aronhk_md
Senior Member
So if I understand correctly (please jump in if I don't!)...
a good reason to go with a more expensive bulb from a reliable source like superbrightleds.com is because they include a CCCV (Constant Current-Constant Voltage) driver IN the bulb. While our batteries may be 12v batteries, as they "run down" that voltage does not stay the same. While charging it does not stay the same either, and if I understand correctly, these voltage changes can be detrimental to the normal lifespan of an LED. That is why most with knowledge recommend staying away from the cheapie ebay bulbs (though you CAN buy separate drivers for the bulbs on ebay too or what they call "buck converters", pretty cheaply).
The CCCV buck converters take a varying DC supply and regulate it.
Is there also a way to use an ac source to power these? On shore power it would be directly hooked to your regular ac, but when on the hook or traveling it would be hooked to an ac to dc converter powered by your boat's inverter?
My initial thought was a desktop computer power supply. I have several sitting here that are 400W units, and it made me think. I asked an ebay seller what his 5M long 12v strip LEDs required for power, and his reply was 5 amps. Converting amps to watts....that's 60W for a 15 ft length of LEDS.
Those LED strips are made to be cut to just about any length, and they even sell the quick fit ends for wiring them up. And then there are the old G4 pin bulb fixtures all over my boat.....those bulbs on ebay range from $1 to whatever depending on how many LEDs are in them. People here have already tried them and they work very well.......
...just wondering if the voltage can be regulated more simply using an ac source?
Seems like it might be cheaper than buying $20+ bulbs?
a good reason to go with a more expensive bulb from a reliable source like superbrightleds.com is because they include a CCCV (Constant Current-Constant Voltage) driver IN the bulb. While our batteries may be 12v batteries, as they "run down" that voltage does not stay the same. While charging it does not stay the same either, and if I understand correctly, these voltage changes can be detrimental to the normal lifespan of an LED. That is why most with knowledge recommend staying away from the cheapie ebay bulbs (though you CAN buy separate drivers for the bulbs on ebay too or what they call "buck converters", pretty cheaply).
The CCCV buck converters take a varying DC supply and regulate it.
Is there also a way to use an ac source to power these? On shore power it would be directly hooked to your regular ac, but when on the hook or traveling it would be hooked to an ac to dc converter powered by your boat's inverter?
My initial thought was a desktop computer power supply. I have several sitting here that are 400W units, and it made me think. I asked an ebay seller what his 5M long 12v strip LEDs required for power, and his reply was 5 amps. Converting amps to watts....that's 60W for a 15 ft length of LEDS.
Those LED strips are made to be cut to just about any length, and they even sell the quick fit ends for wiring them up. And then there are the old G4 pin bulb fixtures all over my boat.....those bulbs on ebay range from $1 to whatever depending on how many LEDs are in them. People here have already tried them and they work very well.......
...just wondering if the voltage can be regulated more simply using an ac source?
Seems like it might be cheaper than buying $20+ bulbs?
Last edited: