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How to make your own LED bulbs. | 45 comments (43 topical, 2 editorial)

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#17)
by ghurd on Mon Jan 29th, 2007 at 11:13:52 AM MST
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I only saw the insides of 1 line powered LED bulb that I remember right now. It was a terrible design, with worse worksmanship.
The design looked like it started as a 12VDC bulb with 3 LEDs per string.
The AC was rectified, a capacitor was added, and the resistor(s) were a higher value.
It could have been only one resistor, but I can't recall for sure.
So 12 LEDs used (guessing) 120ma at 120V, or about 14W!
It didn't last long.

The saddest part is the owner bought it to run it from a 12V inverter.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#20)
by claude on Mon Jan 29th, 2007 at 01:00:21 PM MST
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Ok ghurd, you got me convinced.

I'll head for the fluorescent department now. No more fancy 220V LED bulbs anymore. In fact, I did made some fluorescent inverter bulbs for 6 and 12V but they were a little power-hungry for my taste. The consumption depends on the light output. It's all about a pair of resistors. A 12V/0.5A bulb I made will give enough light to stop you from bumping into things but if you really want light, 0.8-1.0 Amp/h is the way to go. This also comes with heatsinking so bye bye economy.

Yes, it's sad what that owner did. I imagine that bulb wasn't cheap. I feel sorry for him.

[ Parent ]

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#22)
by vawtman (vawtman(at)charter(dot)net) on Mon Jan 29th, 2007 at 02:59:33 PM MST
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Ghurd, what do think of these new c-9 christmas bulb led conversions?I would need alot for a city.It gets pretty labor intensive every year changing bulbs only to have the ones that were working burn out shortly after putting the decorations up.
I believe the glass is replaced with plastic material and pretty tough against breakage.Im a little gittery about trying them.
One company has a 5yr warranty on them.
You can use the existing socket also.

[ Parent ]

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#26)
by ghurd on Tue Jan 30th, 2007 at 08:42:01 AM MST
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Claude, The 7812 needs 13.5~14V to operate properly. I suggest a 'low drop out' 7810 for 3 LED and a resistor for use with a 12V battery. I found it not worth the effort for most bulbs in most uses. (Simple resistance helps show the condition of the battery)

Vawtman, I never saw those bulbs. I would not have much confidence in the warranty unless the brand name is old and common. I was pleased with the factory LED strings I looked at.
Makes me wonder why... they include extra LED replacement bulbs? LOL

G-

[ Parent ]

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#28)
by vawtman (vawtman(at)charter(dot)net) on Tue Jan 30th, 2007 at 11:34:54 AM MST
(User Info)

Ghurd the sight was
http://www.lightforallseasons.com

[ Parent ]

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#29)
by Gordy on Tue Jan 30th, 2007 at 01:13:44 PM MST
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Vawtman,

I couldn't get that link to work. Check them out at the link below, 50 , 5 led bulbs for $70.oo for the c-9's. How do these compare to the ones you found?

http://www.creativedisplays.com/siteresources/modules/webstore/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=37

Gordy

[ Parent ]

Re: How to make your own LED bulbs. (3.00 / 0) (#31)
by vawtman (vawtman(at)charter(dot)net) on Tue Jan 30th, 2007 at 03:55:35 PM MST
(User Info)

Gordy im sorry it didnt work.Those are what i found on the other sight.
I retrofited many many exit lights around 10yrs ago with led boards and none have failed yet.Boy thats alot of hours running 24 hours a day.

So one day i thought maybe they made c9s led bulbs and found them.Seems lots of companies(sights getting in this).Maybe the price will come down has a result.

Thanks for helping

[ Parent ]

How to make your own LED bulbs. | 45 comments (43 topical, 2 editorial)

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