I spoke with someone at the Spring Crappie Fest about converting from my high power halogen floating fishing lights to LED so that I can save battery power, but I don't remember who that was. This person I think made his own LED floating light so that he could have double or more of the light output than normally sold at stores. I see Bass Pro Shop has an Optronics version (http://www.basspro.com/Optronics-Floating-Fishing-Light/product/10205364/-1637958 (http://www.basspro.com/Optronics-Floating-Fishing-Light/product/10205364/-1637958)) has 7 LED and apparently light is green. I don't know how bright output that'll be.
Does anyone have recommendations on where I can get LED or fluorescent floating lights with high output light? Do you think the Optronics version is bright enough? I already have 1 of those submersible tube lights that I put several feet down and it's green as well. Should I search for white LED floating lights or is the green one o.k.?
Note: I'll probably use these for crappie but want to use them for stripers at Pleasant or white/yellow bass at Apache. Not sure if fish type matters on color of the light.
You must have been talking to Louis (Phishing Phreek).
I talked to quite a few people about the lights I make, but I don't make the ones with LEDs, I make the 4' green fluorescent lights. I could have swore that I had talked to you about it as well at SCF.
The LED lights are awesome if your goal is to reduce battery usage, but if you want to put out more light then 4' lights are the way to go. I own an Aurora, which is probably THE top of the line green LED light on the market, but my 4' fluorescent lights blow it out of the water when it comes to light output. (mostly because it has a 360* angle of light as opposed to the top LED light) I could go into more as to why I opted with the fluorescent over LED in the end, but there were so many minute details between the two the post would be way too long. lol
Well, earlier today I went to Bass Pro and they didn't sell those LED ones anymore (something about catching on fire). I ended up buying another 21" tube fluorescent light so I'll have 2 of those at least. They didn't sell anything longer then that but at least they're less power than the standard floating headlight ones I have. So it looks like I went the right choice at least.
Quote from: PhishingPhreek on May 04, 2011, 09:01 PM
but if you want to put out more light then 4' lights are the way to go. I own an Aurora, which is probably THE top of the line green LED light on the market, but my 4' fluorescent lights blow it out of the water when it comes to light output.
+1 on that! Bought the Aurora also thinking it's the way to go. After sitting next to Wild Willie one night at Pleasant seeing all the shad around his fluorescent lights and nada near my Aurora, decided to make my own fluorescent lights and now don't use my Aurora much any more.
Oh, and I have started to write instructions on how I made my green lights - just need to finish it soon and get it posted here for those that have previously asked!!
LLL
All right, guess I'm not done yet with this light situation. I'll await instructions on making these 4' lights.
Be forewarned, making them can get expensive. I spent damn near 350 on my 1st light. It's hard to find parts just to make only 1 light. :-/
I guess to really compare here we'd need to compare output lumens or something. I mean, why can't I just buy 3 21" tube lights giving me 5 total feet of fluorescent lights at total less than $100? At this point, perhaps my next investment in the boat is iPilot, better trolling motor, fish finder, new boat, etc. all of the really important stuff.
It worked out for me making my lights due to the hookup (free as long as I made him one!) I got on the clear PVC. If I didn't have that hookup, I would of bought them over the internet. I found the PVC the most expensive part @ $50ish per 8' stick. So who's got the hookup for clear sch 40 PVC.... :greengrin:
If I remember correctly, $20 for the green f20t12g bulb & $25 for the 12v light ballast so your already at $100. Then add the PVC cost...
http://www.greenfishlights.com/ (http://www.greenfishlights.com/)
LLL
Quote from: cousinlll on May 05, 2011, 11:03 AM
If I remember correctly, $20 for the green f20t12g bulb & $25 for the 12v light ballast so your already at $100. Then add the PVC cost...
Flunked math..... Should be $50!
If I can remember to check at work..... I should be able to get the PVC for a fair price. I need to build me a few.
come on now didnt i see that freak sells em. dude get your price out there and let us know how much work it is and sell your rig. nip these make yer own dudes in the bud.
2" Pipe Sch. 40 10Ft. Length
Price: $68.60
Part# 1395-020
Quote from: cousinlll on May 05, 2011, 02:36 PM
Quote from: cousinlll on May 05, 2011, 11:03 AM
If I remember correctly, $20 for the green f20t12g bulb & $25 for the 12v light ballast so your already at $100. Then add the PVC cost...
Flunked math..... Should be $50!
Guess you really flunkied math.....$45.
I'm trying to find my spreadsheet I made that had all my costs for parts. I know that's what all you bought for your light, but there is more to the light than just the ballast and the pipe and the light. You still have the water resistant power cable, the caps for the ends of the lights, the water tight fittings, alligator clips, the PVC pipe cement (if you don't have it already), and keep in mind that you're paying for 8 foot of pipe and only need 4', so either you waste that half or make another one. All-in-all, I spent a lot of money to develop one, but could probably make each one for 140-150 now... and maybe 100 if I could buy parts in bulk and got a deal on Clear PVC pipe. I did a lot of research on parts and design before I made it... even broke a few before I made one I could drop and not break it. lol
$10.07 a foot for this stuff
That's about what I paid for it. Place I got it from only sold it in 8' lengths.
I bought 2 from the guy on e-bay, they were $129 apiece at the time. Now they are $139. Never had a problem in 2 years, knock on wood. :3some: Great investment, I may pick up 1 more. I put both lights on one deep cycle battery and they last all night with plenty of juice left.