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**BarryE** · 01-30-2018, 03:31 PM

Just on the off chance there's anyone (I bet there is

) who knows this stuff ...

In the UK when exhibiting 240v/120v lighting is inconvenient to use ie in outdoor marquees or just not available. So I've been looking at 12v battery driven lamps, probably on a flexible stem and fixed with a clamp. They are expensive just had a quote for 4 x 5w lamps with battery and charger for £550 !! So I thought DIY solution ...

1) 12v led array (probably circular) 5000K to 6500K colour temp or maybe some form of cluster
2) 12v battery (probably lead acid) with sufficient rating to drive multiple arrays
3) So form of driver unit to interface between battery and LED array
4) heatsink (probably)

Then the idea is to buy a flexible stem 240v lamp with clamp. Remove the bulb unit and fashion the led array etc in its place and feed 12v wiring down stem to battery that would sit behind the screens.

That's the starter idea. Looks like it could be done cheaply and be a safe, effective solution.

Any thoughts.

Thanks

Lake · 01-30-2018, 05:21 PM - **1 Like**

Try a store like Ikea. Many of the led lights are already 12vdc, just don't use the transformer. The light fixtures are already made and they don't cost much.

**Sqideyes** · 01-30-2018, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by BarryE

Exhibition lighting - DIY project

Try a search for 12v LED flexible strip lighting . You might find some thing there.

**BarryE** · 01-31-2018, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by Lake

Try a store like Ikea. Many of the led lights are already 12vdc, just don't use the transformer. The light fixtures are already made and they don't cost much.

I hadn't thought of that approach. In fact as I edit this, I realise this is an excellent route. Thanks...

---------- Post added 01-31-18 at 08:13 AM ----------

Originally posted by Sqideyes

Try a search for 12v LED flexible strip lighting . You might find some thing there.

Thanks. I have looked at these but so far I haven't managed to 'design' then into an arrangement that might work. I did think about an overhanging bar with LED strips underneath, suspended over my stand, but discounted it. However, as I write this I'm thinking again ...

Last edited by BarryE; 01-31-2018 at 02:03 AM.

**BarryE** · 05-16-2018, 06:23 AM

For those interested: I bought two, cheap LED lamps that came with 240v-12v transformers.

I bought a small, portable12v lead acid battery with suitable capacity. Cut the the transformer lead and wired it into the battery, isolating the lamps from the battery with a constant current driver. Works a treat.

I now have a cheap (ish), portable and safe low voltage solution.

01-30-2018, 03:31 PM	#1
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,654	Exhibition lighting - DIY project Just on the off chance there's anyone (I bet there is ) who knows this stuff ... In the UK when exhibiting 240v/120v lighting is inconvenient to use ie in outdoor marquees or just not available. So I've been looking at 12v battery driven lamps, probably on a flexible stem and fixed with a clamp. They are expensive just had a quote for 4 x 5w lamps with battery and charger for £550 !! So I thought DIY solution ... 1) 12v led array (probably circular) 5000K to 6500K colour temp or maybe some form of cluster 2) 12v battery (probably lead acid) with sufficient rating to drive multiple arrays 3) So form of driver unit to interface between battery and LED array 4) heatsink (probably) Then the idea is to buy a flexible stem 240v lamp with clamp. Remove the bulb unit and fashion the led array etc in its place and feed 12v wiring down stem to battery that would sit behind the screens. That's the starter idea. Looks like it could be done cheaply and be a safe, effective solution. Any thoughts. Thanks

05-16-2018, 06:23 AM	#5
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,654 Original Poster	For those interested: I bought two, cheap LED lamps that came with 240v-12v transformers. I bought a small, portable12v lead acid battery with suitable capacity. Cut the the transformer lead and wired it into the battery, isolating the lamps from the battery with a constant current driver. Works a treat. I now have a cheap (ish), portable and safe low voltage solution. Last edited by BarryE; 05-16-2018 at 06:48 AM.

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01-30-2018, 05:21 PM - 1 Like	#2
Lake Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minnesota Posts: 104	Try a store like Ikea. Many of the led lights are already 12vdc, just don't use the transformer. The light fixtures are already made and they don't cost much.

01-30-2018, 09:43 PM	#3
Sqideyes Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sth West Western Australia Posts: 811	Originally posted by BarryE Exhibition lighting - DIY project Try a search for 12v LED flexible strip lighting . You might find some thing there.

01-31-2018, 01:10 AM	#4
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,654 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lake Try a store like Ikea. Many of the led lights are already 12vdc, just don't use the transformer. The light fixtures are already made and they don't cost much. I hadn't thought of that approach. In fact as I edit this, I realise this is an excellent route. Thanks... ---------- Post added 01-31-18 at 08:13 AM ---------- Originally posted by Sqideyes Try a search for 12v LED flexible strip lighting . You might find some thing there. Thanks. I have looked at these but so far I haven't managed to 'design' then into an arrangement that might work. I did think about an overhanging bar with LED strips underneath, suspended over my stand, but discounted it. However, as I write this I'm thinking again ... Last edited by BarryE; 01-31-2018 at 02:03 AM.