I have a Beacon Ray 6volts DC 15-E model of signal light. I wanted to hook it up to a transformer behind my bar. What kind can I use? Can I use a 3-12v 1000mA radio shack transformer to power it? If not what should the mA be?
Powering a Federal Beacon Ray
- Thread starter 111jag
- Start date
That transformer is far too small. There is a thread on this very topic, here: https://elightbars.org/forums/threads/running-12v-dc-equipment-on-120v-ac-indoors.7483/
If it has the correct bulb, the bulb is rated at 74 watts. The bulb alone is going to pull about 12.3 amps, then add another amp for the motor and you need a 6 VDC power supply that can provide a constant 13.3 amps minimum plus a few extra amps as motors tend to pull extra current as they start moving. 1000mA is only 1 amp, so trying to power that beacon with such a low amp transformer will burn out the transformer and may actually start a fire.
It just has an 1157 car bulb in it. I tried hooking it up for a couple of seconds and it spun and lighted? But you are saying it will burn out if i ran it longer. I also dont want to get one of those big transformers. Whats the easiest way to get this to work. I want
Its only a 1157 car bulb that I see?
Its only 6 vdc with a small 1157 bulb. I guess the motor that spins it is very big? Thus the need for big amps?
dmathieu
Lifetime VIP Donor
1157 would be a double contact 12 Volt bulb with staggered pins. Never fit. Maybe another #? The correct 6 Volt bulb would be #1015
It was actually a 1156 bulb. It reads 12 volt. I got it from an old work truck. I was wondering how it was connected to the truck's battery, since I am assuming it would be 12 volts? Was also wondering what type of transformer I would need to have this light work at my bar?
Actually it was an 1156 12 volt bulb. Which brings me to the question of how the 6 volt light was connected to a 12 volt truck?
Would it be ok to use this 12 volt 5A battery that I had from a scooter I wasn't using? I will attach a switch and only turn it on for minutes at a time. I tried it and it worked. Just don't know if I'm doing damage? The bulb us an 1156. The lamp is a 6 volt.
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dmathieu
Lifetime VIP Donor
The motor must be 6 Volt. On 12 Volts it will spin faster than normal, and will shorten the life of the motor.
1019 would be the proper 12 Volt bulb, 1015 for 6 Volt.
You should get a 120VAC to 6VDC converter or battery charger putting out the proper amperage to be safe.
1019 would be the proper 12 Volt bulb, 1015 for 6 Volt.
You should get a 120VAC to 6VDC converter or battery charger putting out the proper amperage to be safe.
Stampeed Valkyrie
Member
Automotive Battery Charger. Some have the option to switch between 6v/12v.
So just to be clear, DO NOT use a 12V power source to run your 6V beacon. It WILL kill the beacon.
Is there not a smaller option? I want to put the beacon on the shelf of my bar, but don't want to have a charger which is twice the size of the beacon. Also, haven't been able to source a 6 volt transformer with the appropriate amperage for a reasonable price... Can you help?
Stampeed Valkyrie
Member
see this thread..
Beaconray Model 17
Thanks to Matt, I was able to acquire 1 of 2 things needed to complete a project. But as usual with every step closer I have to take a step or 2 back. Standard disclaimer applies here.. not a beacon guy so learning as I go... which is pretty much the usual for me. So This model 17 has a tag...