Small lighting project ???

[fuelfarmer]

My little daughters informed me that they need a light with a pull string, and a clock, in the new horse shed. The clock will not be a problem. What would be the best small plug and play 12 volt solar system to run a few lights. I would like to get a cheap 12 volt battery and just hook up a cheap system that had a controller if needed. This also could be a trial run for a much bigger project. 

[DanG]

Umnn...  hate to sound like I'm trying pawning something off on you... 

http://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-Solar-Utility-Light-Control/dp/B0034V7OIS

I can send you two of those NIB but old stock (now) for $37.00 and break even.

I caught them on closeout from Sam's Club and bought too many to use and have been waiting for a chance to help someone...

[fuelfarmer]

I am interested. Should I contact you or is that your site in the link?

[DanG]

You want me to open the boxes and test them or just send them along? All the ones I've opened ramped up fine with a couple days sunshine.

These things need the panels getting some sun or an internal battery disconnect thing happens from the remote-control circuit load trickle.

I've sent you a private message.

No - thats not me in the link   

[DanG]

One #9 box dropped off at USPS facility at the MSP Int'l Airport last night...

Rates have gone way up, I declined priority mail service at $22 & choosing instead parcel post at $12.55.

Delivery to occur hopefully before next weekend.

There is a 4 Volt 2.5 Ah SLA battery behind the eighteen overtightened micro-screw cover on the back.

And, ah... I took you at your word when you said "You don't have to test them, what could possibly go wrong. "

Keep in touch.

[LowGear]

USPS users.  Five words to remember: "Priority Mail Flat Rate Box"

If you were shipping those units to Hawaii it would take about 4 days by Priority Mail and up to 4 weeks Parcel Post.  Either way 70 pounds is the limit. 

Why am I posting this you might ask.  BECAUSE THE FREE ENTERPRISERS WANT TO KILL THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE.  Please check the rate for an envelope in the private market before you let this stupid idea come to fruition!

Casey

[DanG]

Hard to stuff ze 14" x 14" x 9" box undt ze 12" x 12" x 5-1/2" flat-rate mailer, yes?

Those two solar panel & mounts versus two bulbous cast-aluminum lamp housings w/o the factory styrofoam would've been an ugly sight.

I glued the original boxes together, banded them and let them ride that way.



I got eighteen 1/2" thread six-inch turnbuckles from a guy in Texas via the large flat-rate mailer - delivered in a plastic bin w/ shreds of cardboard box and splintered plywood liner he'd tried to armor it with. No missing pieces except sawdust, even got an apology from the Lady Carrier. My first choice when applicable!!

[fuelfarmer]

Thanks DanG. I will drop payment in the mail tomorrow. Had it ready today, but the mail man beat me to the box. 

[DanG]

Thank me when the stable-elves are happy! 

One remote controller will work both lamps, and both at once if the IR lenses share a view area so put one away in a safe place 

Note: the lenses are brittle especially when cold, something kicked out of the snowthrower last winter and put a through-n-through birdseye 1/4" hole in one of mine.

[fuelfarmer]

Speaking of stable-elves...........

[fuelfarmer]

DanG.  The lights showed up today. They were in good shape, and they both work. I love the power of a good forum.

[DanG]

((DanG wipes ::sweat:: off brow and comes back within reach of the monitor, out from under desk))

Me thinks you overpaid since you won't need warranty parts dispatched via pony express..

QUESTION - Are they bright enough? They have good throw when fully charged but is that enough?

Ensure the solar panel unit gets full day sunshine if possible for a week or two before forgetting and leaving light on all night... I think it has a low voltage disconnect, goes dim and flickers so it won't truly flatten the battery to zero but that odd battery is probably spendy to replace. 3 or 4 NiMH AA's might work, I have not had to repair one yet.

And the light portion unit is water resistant not water proof so careful with rain and water hose action.

[fuelfarmer]

I am sure they will be bright enough for the kids to find the horse food in the dark of night. And I am not the one making the kids go out in the dark to feed the beasts. They begged to get horses, and still enjoy feeding them.  It is not like I am going to sit in the barn a read the paper with my middle aged eyes.

The lights need to charge more before I can test them in the dark. They did fire right up with the panels in full sun.

[fuelfarmer]

The lights are installed in the horse shed. I did have to track down some new lead acid batteries. Still very happy with the lights.