Waterproof LED on a stick using car battery and maximum LED wattage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: humefromgoon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2015, 02:54:05 am
content: Hi guys,I just got into amateur electronics, so go easy.Where I live we fish at night sometimes using a 'light on a pole' hooked up to a car battery in a backpack. (we do this about twice a year, so don't be worried that this will be used for irresponsible fishing practices) Garfish swim up to you and you net them. Good eating. The field of illumination underwater is not great, and sometimes big toothy things get close to you before you see them. I would like to make a powerful light source as discussed below.These days similar strength LED-powered lights can be bought without the need for such a big battery, and I am constantly told that I should just buy one of those.However, I want to make a light that is as powerful as available modern components allow, with LEDs and maintaining the use of a fully charged car battery. (or a better power source if possible)Because the lighting unit will be under water, there will be great heat transfer. My plan was to epoxy the circuitry once it has been soldered onto a big aluminium heat sink, leaving the glass lenses exposed to the water.My question(s) is(are) broadly: How do I wire this thing up, how do I determine which LEDs to use, and what other component do I need?Essentially, I want to have about 40 minutes, where all the battery's power is converted into very bright light.I am happy to spend up to 200$ on the project, as this is also kind of a 'told you I could do it' thing with my wife, dad and brother...Your comments would be appreciatedHumey

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2015, 05:04:58 am
content: What about retrofit HID headlight kits?

author: humefromgoon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2015, 08:17:01 am
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on June 08, 2015, 05:04:58 amGreat idea - no need for extra components.Thanks NiHaoMike

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 03:10:56 am
content: An LED car spot light may be an easier route. Jut need to make it immersion proof.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 09:40:11 am
content: Just get a 12V LED bulb.https://www.google.com/search?q=12v+led+bulb&safe=off&tbm=ischThey already have all the regulators and stuff built into them. $200 will buy a lot of those.For waterproofing just get a glass jar with a drillable lid for the wire and some silicone sealant (or use hot glue).Sure it's a bit redneck... but so is the activity.

author: DanielS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 12:08:49 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on June 10, 2015, 09:40:11 amDepending on how much power the OP has in mind, that might pose problems with thermal insulation.

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 02:19:51 pm
content: How about just taping a waterproof flashlight to the end of a stick?Eg:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BUG0X6E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1433945941&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=olight+m22+warrior+950+lumen+cree+xm-l2+led+tactical+flashlight&dpPl=1&dpID=41LOqU7ahLL&ref=plSrchOr even a scuba light

author: gman4925
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2015, 05:27:55 pm
content: Silicon Chip did this a while ago (Jan 2005) so things will have advanced from there, but it will be well worth you reading that article as a starting point.http://archive.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_103677/article.htmlModern prawning lights are available with cree leds for around $50 so I don't know if it would really be worth making your own.http://www.fishingtackleshop.com.au/products/ultra-bright-cree-led-underwater-prawn-light.html

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2015, 03:36:44 am
content: Quote from: DanielS on June 10, 2015, 12:08:49 pmFill the jar with cosmetic grade mineral oil ("baby oil") and it will dissipate heat much better.