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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

cabin lights

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blanik
Navigator

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Canada
210 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/27/2012 : 15:47:37

Hi, i have the old square "rv" cabin lights, in the process of my spring "overhaul" i want to put LED lights there (i already have LED nav lights)
i've searched through older treads and most of them are a couple of years old and LEDs have evolved a bit (specially the price), i've found an interesting one here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Warm-White-BA15S-1156-1141-1073-car-LED-Bulb-13-5050-SMD-12V-High-Brightness-/220864588067?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336c8e2923

or this one (3 LEDs per side)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1x-BA15S-1156-1141-LED-Car-Internal-light-bulb-18-5050-SMD-12V-Warm-White-18WW-/180817318470?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a198d5246

here's my questions:
1) are the old cabin light sockets compatible with 1156 lights?
2) has the polarity problem been fixed with those new type of LEDs? (with multiple SMD LEDs i think it would be possible to make an array that would work on any polarity)

1984 C25 FK/SR #4593
Lake Champlain

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2012 : 20:35:37

The polarity was wrong on Pearl where I did bulb replacements, but the replacement fixtures I put in the main cabin (saloon is the proper term) are much brighter and even. Switching the wiring is a quick, simple job.

See this entire post: http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23016

Edited by - Dave5041 on 02/27/2012 20:40:29

blanik
Navigator

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Canada
210 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2012 : 20:41:29

did you just switched the main wires that connect to the bus bar? i think the ground also goes to the mast and nav lights, it means reversing my other leds, might be less trouble for me to rewire the LED bulbs?

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2012 : 11:07:48

I only kept 2 fixtures, so I just switched the wires in the fixtures. I intended to replace those last 2 fixtures when I saw how much of an improvement new fixtures made, but I haven't gotten around to it since they are in the head and v-berth.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5381 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2012 : 21:41:21

Dave B
Did you say that the LED lights were brighter than the original incandescent bulbs? And you can't beat the prices.
I just bought a pair of DrLED Mars Dome lights for $70 each, but haven't installed them yet. I really, really hope they were worth the price. I plan on placing one on the starboard side and the other on port in the main saloon. I might go for the eBay lights for the rest of the fixtures.

Edited by - on

hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 02/29/2012 : 05:40:41

I was thinking of replacing our lights with florescent lights similar to the ones in the RV. They give off better light than the bulb type. So far I have not seen LED lights that gave off a good light to read or work by.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 02/29/2012 : 07:54:03

When I replaced my crumbling RV fixtures I made boxes out of teak so I could consider more fixture styles. Then put any bulb in you like.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/29/2012 : 10:47:29

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I just bought a pair of DrLED Mars Dome lights for $70 each<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> The Mars light fixtures are worth every penny of their outrageous price in my opinion. Replacement bulbs appear to be brighter than the original incandescent bulbs, but the old fixtures absorb a lot of the light. I glued aluminum foil behind the bulb in the fixtures I haven't replaced so that 75% of the light from the backside isn't wasted, but they still don't approach the Mars.

There are two types of white LED's, either a combination of RYB color emitters or phosphor coated emitters. RYB combinations emit the 3 primary colors in narrow wavelengths that are perceived as white, these are the brightest and most efficient, but a yellowish filter like an aged fixture will absorb much of the R and B light. The phosphor coated emitters shift the emitters narrow band light into a broadband of mixed light wavelengths so more of the light can pass through a weak filter like that old fixture. An extremely well designed, clear glass lens is the most efficient and expensive fixture, frosted glass from good design to plain is next, and translucent plastic from white to colored is last.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5381 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2012 : 10:25:17

Dave B - I am looking forward to using the new Dr. LED lights - I expect to install them shortly.

I get the issue with white LEDs: they produce several bright peaks of light at specific wavelengths, so when combined appear whitish.
Often, the manufacturer will give you a corresponding Kelvin color temperature, like 2200K for a yellowish tint (tungsten) or 5600K for a bluish tint.
Colored filters only attenuate the available light, so are not effective as they reduce the perceived brightness.

Howard - I have tried a small battery-operated fluorescent fixture. See this one [url="http://www.amazon.com/50995-Fluorescent-12-Inch-Battery-Operated/dp/B0018QDJ7G"]here[/url]. 120VAC fixtures are not an option for me.
The ones that take 8 AA batteries will run directly off a 12V source. I solder in #16 or #18 red or white wire for plus and black or green wire for minus, but beware - do not reverse the connections! You only get one shot. Rechargeable NiMH are a good option if you prefer to avoid wiring.

