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StevieG · 02-07-2014, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizard

First string I bought was warm white and I didn't like, reordered cool white and that was much better.
I originally bought warm white LEDs bur reordered cool white and like that much more.

I'm glad you brought this up because I am trying to decide which white to go with... I'm not doing the conversion because I keep burning out tubes, but hate the ambience of the low wattage fluorescent light. Since I haven't seen either, I am guessing the warm white is more like an incandescent light and the cool white is more like a bright fluorescent light. Is this a correct analogy?

Wizard · 02-07-2014, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

I'm glad you brought this up because I am trying to decide which white to go with... I'm not doing the conversion because I keep burning out tubes, but hate the ambience of the low wattage fluorescent light. Since I haven't seen either, I am guessing the warm white is more like an incandescent light and the cool white is more like a bright fluorescent light. Is this a correct analogy?

The warm white is the orange like glow and the cool white is the more blueish light.

RinkersRanch · 02-07-2014, 06:37 PM

I found this chart useful in determining the color of the LEDs. I ordered 5050K LEDs. I uploaded some pictures. I used 4 LED strips. I didn't use the manufactured connectors, I soldered #24 gauge wires to the strips and covered with heat shrink. Wiped the housing with alcohol before applying the strips. I did include one slightly out of focus pic of the fluorescent light before I upgraded to leds.

RinkersRanch · 02-07-2014, 06:45 PM

Oh, I now have about a dozen florescent tubes that I'll let go for $2 each + shipping if anybody wants them.

Muddypaws · 02-07-2014, 08:10 PM

I've done a number of these conversions. I use SM5050 rolls and generally place 2 rows of them for each tube in the fixture.

Like many I simply plugged them into the circuit. In a very short while they were too hot to touch. They are meant to run on a maximum of 12V, and my RV averages 13.7V. The hotter they got the more current they draw, more current = more heat. Thermal runaway. I solved the problem by installing inexpensive voltage regulators in each fixture. By inexpensive I mean just over $1 each.

I would never use 12V LEDs without a regulator.

I suggest that you take a look at all of the LED related threads on this forum before you rush into this. Part numbers and sources are there.

RinkersRanch · 02-07-2014, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the advice Muddypaws. I did not realize I should use a voltage regulator. I just ordered 10 voltage regulators which I will be installing one on each light as soon as I can. Thanks again.

spkwms · 02-08-2014, 08:48 AM

Muddy Paws what mfg or brand and where did you source the 12v voltage regulators?
Thanks

1ciderdog · 02-08-2014, 10:28 AM

I replaced the florescent tubes at least a year ago and have not had a problem with the LEDs. When touching them they do not appear to generate heat. I used four strips is each fixture. One of the benefits to the LEDs is they come on immediately unlike the florescent bulbs.

Muddypaws · 02-08-2014, 11:22 AM

I found this link in a previous thread.

5pcs LM2577 LM2577S DC to DC Adjustable Step Up Power Converter Module Arduino | eBay

They've gone up in price but $2 is still cheap. There are other 'Buck' converters for less, but they won't be adjustable.

I prefer to trim the voltage down to around 10V. Any lower and they start dimming. Any higher and they start getting warm, not enough to worry about at 12V but I've left them on for days at a time and only measured about 10F over ambient at 10V.

Or course the LEDs you buy may be a different manufacturer, batch, and specification. There appears to be a huge variance in parts direct from China. I have a feeling that the ones sold on eBay might be 'seconds'. The ones's I've used all have thermal problems at anything over an actual 12V. Bulbs, ropes, panels included. The only ones I really worry about are the ropes/rolls because they are such a PITA to change. But I'm going to have to do it anyway because the DW has decided she doesn't like 'cool white'.

RinkersRanch · 02-08-2014, 04:50 PM

Oh man I hope I didn't get the wrong ones. I got these step down regulators. . . . 10 Pcs DC DC LM2596 Step Down Adjustable Converter Power Supply MODULE1 3V 35V | eBay Muddypaws do you think they will work ok?. These work out to about $1.20 each since I ordered a lot of 10.

DGBPokes · 02-08-2014, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muddypaws

I found this link in a previous thread. 5pcs LM2577 LM2577S DC to DC Adjustable Step Up Power Converter Module Arduino | eBay They've gone up in price but $2 is still cheap. There are other 'Buck' converters for less, but they won't be adjustable. I prefer to trim the voltage down to around 10V. Any lower and they start dimming. Any higher and they start getting warm, not enough to worry about at 12V but I've left them on for days at a time and only measured about 10F over ambient at 10V. Or course the LEDs you buy may be a different manufacturer, batch, and specification. There appears to be a huge variance in parts direct from China. I have a feeling that the ones sold on eBay might be 'seconds'. The ones's I've used all have thermal problems at anything over an actual 12V. Bulbs, ropes, panels included. The only ones I really worry about are the ropes/rolls because they are such a PITA to change. But I'm going to have to do it anyway because the DW has decided she doesn't like 'cool white'.

Okay, makes a lot of sense to control the voltage. Now that I have looked at these, I have no problem with ordering, however, I have no idea how to "adjust them" and secondly, I don't see how or where the input or output side is. Positive wire only.......??

Wizard · 02-08-2014, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RinkersRanch

Oh, I now have about a dozen florescent tubes that I'll let go for $2 each + shipping if anybody wants them.

If you're sending $2 with each one you can send them to me. If you're charging $2, that's about $4 too much

Muddypaws · 02-08-2014, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RinkersRanch

Oh man I hope I didn't get the wrong ones. I got these step down regulators. . . . 10 Pcs DC DC LM2596 Step Down Adjustable Converter Power Supply MODULE1 3V 35V | eBay Muddypaws do you think they will work ok?. These work out to about $1.20 each since I ordered a lot of 10.

Those will work just fine. The +/- in and out solder pads are clearly marked. Voltage adjustment is done with a very small blade screwdriver on the blue resistor.

Not likely that you'll need a heat sink on the regulators.

Good luck!