best given the low drain rate of the 1-2w units. ( I got some 5050 strips, and they chew the batteries up a little fast as SLAs are prone to. And I can get SLAs cheap, funny thing, turning electronics upside-down so they work in auatralia is apparently very expensive.
Thanks for any ideas, as I play with stuff, I'll try to add some more here as well.