Home made rock light LEDs

Robinhood150 · 07-09-2006, 11:56 PM

Got done with my rocklight LED project this weekend, I think I've been working on this off and on for about a year now. These are the same type of 1 watt LEDs used by roundeyes, but I only have about $35 into all 8 LEDs. I won't be posting how to make these out of respect for roundeyes, but if you have a little knowledge of electronics, how LEDs work and do a little internet research, you can figure it out. However, if we happen to meet at the campfire, I'd be glad to tell you.

BTW, my driver circuitry is far from efficient (I never did like EE), but it works well enough. Combined, all 8 only draw 1.4 amps.

Originally, I was going to just slather liquid electrical tape over the circuit board where the wires are soldered on. I changed my mind and mounted them in epoxy, but I think it would have worked.

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AJ3 · 07-10-2006, 07:24 AM

dude,

stop wrenching.....lets go wheeling......have you had a dry run yet?

getitdone · 07-10-2006, 07:54 AM

Very cool. I have thought about building some too. Just need to do some research on the subject. I can dig it.

turboale · 07-10-2006, 07:55 AM

One question...

Where did you get the clear plastic pieces? Did you make them yourself? I have been wanting to put some LEDs under my running boards because the boards themselves have lights, but they don't light up the ground underneath. Actually quite the opposite since they are pointed up towards your face. :pat: I don't particularly want to spend $150 just for some convenience either. You going to make it to big bear for the DvD/TTORA event?

Robinhood150 · 07-10-2006, 11:55 AM

Art, I just got my front driveshaft last week so if you count flexing on some ruble at work, then yeah, it's been on a dry run...
I'm planning on going to the club bbq run.

Austin, I made those. Basically, you put the LEDs into a cup and pour special epoxy over them. But like I said, liquid electrical tape like the bottom picture should work too. No, I won't be making that trip.

dfoxengr · 07-14-2006, 01:53 PM

looks like theyre just all wired in parallel. possibly with a fuse in there...

Avsfreak1234 · 07-14-2006, 01:59 PM

very cool. looks like a practicle application for neon to me! something else to spend my money that I dont have on!

***midiwall*** · 07-14-2006, 05:25 PM

Steve... I'm doing the SAME thing. Epoxy and all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfoxengr

looks like theyre just all wired in parallel. possibly with a fuse in there...

Careful... There's a bit more to running those than you think.

It's really not fair to talk about it here in the open. Do the 'net research and you'll pop up circuits to use.

dfoxengr · 07-14-2006, 05:30 PM

or i can go ask my circuits professor :-p

***midiwall*** · 07-14-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfoxengr

or i can go ask my circuits professor :-p

That'll work.

914runner · 07-14-2006, 10:31 PM

Is it ok to ask where you purchased your materials from?

Thanks

getitdone · 07-15-2006, 06:20 PM

I would love to know what kind of "special epoxy" that is.

TIA

914runner · 07-26-2006, 09:54 AM

Any update on the epoxy used for this? I can figure out the circuitry easily enough.

Thanks

***midiwall*** · 07-26-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 914runner

Any update on the epoxy used for this? I can figure out the circuitry easily enough.

Dude, you're not trying hard enough... Think boat building. Think that people will use "epoxy" and "resin" as synonyms. Think google for searching for something clear, that's an epoxy or a resin.

Robinhood150 · 07-26-2006, 11:06 AM

Woops, didn't see all these responses since the 14th.

I'm not sure where a consumer could buy the epoxy I used, but the boating thing sounds good.

No fuses in the pictures above and some of the lights are in parallel and some are in series. The lights you can buy straight from lumileds and all the rest of the electronics were bought off the shelf from Fry's and other electronic stores.

Do an internet search for luxeon, drivers, circuitry, etc.

914runner · 07-26-2006, 11:44 AM

Did you take any pictures of your epoxying process?

Thanks

Robinhood150 · 07-26-2006, 12:45 PM

No I didn't.

T_BONE · 07-29-2006, 08:02 PM

Can't really make out the color code on the resistor. What size is it?

Thanks,
T-BONE

Robinhood150 · 07-29-2006, 10:35 PM

If you google diligently enough you'll find the same write ups I did.

T_BONE · 07-31-2006, 08:17 PM

Made some of these yesterday to mount in my tool box and some on aluminum jon boat. The plastic I used around the lights was casting resin and catalyst bought from a craft store of all places. Circuits are easy to find with Google search for les circuits or something to that effect.

T-BONE

Robinhood150 · 07-31-2006, 09:48 PM

Good deal. How do you like them?

T_BONE · 08-01-2006, 07:49 PM

They are awesome dude thanks for the post, I sorta robbed your Idea and put my own little twist to it. I am an Instrumentation and electrical tech. so the circuitry was cake. and after a little talking with co-workers they gave me the Idea of the type resin to use. The kind I used that was crystal clear and set up in about 45 minutes is what you see paperweights made of with stuff like scorpions molded in the center of it.

