Under Shelf Lighting Suggestions Wanted

[VF1000R]

Now that I have installed the "Dash", I'm looking at putting some reading light under the dash that I will control from a seperate switch.

I just looked at several Auto stores and other places and just dont seem to be able to pin down what i want.


Saw a neon stick about 6" long that might do it , but is says for inside use only and then you gotta figure where to put the transformer.

What i'm looking for is enough light to read a map by after dark.

Any thoughts ?

[Blrfl]

If you're up for something home-brew, try encasing a string of white LEDs in some clear acrylic tubing. Cap off the ends, bring the leads out someplace convenient and you're all set.

--Mark

[crazykz]

Ok I used one of those neon tubes but I used the 3" one. I bought the smallest project box radioshack had and put the transformer in that. Then I modified the power and bought a female "N" power jack. I also added a switch on the box to turn it on and off.

It wasn't quite enough light. So I'm guessing the 6" one would. Now I think mine said it was for inside use also but it turned out the ends were pretty much sealed and it was under the shelf so it was protected pretty well.

Here's a picture but it's a little obscured. The box with the switch is to the left of the lamp.
http://www.hard-core-ware.com/images/dash1.jpg

Curt

[crazykz]

BTW, I didn't want to share this until I had mine built but I'll let you in on a VERY good source for super bright LED's. Forget everybody else who says they have bright LED's. I've looked at them all and nothing beats these.

http://www.lumileds.com/products/family.cfm?familyId=2

http://www.lumileds.com/images/productphotos/white_star_o_thumb.jpghttp://www.lumileds.com/images/productphotos/star_thumb.jpg

These are used for reading light on airplanes. I've witnessed these first hand and have played with them on the bike. 2 of these aimed properly would light up that area without a problem.

I smoked the one I had because I got in a hurry and forgot the current limiting resistor but I'm getting ready to order some more. I'm trying to figure out a way to mount them so they shine on the map area and don't vibrate too much.

They are about $10/each and the Luxeon Star/O comes with a lens. Lots of colors to choose from. If you make something before me I'm going to be pissed. ;)

Curt

[STeve1300]

Just thinking out loud here, but would low voltage outdoor lights work? A small 10 watt spotlight under the dash?

[crazykz]

Just thinking out loud here, but would low voltage outdoor lights work? A small 10 watt spotlight under the dash?

Maybe so. Do you have a link? Do they operate on 12V?

Curt

[Mark]

How bright a light do you want?
If you have your bike running '12v Halogen replacement lights' (search string in quotes) are available. I ask about the bike running because I'm not sure you'd want to use the battery with the amps some of these bulbs require.
If the bike will not be running I did a couple of searches on 12v reading lamp and found a solar powered reading lamp that laid out 8 leds with all the circuitry (over kill for your needs!).

Mark

[crazykz]

IMO, most of the LED solutions out there suck and other lamps suck too much juice and don't come in different colors. The LED's I found are VERY bright and are low current draw which really makes them ideal. I just have to figure out a housing solution for them.

Curt


How bright a light do you want?
If you have your bike running '12v Halogen replacement lights' (search string in quotes) are available. I ask about the bike running because I'm not sure you'd want to use the battery with the amps some of these bulbs require.
If the bike will not be running I did a couple of searches on 12v reading lamp and found a solar powered reading lamp that laid out 8 leds with all the circuitry (over kill for your needs!).

Mark

[Braz]

Might try here:
http://www.littlite.com/main.php
I know a lot of LD riders use these.
Don Braziel

[crazykz]

Might try here:
http://www.littlite.com/main.php
I know a lot of LD riders use these.
Don Braziel

I forgot about those but you're right. A lot of riders don't like the goosenack though because it vibrates a lot. They are pretty pricey too. I'm hoping I can do the LED thing for under $40 total.

Curt

[VF1000R]

Well these may do it , however looking at their documentation I don't see a way to get them to run on 10 to 14 volts ? maybe i'm missing something.

Let me know what you think or find Out. At 6.25 each It's a workable solution :)






BTW, I didn't want to share this until I had mine built but I'll let you in on a VERY good source for super bright LED's. Forget everybody else who says they have bright LED's. I've looked at them all and nothing beats these.

http://www.lumileds.com/products/family.cfm?familyId=2

http://www.lumileds.com/images/productphotos/white_star_o_thumb.jpghttp://www.lumileds.com/images/productphotos/star_thumb.jpg

These are used for reading light on airplanes. I've witnessed these first hand and have played with them on the bike. 2 of these aimed properly would light up that area without a problem.

I smoked the one I had because I got in a hurry and forgot the current limiting resistor but I'm getting ready to order some more. I'm trying to figure out a way to mount them so they shine on the map area and don't vibrate too much.

They are about $10/each and the Luxeon Star/O comes with a lens. Lots of colors to choose from. If you make something before me I'm going to be pissed. ;)

Curt

[crazykz]

Well these may do it , however looking at their documentation I don't see a way to get them to run on 10 to 14 volts ? maybe i'm missing something.

Let me know what you think or find Out. At 6.25 each It's a workable solution :)

You simply add a limiting resistor to drop 4-6 volts. I've had this running off 12V but you just need a resistor in the circuit. Nothing tough. If I do this up I'll add those details in.

Honestly if you hook two in series they drop enough voltage that you probably wouldn't even need a resistor in there.

I'll let you know.

Curt

[Andy Kirby]

We used to use these in my Rally Driving days, the red filter is excellent for maintaining your night vision too.....

http://www.rallylights.com/Terratrip/Map_Lamps.asp

I've always thought they would be ideal under the shelf when I get around to fitting one :)

Regards

Andy

[Medicine Bear]

I wish I had paid more attention to the TV ad I saw over the weekend. It was for a "go anywhere" led light aimed at the automotive market. It was thin and, I'm guessing, maybe the size of a quarter or a nickel. It didn't say whether it mounted with tape or magnets but it did look like it had a pull-off backing on it. Looked super simple and I think probably very inexpensive. It was right after consuming mass quantities of turkey and dressing so I was in between "conscious" and a "deep slumber".

The only other thing I remember about them was that they were "available at auto parts stores". I'll check soon.

Fred :03biker:

[crazykz]

I've seen these and maybe this would be the solution. Maybe I'll add a couple of these after I try the LED's I ordered. I forgot about these but I can think of a couple places where I can mount them so I might have to add a couple of those. ;)

We'll see.

Curt



We used to use these in my Rally Driving days, the red filter is excellent for maintaining your night vision too.....

http://www.rallylights.com/Terratrip/Map_Lamps.asp

I've always thought they would be ideal under the shelf when I get around to fitting one :)

Regards

Andy

[dond]

I use one of these STuck to the underside of the dash.
http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16262&cat=0&page=5

Both pix are taken in the dark.