LED lights for Observatory

[bluesilver (Peter)]

Hi, just an odd question,
But i was interested to know what sort of LED lights people are using in their Observatories
Are you using 12V or 240V LEDs, and where you are getting them from?
I was only looking to put something around the base of my pier, just to limit tripping or bumping into it if that makes sense.
Any information is appreciated.
Thanks,
Peter.

[bojan]

Red LED strip, 12 V...Ebay.


This is what it looks like.

[bluesilver (Peter)]

Thanks for the reply, link and images.
Looks to be exactly what i am looking for.
I thought it might of been some fancy 240V setup.
It looks much simpler that i was first thinking about.
Very much appreciated.
Cheers.

[bojan]

I forgot to mention, I am also using dimmer something like this.

[Startrek (Martin)]

I have 230V mains to my NexDome and installed 2 x Double weatherproof outlets to my work station bay for all equipment ( and dual data outlet )
I ran 2 x 2m 12V LED strips ( white led ) with double sided tape on both halves of the Dome on the wall at 1200mm ffl with plug in led drivers. A weatherproof switch was installed inside the Dome at the door
All cabling is run in 20mm pvc corrugated conduit
I’m a retired large commercial/industrial electrical contractor so it was a couple of hours to fit it all out . Everything is plug for ease of maintenance etc..
I chose white LED as my rig is controlled from inside the house so the only time I enter the Dome is to initially set up , change filters etc .. and shut down.

Some attached photos during fit out 2 years ago and the latest rig
Carpet tiles lasted a month , pulled them all out as they were like sponges
Sorry about orientation of photos

Cheers
Martin

[bluesilver (Peter)]

Thanks for the replies,
A dimmer sounds like a good option to go with.
You have a pretty good set up there Martin,
I have mains power coming into my observatory also, yet to take photos of it.
But just basically a 3x3 meter roll off roof shed.

I think i will get some LEDs now i know what i am chasing.
Appreciated.

[TrevorW]

I recently purchased a remote control USB rechargable light from Bunnings two in the ob should throw enough light


https://www.bunnings.com.au/lytworx-...light_p0300806

[xelasnave]

Originally Posted by TrevorW

I recently purchased a remote control USB rechargable light from Bunnings two in the ob should throw enough light


https://www.bunnings.com.au/lytworx-...light_p0300806

They seem like great value Trevor I will get a set next shop at Bunnings if they are still available but I think I will put them in the van as they should create a pleasant lighting.

Something I discovered recently ...I find you also need a very strong light for those occassions where things are going wrong...I now have one of those protected light bulbs that you see with folk fixing the motor in their car Sortta thing...I find being able to move it around particularly handy ...sadly I have been using it a great deal lately and decied on setting one up in addition as my other main lights are such that you could probably leave them on while imaging..not good for working on stuff but certainly great for being able to negotiate obstacles if I need to move around while imaging...also painting the interior black makes the lead light very necessary when working on something... I also have some head lamps for close up work but so often forget to recharge them so the lead light compensates for my forgetting this important aspect of my lighting set up.

I am really in a bind..I have this new inverter that I really want to instal and the pain killer is working but I feel working may just cause more damage...it is so annoying...I really need to get it installed but I guess I must be sensible and rest...I need a personal Robot to lift stuff.

Alex

[John.oshea1 (John)]

Did you go with white light or colour changing light leds?

I was thinking I might try colour changing leds so I can set them to be red in the observatory.

Originally Posted by TrevorW

I recently purchased a remote control USB rechargable light from Bunnings two in the ob should throw enough light


https://www.bunnings.com.au/lytworx-...light_p0300806

[Anth10 (Anthony M)]

Red is best I think- I only use it to get setup- all lights off when imaging though- I try to avoid any ambient glow in the obs even the computer screen- I use a VB carton to shield any unwanted stray light whilst snapping away subs.

Good luck-

Anthony.