John
LED lights for bench
26 posts
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by slracer » Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:07 am
After looking at the LED lights and transformers and accessories, I thought there might be a "better" (read that as "Cheaper" 
) way. I went to my local Thrift store and found a bunch of old computer equipment transformers in different Voltage ranges and an old, common extension cord. 3 supplies and the extension set me back $1. I went home and checked out the supplies and all 3 worked! In fact, they all overworked; one from Radio Shack was rated at 12 VDC but showed nearly 18 on my voltmeter. I changed to a different meter, then another but the result was the same: 17.6 to 18.5 VDC. I then checked a Nokia brand supply rated at 3.7 VDC and it registered from 8.4 to 8.7 VDC on the 3 meters. Finally, a Motorola brand rated at 5.9 VDC actually showed 6.1 VDC on all 3 meters. The point is, if you try this approach, check the voltages! I clipped the female end off the extension with about 10 inches of cord and wired a wall switch into it (for testing - a toggle will be used for the final wiring). I then dropped the transformer into a junction box (which will go behind the control panel on the bench) and clipped off the funny little plug on the end of the cord on the transformer. When I attached the short extension to a (soon to be) hot wire, I checked the output again and found no change so the next step will be to decide which transformer to use and how many LEDs I need for which style and wire the settling chamber. For the 1 pic is worth 1000 words guys, the pic below shows the "assembly" partially assembled. With some high output LEDs, I could be in business for under $15 including shipping. Worth a shot? -- Doug
Hmmm! The add a pic button seems to be missing? Anyone else having this problem? Maybe it doesn't work in this section as I tried a new post and it didn't work again. I'll try to find a related post and add the pic in there.
I started a new topic here so pics can be posted.
) way. I went to my local Thrift store and found a bunch of old computer equipment transformers in different Voltage ranges and an old, common extension cord. 3 supplies and the extension set me back $1. I went home and checked out the supplies and all 3 worked! In fact, they all overworked; one from Radio Shack was rated at 12 VDC but showed nearly 18 on my voltmeter. I changed to a different meter, then another but the result was the same: 17.6 to 18.5 VDC. I then checked a Nokia brand supply rated at 3.7 VDC and it registered from 8.4 to 8.7 VDC on the 3 meters. Finally, a Motorola brand rated at 5.9 VDC actually showed 6.1 VDC on all 3 meters. The point is, if you try this approach, check the voltages! I clipped the female end off the extension with about 10 inches of cord and wired a wall switch into it (for testing - a toggle will be used for the final wiring). I then dropped the transformer into a junction box (which will go behind the control panel on the bench) and clipped off the funny little plug on the end of the cord on the transformer. When I attached the short extension to a (soon to be) hot wire, I checked the output again and found no change so the next step will be to decide which transformer to use and how many LEDs I need for which style and wire the settling chamber. For the 1 pic is worth 1000 words guys, the pic below shows the "assembly" partially assembled. With some high output LEDs, I could be in business for under $15 including shipping. Worth a shot? -- DougHmmm! The add a pic button seems to be missing? Anyone else having this problem? Maybe it doesn't work in this section as I tried a new post and it didn't work again. I'll try to find a related post and add the pic in there.
I started a new topic here so pics can be posted.
I choose NOT to be an ordinary man because it is my right to be uncommon if I can! - unknown
- slracer
- Posts: 235
- Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:42 pm
by jfholm » Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:47 am
I found a source for florescent thread to used with black light and flow bench
John
John
It is a wise man that learns from his mistakes, but it is a wiser man that learns from the mistakes of others.
- jfholm
- Posts: 453
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 7:12 pm
- Location: Utah, USA
by jfholm » Sun Jun 14, 2009 12:27 am
It's the Floss/Chenille and if you look down the page just a little you will see where it lists the fluorescent
John
John
It is a wise man that learns from his mistakes, but it is a wiser man that learns from the mistakes of others.
- jfholm
- Posts: 453
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 7:12 pm
- Location: Utah, USA
26 posts
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