kaz911
Active Member
if you have two sets you can parallel them. So have both sets start the same way - and run opposite ways around the hatch. Then power connection is the same place.
LED Lighting in the engine room
- Thread starter RobnBern
- Start date
if you have two sets you can parallel them. So have both sets start the same way - and run opposite ways around the hatch. Then power connection is the same place.
- Aug 17, 2010
- 1,160
- Boat Info
- 2005 Cruisers Yachts 500 Express
Zodiac Yachtline 340DL w/ Yamaha 40 hp
- Engines
- Twin 715 hp Volvo D12s with V-Drives
You have two options. As stated, you can parallel them, and run two strips in opposite directions. This is the best solution, if it can be implemented, as this allows the outer jacket to remain closed at one end of the strip, preventing water intrusion. But, if you have to make a splice, it can be done. There are copper traces on the strips, and if you very carefully expose these, you can solder small wires to the traces, and extend the strip. I will try to take a pic of a soldered trace tonight, and post it here. Stay tuned..........
Dale
Dale
- Aug 17, 2010
- 1,160
- Boat Info
- 2005 Cruisers Yachts 500 Express
Zodiac Yachtline 340DL w/ Yamaha 40 hp
- Engines
- Twin 715 hp Volvo D12s with V-Drives
OK, I didn't have a section of the strip already soldered, but I did take down a piece of it to show you what to do. First, you have to expose an inch or two of the strip, by pulling it out of the outer jacket. Then, you will note that there are "cut" lines for the strip, located every 3 LEDs. The forward voltage on the individual LEDs is around 3.5 volts, so three of them are grouped in series, yielding a forward voltage of 10.5 volts. The three LEDs are wired in series with a small resistor, which drops the 12 or 13 volts of the DC electrical system down to this 10.5 volts. So, if you want to cut the strip, you MUST cut it where the cut lines indicate, in between each LED / resistor grouping.
On either side of the cut lines, you can see 2 small circles on the copper traces. These are uninsulated areas, where the connections can be made. I use 22 or 24 gauge solid wire, pushed through the small holes in the circles, and folded back over. Carefully and quickly solder each one, and you're done. Be sure to match the polarity, as indicated on the strip. Hook it up.....
On either side of the cut lines, you can see 2 small circles on the copper traces. These are uninsulated areas, where the connections can be made. I use 22 or 24 gauge solid wire, pushed through the small holes in the circles, and folded back over. Carefully and quickly solder each one, and you're done. Be sure to match the polarity, as indicated on the strip. Hook it up.....
