[geeks] LED home lighting project

[wa2egp at att.net]

-------------- Original message from Charles Shannon Hendrix <shannon at widomaker.com>: -------------- 


> For some time I've been wanting to build some light systems for various 
> areas at home, using LEDs. 
> 
> For example, lighting the front of things like A/V equipment, computer 
> equipment, closets, and various places like that. 
> 
> The traditional home lighting stuff is too bulky, and I don't like 
> things like the "light strings". 
> 
> The only things I have found small enough and bright enough, have been 
> things like automotive spot lamps for clipping in the car, or various 
> light decorations for computers. 
> 
> The automotive stuff is battery powered, and I'd hate to buy a bunch and 
> cut them up to run DC wiring. 
> 
> The computer stuff is usually overpriced, or not quite the right thing 
> for lighting an area or piece of equipment. 
> 
> I also would like to keep the lights hidden, or at least small. 
> 
> I've done some experiments which were OK, so now I'm looking to do 
> something more permanent. 
> 
> Ideas or sources appreciated. 
> 
> -- 
> shannon "AT" widomaker.com -- ["Tara is grass, and behold how Troy lieth 
> low--And even the English, perchance their hour will come!"] 

I would check out the luxeon leds.  There are 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 watt versions.  I have
a 3 W flashlight using one and that thing is damn bright for one led.  I've also 
checked out eBay for white led and found a lot of relatively high output leds.
There are also 120 V led "light bulbs" but all the ones I've found are extremely 
dim and don't have a long lifetime except one that seems to be  equivilent to a
15 watt incandescent and a pair has lasted in the light fixture over the front
door for about a couple of months now.

Bob