Thanks,
T-BONE

07-10-2006, 07:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
AJ3 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 87	dude, stop wrenching.....lets go wheeling......have you had a dry run yet? __________________ Gettin'Off4x4 Club Member '85 4Runner built '92 xcab SOLD

07-10-2006, 07:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	Very cool. I have thought about building some too. Just need to do some research on the subject. I can dig it. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

07-10-2006, 07:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
turboale Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,836	One question... Where did you get the clear plastic pieces? Did you make them yourself? I have been wanting to put some LEDs under my running boards because the boards themselves have lights, but they don't light up the ground underneath. Actually quite the opposite since they are pointed up towards your face. :pat: I don't particularly want to spend $150 just for some convenience either. You going to make it to big bear for the DvD/TTORA event? __________________ --Austin RHaus NYC 06 M45 Sport - Beauty 96 4Runner - The Beast Last edited by turboale; 07-10-2006 at 07:58 AM.

07-10-2006, 11:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	Art, I just got my front driveshaft last week so if you count flexing on some ruble at work, then yeah, it's been on a dry run... I'm planning on going to the club bbq run. Austin, I made those. Basically, you put the LEDs into a cup and pour special epoxy over them. But like I said, liquid electrical tape like the bottom picture should work too. No, I won't be making that trip. __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL! Last edited by Robinhood150; 07-10-2006 at 12:07 PM.

07-14-2006, 01:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
dfoxengr Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 632	looks like theyre just all wired in parallel. possibly with a fuse in there... __________________ Fox Design Works http://www.honda-tekh.com - Owner A better Honda / Acura community forum.

07-14-2006, 01:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Avsfreak1234 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Estes Park Co Posts: 426	very cool. looks like a practicle application for neon to me! something else to spend my money that I dont have on! __________________ My Rides 98 Taco 4X4 2.7 2003 Gary Fisher Sugar Cessna 172...not really mine

07-14-2006, 05:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
dfoxengr Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 632	or i can go ask my circuits professor :-p __________________ Fox Design Works http://www.honda-tekh.com - Owner A better Honda / Acura community forum.

07-14-2006, 10:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
914runner Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tigard, Oregon Posts: 2,083	Is it ok to ask where you purchased your materials from? Thanks __________________ 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1998 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1991 Toyota 4Runner 4 Door, 3.4l (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 32's, 4.10's

07-15-2006, 06:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	I would love to know what kind of "special epoxy" that is. TIA __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

07-26-2006, 09:54 AM	#13 (permalink)
914runner Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tigard, Oregon Posts: 2,083	Any update on the epoxy used for this? I can figure out the circuitry easily enough. Thanks __________________ 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1998 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1991 Toyota 4Runner 4 Door, 3.4l (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 32's, 4.10's

07-26-2006, 11:06 AM	#15 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	Woops, didn't see all these responses since the 14th. I'm not sure where a consumer could buy the epoxy I used, but the boating thing sounds good. No fuses in the pictures above and some of the lights are in parallel and some are in series. The lights you can buy straight from lumileds and all the rest of the electronics were bought off the shelf from Fry's and other electronic stores. Do an internet search for luxeon, drivers, circuitry, etc. __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL!

07-26-2006, 11:44 AM	#16 (permalink)
914runner Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tigard, Oregon Posts: 2,083	Did you take any pictures of your epoxying process? Thanks __________________ 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1998 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1991 Toyota 4Runner 4 Door, 3.4l (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 32's, 4.10's

07-26-2006, 12:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	No I didn't. __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL!

07-29-2006, 08:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
T_BONE Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hattiesburg, MISSISSIPPI Posts: 30	Can't really make out the color code on the resistor. What size is it? Thanks, T-BONE

07-29-2006, 10:35 PM	#19 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	If you google diligently enough you'll find the same write ups I did. __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL!

07-31-2006, 08:17 PM	#20 (permalink)
T_BONE Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hattiesburg, MISSISSIPPI Posts: 30	Made some of these yesterday to mount in my tool box and some on aluminum jon boat. The plastic I used around the lights was casting resin and catalyst bought from a craft store of all places. Circuits are easy to find with Google search for les circuits or something to that effect. T-BONE

07-31-2006, 09:48 PM	#21 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	Good deal. How do you like them? __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL!

08-01-2006, 07:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
T_BONE Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hattiesburg, MISSISSIPPI Posts: 30	They are awesome dude thanks for the post, I sorta robbed your Idea and put my own little twist to it. I am an Instrumentation and electrical tech. so the circuitry was cake. and after a little talking with co-workers they gave me the Idea of the type resin to use. The kind I used that was crystal clear and set up in about 45 minutes is what you see paperweights made of with stuff like scorpions molded in the center of it. Thanks, T-BONE

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