How To Pick LEDs?

[l008com]

Eventually, I'd like to use two of the spare switches on my 8 switch panel, to wires up some LEDs in my boat. Not goofy blue LEDs for looks. I want to install some bright white LEDs around the engine, and underneath around the gas tank and battery, and a few other key places. Then on the other switch, I want to install some nice dim red LEDs shining on the floor. The kind of lights you'd leave on the whole time you were boating at night, just so you could see the floor, but without messing up your night-vision.

Here's the problem though. How can I find out which LEDs I like, without spending a fortune buying every kind, brand and model of LED out there? If LED manufacturers could send out demo kits, I could wire them up to small 12v batteries and go through the kit one by one, seeing which lights were right for me. But I highly doubt anyone will send a box full of LEDs to a complete stranger. I actually emailed one company about this before, and didn't get a response.

My experience with LEDs in the past is that it's hit or miss, but usually miss. Any suggestions what route to take? Also, the goofy little light board they have set up at West Marine etc, will not help me pick LEDs at all.

Also, going back to my color choice. I'm assuming that red is the best color to use to light the floor, as far as not messing with your eyes, making it hard to see at night. I'm I right, or is there an even better color to use? I know blue LEDs tend to be blinding, and that's no good.

 

[zopperman]

Re: How To Pick LEDs?

Iboats has some quality lighting... attwood makes good stuff... Red is good for night time... autozone also sells cheap "water resistant" leds meant for teh grille of your car... I plan on usin gthose since $$ is tight

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: How To Pick LEDs?

For white LED assemblies, you can go to IKEA, yes, the Swedish furniture store, and pick up a set that will give you plenty of 12V illumination for next to nothing.

As for the red ones, trailer side marker?

 

[zopperman]

Re: How To Pick LEDs?

For white LED assemblies, you can go to IKEA, yes, the Swedish furniture store, and pick up a set that will give you plenty of 12V illumination for next to nothing.

As for the red ones, trailer side marker?

Those might not do so well with salt air... I'd recommend something at least exterior, if not marine grade

 

[l008com]

Re: How To Pick LEDs?

I think you guys might be missing the point. I know where to BUY leds, the question is how can I pick out the proper ones for my application WITHOUT buying every LED they have in stock, testing them all out on by one, and then throwing out all the ones I don't want? Know what I mean?

Personally, I'm kind of a fan of InnovativeLighting's LEDs. I'm using their bow and stern lights and they're great, and super bright.

 

[zopperman]

Re: How To Pick LEDs?

Personally, I'm kind of a fan of InnovativeLighting's LEDs. I'm using their bow and stern lights and they're great, and super bright.

Then I'd use them. Personally, I've used a lot of LED's in car applications and I think there is a big difference between gen I and gen III led's, the linear, gen III ones are brighter, but way more expensive. It's like what they use on cop cars... But across brands, I really haven't seen much of a difference.

 

[ssobol]

Re: How To Pick LEDs?

I bought some strip LEDs. These are surface mount LEDs on a strip. LEDs are about an inch apart. The strip can be cut every third LED. Wires can be soldered to the strip wherever it is cut. The lights work on 12v DC. The strips come as plain, water resistant and weather proof. The weather proof lights include an external silicone cover. All the lights have a self adhesive strip on the back (except silicone covered lights). I stick them on with 3M 4200. The price is between US$6 and US$10 per foot depending on the options.

I use a number of these as courtesy lights and maintenance lights. I also used short strips to replace the incandesant bulbs in my NAV lights. The white lights are really bright at 12 volts.

Check out http://www.ledlightsworld.com/smd-3...ds-p-90.html?zenid=vnid6pkma7rlmd60aenmrmb753

The only thing is that these lights ship from China. Delivery is 2-3 weeks.