How to make Dashlight Thought would be an interesting project

[Alboy29]

So im looking to make some type of LED Dashlight/Decklight etc.


From scratch, except the housing, (i will use a retired housing from either Whelen Avenger, or Slimlighter)


My problem is to be honest i have no idea how to do this. Im not trying to be the next big thing in the market, or make my own lights to run everyone out of business lol, just trying new things.


I have browsed around online and have Found LED's with ease. but am more concerned about Drivers for them, Flashers, and boards in which they get mounted. I plan on running this off of a 12V power source (Automotive cigarette lighter ) With a simple on/off switch, i would like to have Flash pattern options as well.


Any ideas or help would be awesome. Thanks!


Also wondering if anyone knows off hand the output (Lm) of the Fed Sig SpectraLux Leds? Are they the brighest in the market?


THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Bogie]

For learning about LED's the flashlight websites are great for info


Candlepower forums

 

[Hoser]

Check the ELB archives, there is tons of info there......

 

[Alboy29]

Thank you, I have looked & Found all i need.


Now I need to start comparing brightness.


I see that MicroMan's Bars are Incredibly Bright with the Cree LED's.


I have found LEDS i would like to use but im curious of output AND wattage of LED's


eg Tomar, WHELEN, Fed Sig Avengers, Spectra-Lux


Thanks All!

 

[theroofable]

Thank you, I have looked & Found all i need.

Now I need to start comparing brightness.


I see that MicroMan's Bars are Incredibly Bright with the Cree LED's.


I have found LEDS i would like to use but im curious of output AND wattage of LED's


eg Tomar, WHELEN, Fed Sig Avengers, Spectra-Lux


Thanks All!

Most are 1 watt led units, while some newer ones are 3 watt leds. However, they are not run at 3 watts.