grain of wheat bulbs

Stuck_Steve · 27-06-2006

Hi all,

I am thinking of using grain of wheat bulbs within my next project to illuminate windows. I could use some advice on powering them in the cheapest form possible. The bulbs themselves cost in the region of 50p which is fine but I would prefer not to have to spend a lot of money on a power supply for them.

Any ideas?

Steve

Nigel.D · 27-06-2006

ac adaptor from argos mate its about a fiver

Stuck_Steve · 27-06-2006

As they are so small and dont need to be powered at all times cant i just use something like a smoke alarm battery?

Steve

Nigel.D · 27-06-2006

thats a 9v mate and one of them will cost you £2.49 you prob only ned 6v

Stuck_Steve · 27-06-2006

Nige mate,

You seem to know a bit about these - can you point me to a site that shows setting them up? wiring etc?

Cheers mate
Steve

Nigel.D · 27-06-2006

I can do that mate i wired so many kits with leds lightsheet and gow in my time

**Bunkerbarge** · 27-06-2006

I have powered my grain of wheat bulbs in the Ben Ain steamer from the on-board radio receiver battery pack which is 4 x rechargeable AA's in a holder.

The current draw of the grain of wheat bulbs is so small that they should last an outing comfortably and then I simply recharge the pack.

I have 8 in so far and I have another few to fit yet on the navigation lights. They are all wired in parallel from a common switch so it couldn't be simpler.

tigertc · 28-06-2006

Last month i finished my kids SW e3 alliance star destroyer, put 32x3v leds in, powered from a 900mah 9.6v nimh r/c car pack. it runs for about 3 weeks when left on. Another one i gotta get some piccys of!!
The wiring is a doddle. The led's came from ebay they sell them in packs of 100 together with resisters for dropping bat voltage down if needed. Also came with example of the math required for volt/amp dropping etc.
The fellas are bang on "led's are a doddle"

noobee captain · 17-07-2006

Always wondered if Dolls Houses lighting is worth a try in a larger model. They have the power adapters, distribution panel, connections, cabling and lights.

Anyone have any thoughts?

**Bunkerbarge** · 17-07-2006

I don't see why not in certain circumstances.

The twin wire tape that dolls houses use would be very usefull in boat applications. I am not sure as regards the reliability though so you may need to ensure good access for lamp changes.

If I remember rightly dolls houses use 12volts (correct me if I'm wrong) so there could well be a lot of scope there in the boating world for the larger boats with a big 12v propulsion battery.