No, not trying to make DRL. I just like the flexibility of the lights commonly used in DRL.
DRLs don't have much flexibility by function: They're used in the
Daytime, while
Running, as a
Lamp to improve conspicuity of a vehicle without interfering with any of the required vehicle lighting functions, such as turn signals. While DRLs aren't themselves required in the U.S., they are still regulated, and have a very specific performance requirements (in fact, except with very specific exceptions, if their nearest lighted edge is within right about 4" of the center of a turn signal, they must extinguish on the side of the active turn signal). They must be white, unless they themselves are of the turn signal type, as well. They also don't have my physical flexibility: They are generally constructed of rigid materials so that their photometric performance remains unchanged and predictable.
I have some applications where I need them to mount in a 30-40" circumference circle (about 15" diameter).
A circle with a circumference of 40" has a diameter of 12.74"; a 30" circumference circle has a 9.55" diameter. Your 15" diameter circle would be about 47.1" around. (diameter x pi = circumference)
I work in off road/buggy/airboat applications. I'm working on brackets/mounts for visibility/accent lighting for mounting underneath wheel wells, rocker panels, fan guards, etc.. some will be LED spots, and others such as what i'm looking for here are for a spread of light. Waterproof is also a key feature.
Most (
all?) of these strip-type LED things aren't up to the task that is any motorized vehicle. Vibration and exposure to the elements will make quick work of this sort of thing. You're better off with purpose-built automotive clearance and sidemarker lamps, and things like agricultural work lamps if you want anything that will survive this environment. Like a watch, some of these things are waterproof when there is limited pressure working against them, and limited temperature extremes. The same outdoor rated strip light under an eave of a house will rapidly reveal its weaknesses when attached to a dune buggy or air boat (the prop wash from them can be up to 150mph).