Good news is we have lots of options - some inexpensive, some more-so. All in all, while the options are nice, its a pity that we will likely be the last generation that knows the soft amber glow of incandescent lighting.

Edited by - Voyager on 03/03/2012 10:28:30

blanik
Navigator

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Canada
210 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2012 : 10:35:42

on a side note i just received Dr LEDs bow light (green-red) and they've included a small circuit that automatically reverses polarity if it's wrong, it's just a matter of a small SM IC and transistor, it's clever, cheap and easy to do, all mfg could do this on their LEDs replacement

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2012 : 15:31:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">they've included a small circuit that automatically reverses polarity if it's wrong<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Attention to things like that are part of the reason why it's often worth it to pay a little more. It's the details that separate quality products from their cheap brethren.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2012 : 13:04:45

Yepper.. thanks everyone for the info.. I purchased the mars white/white this weekend for my primary salon light. The West Marine Economy LED dome lights are not quite enough light for playing dominoes.

Edited by - on

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 02:02:11

I didn't want to create new thread so here is my attempt to create new cabin lights from scratch.

Part 1: cut the wood blocks 120 x 120 x 30 mm (some peace of beech kitchen working desk). This size will easily cover the holes from the old lamps (~110 x 110 mm)

Part 2: engrave the edges by a router and cut the holes for the furniture ceiling lamp (it uses 12V G4 halogen bulbs) but I will use cheap $2 G4 1.8W cold LEDs. It's light is similar to 10W halogen bulb.

Part 3: Stain and/or varnish. I've tried Mahagony alcoholic stain but its too red so I think I will just varnish and keep the natural look.
More photos soon

Edited by - on

hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 03:30:53

I just finished installing the ones from Catalina Direct to replace the old units. I put them in the salon and they seem to be brighter. The square trim piece they provide does not fit in the space available so it was discarded. They seem to be brighter, however, I have not tried them at night yet. I also discovered the polarity issue when I installed a 12V power plug in the head area. I taped the light wiring and the fan ran backwards. Easy switch at the light.

Thomas-love your wood blocks.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 05:03:05

Looking good Thomas!!

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 05:17:20

Awesome job Tomas!

IMO, the factory fixtures aren't worth keeping, whether they're still good or not. Mine were in good shape, but they were difficult to switch to the right position. And they have that yellow frame. They're just dated! There are a ton of cheap, updated LED fixtures out there that you can switch to. There's no reason to stick with the factory junk.

Edited by - NautiC25 on 05/21/2012 05:17:49

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 05:27:07

Thomas....Well done.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 08:25:46

Much nicer than what I did, great job.

Now I buy these with red and white led built in.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5381 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2012 : 19:38:03

I like Tomas' fixtures.

I needed some light in the far end of the quarterberth so I went to the local truckstop and bought three license place LED lights (white), created a mounting block from wood (like Tomas), but I painted mine white to blend in, mounted the three lights to the block using screws and epoxy, wired the fixtures in parallel and added a switch that was mounted through a hole in the block.

I ran a piece of 16 gauge wire along the deck-hull fitting from the light to connect it up with the last cabin light in the series and connected power. It works great!

I like Tomas' round LED fixtures. My three license plate lights are quite bright in this area, and allow me to read a book while resting in the quarterberth.

Edited by - Voyager on 05/21/2012 19:41:11

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2012 : 04:30:25

Update:

3 coat of varnish and finally replaced all 5 lights:

Result:

It was worth the job and the material costs is $10/each :-) More brighter than previous 15W bulbs with reliable switches.
I have one spare wood frame in case I will need more or for replacement.

I will photo that old lights for swap meat, but I don't think they are worth sending overseas...maybe just for shipping costs if anyone want to restore the original look. Only two of them are in a good shape. If you want it, check the swap meet in a few days.

Edited by - on

tomh
1st Mate

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USA
83 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2012 : 05:54:37

Tomas.....great job on the lights and boat improvements generally. Karma is also a '78 L shaped dinette that I bought last year so I was particularly interested in your improvements. We don't really own a boat until we put some blood, sweat and tears into her. (not to mention money)

Thanks for sharing your photos.

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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2012 : 07:10:40

what is the door across from the head? Does it close off the head from the main cabin?

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Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2012 : 07:23:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ape-X
 what is the door across from the head? Does it close off the head from the main cabin?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
That is clothing cabinet with several shelves made by PO. I will try to take some more photos.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2012 : 08:57:28

Tomas - Great job on the lights and finishing touches !!

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Lee Panza
Captain

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USA
468 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2012 : 21:33:04

Excellent work, Tomas!

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Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 05:49:40

Agree on the excellent work. A craftsman!

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