How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

I have a led bar in the garage. It has about 40 led`s on it. They all work. I would like to add this to the trailer. How do I make this electronic board waterproof? I asked my boss(who happens to be a licensed electrician) about this, and he said that there is a product to do this, but he couldnt remember what it was called..... Any thoughts on this? Do I just seal it with epoxy? Do I just spray 30 coats of enamel on it?

The other question I have is, how would I make the 2 wire "third" brake light, wire into the trailer to make it operate as just the brake light. Not have it blink with a turn signal?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

The other question I have is, how would I make the 2 wire "third" brake light, wire into the trailer to make it operate as just the brake light. Not have it blink with a turn signal?

The only way would be to bring out a seperate wire from the tow vehicle. Probably not worth it.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

OK, what if I made it flash with both turn singles, not what I really wanted but easier than pulling a new wire. It would act as a brake light all the time, then flash whenever I turned....I guess that kinda sounds silly.....hmmm

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Put a diode inline from both the right and left turn wires from the rear lights and connect that to the input to the center light. It will then only flash when you have either turn signal on with no brake. If you are braking and turn signal or just braking, it will be steady on. Probably a reasonable compromise.

Basically what that does is form an "OR" condition. If either light is on, the center light will be on. The diodes are needed to prevent the right turn from turning on the left and vice versa.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Or if you want to get fancy you could use 3 relays and make the 3rd brake light only come on when the brake lights are on. Might even find a dual trigger AND relay if you look around a bit.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Wow, I didnt think that it would be this tricky! Thank you for the two options, I think I like the first, turn signal or brake light. Plus the fact that it sounds easier Would you happen to know about what type of diode (size, style, amp, or however they are rated)? To go with the first, inline way?

Thanks oldjeep, but that looks to confusing to me. I am not the electrical guy. But maybe my boss could help me with the finer details. I think I will get this figured out. Thanks guys

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Looks like when the brakes are on and the right turn blinks that would work. When the brakes are on and the left blinks off, the 3rd light will turn off.

EDIT: I take that back, I see that latches the top relay...very elegant! Basically a latching relay circuit where the trigger is both lights on and the reset is both lights going off.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

OK now I see whats happening there. The next question to that would be, What are the CR1-3? I know ground and switch, but that symbol i cant remember.

One other thing, How should I seal the LED bar? Dip it into epoxy, or a bunch of coats of enamel? Or is there a better way to do that also?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

What are the CR1-3?

Diode

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

or better yet, SKIP the non standard 3rd brake light on a trailer and stick to accepted lighting.... an ID light in the center wired into the tail light circuit would likely be a better choice.... then just upgrade your STT's for brighter LED's for added braking visibility.... just my .02 tho.... if you don't like it then by all means carry on:facepalm:

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Ah yes, I see what your talking about Kevin. That ID bar sounds alot easier. The LED trailer light kit is also something that I have on the "to buy" list. I will probly add that ID bar into it. So much easier then all that wiring. And probly about the same price!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

fyi I use a $17 sealed id bar from oreilley auto parts on all my trailers and on my truck. Although my current trailer uses grommet mount semi type tail lights I have had great luck with the $39 led tail light set (includes wiring and two markers) from harbor freight on previous trailers.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Correction, the LED bar has 84 LED`s on it. Which makes it just under 2 feet long. I know that I will be changing the regular trailer lights over to LED. I think that this LED bar Brake light would be a good looking addition. Something out of the normal, but still had a good purpose. I am waiting to see if anyone has a good idea on how to seal this bar.

Thanks

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

To answer one of your questions, I use a product called Humiseal for conformal coating PCBs. If I did not have this available at work, I would buy some clear aerosol polyurathane or acrylic coating and spray the back of the boards with a few heavy coats. Don't coat the LEDs.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Thank you! I was not sure about the LED`s themselves, I know they are waterproof, but there is a gap between them and the board. So I would have to tape off the LED`s and paint the board, both sides. Too make sure that everything gets a good coat.

Thanks whaler. I have been looking for the product name, but the boss couldnt think of it. For some reason, I couldnt find it on the net, just doing random searches for electronic waterproofing. All that got was a new $1000 coating for laptops!!
Thanks again!

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

So, I pretty much gave up on this idea for a while. I was talking to my boss about different waterproofing methods that he knew about. He said some one had good luck with clear lacquer as a water sealant. I think Ill try that, it seems to be the cheapest way to go(have a bunch at work)

Anyway, I was looking though my friends toolbox searching for something(yes I have his toolbox, and Im loving it!!!) As I open the top of the box, what do I see sitting on the top of all the other crap in there? Its another 84 LED bar!!! So, I think that I have just solved the wiring issue, just install two LED bars!! I will post a picture of them at some point. Show you guys what the project will look like.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

This is, a picture of the trailer, and my dogs fighting over a piece of a stick.

Man I wish that I could get back up-north one more time this year.... We camp close to the Dam Store.

This is before I mount the LED`s onto the trailer.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Now we have the lights on the trailer. This is with the parking lights on. The LED`s are not wired into these.



This is with my foot on the brake(or a cinder block)



And finally with turn signal. Its not so easy to take a picture of the turn signal working.....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Not that it isn't safer but I wonder if you will get pulled over for these.

 

[U.S.S. Too Tall]

Re: How to waterproof a LED PCB bar?

Thats what my wife said... My answer was, "The trailer has all 'stock' lighting, and all I did was add to the visibility of the trailer."

I think that its a nice upgrade, I want to get the LED trailer lights too, but thats not in the budget for a while. I dont think that I would get pulled over, and if I do, its not a ticket that I would be paying. There is nothing wrong with added to the safety/visibility of the trailer. I would win the court fight, hands down!