As green as i gets

[1Hoss]

Im as green as they come when it comes to this new world of led's and lighting. But I am so intriged by it all. I want to learn and I am searching but really dont know $hit about all this. I want to convert my 12v RV lights to leds but I have not a clue on where to begin. I dont want to just buy a plug in conversion like from Oznium. I want to make my own with parts.. Anyone out there want to help. I learn fast and will post pics..I want to put sensor lights down the drive COOL. I want amber porch lights way cool.....so much to do so impatient--> I want to know now!!!!...I hate not knowing how but knowing its possible...lmao
My friend Pydpiper from the excalubur crossbow site turned me on to this place awhile back. I have to admit Ive been lurking but have a twisted head with so much to read and learn..some direction would be nice if possible.
:thinking:

 

[1Hoss]

81 views and no advise......hummmm...that speaks volumes..never mind

 

[John_Galt]

Maybe post a few pics of the current set up, including information about power sources, bulb wattages, materials of the housing, etc.

We can't help you if you don't provide enough informaton...

But I guess that speaks volumes, too...

 

[jason 77]

Well first you could go into more detail about what it is you want to do. I have no idea what you are referring to when you say "RV" that abbreviation could mean any number of things. If you have been "lurking" around on this site like you say, you must have come across numerous threads showing projects that you want to try and replicate. You could start by asking the person who started the thread how he or she went about building their project.

".so much to do so impatient--> I want to know now!!!!...I hate not knowing how but knowing its possible...lmao"

Being impatient is not a real good idea when you are trying to learn something new..:whistle:

 

[SFG2Lman]

first you have to make a choice of how, whether you want LARGE banks with lots of little LEDs (5mm). This would be inefficient and complicated. Or you could use a few high-powered LEDs (i'll assume you want these but they have their own host of needs)

first, RV lights run on 12V, so you will probably need to construct a driver that bumps the voltage down to 3.5 or 3.6ish depending on the LED module you choose (each color and manufacturer has different operating voltages) drivers can be purchased or constructed with a chip, components and a soldering iron (are you that patient?) lol, but i'm not really great with that stuff yet. Or you could put a large resistor on it and lose the benefit of the efficiency for the sake of simplicity. LEDs are finicky little creatures, they need to be mounted to a piece (preferably large) of heat conducting material (metal heatsink) to disperse the heat they produce, if you don't you will almost assuredly incinerate them.

One thing i would DEFINITELY recommend is either getting heavily frosted lamp housings, or use the LEDs for indirect lights (where the bulb is hidden from view, but the light bounces off a ceiling/floor/counter) high powered LEDs tend to have a harsh piercing appearance instead of a nice soft glow unless you bounce them to scatter the light a bit. I think that the harsh piercing look would not give the mood you want for RVing/camping. CREE is one excellent manufacturer of LEDs, luminus devices make others (though much pricier).


best of luck! and hopefull we can help some more!