LED questions

[seveet]

I saw this on wakeworld. Interesting idea. I have some interest in adding something like this. For those of you have done this (1) what source are you tapping into to run the power especially for those that have the link systems? (2) Is there existing wiring that I can tap into? (3) What are the problems with this setup?

http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=806561

[Full-Force]

Well idk what others are tapping into but if it were my boat I would be tapping into the factory light switch because after all you only want them on when its dark anyway. If the extra current draw is a concern just use the factory light switch wire as the signal wire to a relay.

pin 30 - 12v from battery(use a fuse and you can also tap into this circuit in dash where a constant hot wire is usually a heavier gauge wire)

pin 85 - ground

pin 86 - light switch

pin 87 - to whatever accessories you want to power up

[enzo thecat]

The question I always have when I see these setups is; don't all the extra lights attract a lot of bugs at night?

[Laketexoma]

Here are mine. I have had no problems with bugs. I cut acrylic on my router. https://vimeo.com/173816188


Sent from my iPhone using PLANETNAUTIQUE mobile app

[rlwagens]

I did that same setup in boat after making my own acrylic rings in my old boat and not being satisfied with the amount of diffusion. I tapped right into the courtesy lights, and have always done red and have no issue with bugs. As soon as I tried blue or turn on docking lights tho they come in mass. FYI, if you go this route use the 3/8 polyethylene tubing (it looks frosted, not the clear vinyl tubing) and then 3/8 nylon barbed couplers like this: https://amzn.com/B008TSTT34. You can find them for $1 a piece at Lowes/Home Depot. The 1/4 tubing inside the 3/8 is not strong enough and will kink not giving you a perfect circle, and the 1/4 aluminum round stock will leave a dark spot in the ring.

[seveet]

Thx. I appreciate the feedback. Does anyone have pictures of how you tied into the wiring.

[nautiques4life]

I did that same setup in boat after making my own acrylic rings in my old boat and not being satisfied with the amount of diffusion. I tapped right into the courtesy lights, and have always done red and have no issue with bugs. As soon as I tried blue or turn on docking lights tho they come in mass. FYI, if you go this route use the 3/8 polyethylene tubing (it looks frosted, not the clear vinyl tubing) and then 3/8 nylon barbed couplers like this: https://amzn.com/B008TSTT34. You can find them for $1 a piece at Lowes/Home Depot. The 1/4 tubing inside the 3/8 is not strong enough and will kink not giving you a perfect circle, and the 1/4 aluminum round stock will leave a dark spot in the ring.

rlwagens.. those amazon couplers look good, what is the difference between the 3/8 and the 3/8x1/4.. is that length or internal size? Which did you use? Thanks

[rlwagens]

This is the type I actually got. No ridge in the center so the tubing can be pushed together and looks like a continual piece and hides the barbed fitting. 3/8x1/4 is prolly smaller on one end to connect a 1/4 ID tube to a 3/8 ID tube. 3/8 would be what you want. If the barbed fitting is too long just cut a little off each end with a knife, only need 1-2 of the actual barbs on each side for it to hold.

I'll snap some pictures next time I am out at night but again, I like it better than my old DIY rings.

[nautiques4life]

Nice... Where'd you find those?