14.44.4 LED awning light (how I did it)

[borstalboy]

Love that outside strip lighting I definitely think I will be following you lead there.

 

[stormpatrol]

my led strip has failed only half light up think it got wet ? only used it 3 times

 

[jdove]

my led strip has failed only half light up think it got wet ? only used it 3 times

Hi Stormpatrol
I have only just been out playing with the van and checking it out for a weekend away and mine still works a treat.
That's a bummer .Did you use the waterproof strip?. My led's are moulded into what looks like silicon and as long as they are sealed at any joins water should not get into them. I have seen these lights working underwater. Hope you get it sorted easy
Cheers

 

[stormpatrol]

yeah they are in the silicon strip ,they look water tight and were all working fine last time we used them , we have had a heap of wet weather here but the van is under cover, the side the leds are on is exposed to some weather so not really sure if its moisture or what . I will report back asap

 

[stormpatrol]

think I can see bubbles or water in the led centres if I press on them they go out and relight soon after . need to replace asap not real happy with ebay seller

 

[Salz]

I finally got around to fitting a led awning strip light, I am a bit fussy and didn't want to drill any holes in my new van.After lots of head scratching I figured that there must be a cavity behind the rangehood so I removed it.only six screws for the cover and four holding the unit in place and down it comes and yep there is space above the unit to run cables out via the exhaust vent.
I purchased a 12v remote control on/off dimmer off ebay so I didn't need to add any switches in the walls I picked up power off the rangehood supply and ran a cable out to the cupboard next to the range hood and mounted the remote unit in there,then ran the power to the LED back into the rangehood cavity and to the outside via the exhaust vent and then to the led strips.
The tape on the LED strips is not much good outside in the weather so I replaced it with automotive body moulding tape which was a pain as it is 12mm wide and the led stip10mm so I had to trim it down. As the exhaust vent was in the way I used two led strips which I made out of a 5mtr roll (also off ebay)
The 12v remote unit (found out about this on the forum) is great,even with it tucked away in the cupboard it works from at least 15mtr away. So on those late night returns to the campsite one press of the button and you light the whole campsite up.
Next job LED's in the lockers and pantry

Cheers

ps..This is my first go a posting photo's so I hope they work

Hi Jdove great work would like to copy your idea, notice you have picked up the power from the rangehood, is this 12 or 240v? Cheers Salz

 

[jdove]

Hi Salz
The range hood power is 12v. All the led lights and remote control are 12v so there is no problem in doing the wiring yourself. the little remote control units are great and I have now tested them working over 50mtr away from the van, so they are great for the late night returns to camp.
Cheers

 

[stormpatrol]

Thinking now may be the solder joints will try the clips that join up the ends to power as seen on ebay , no solder just press fit cant hurt to try they are only 2 bucks each

 

[blacky]

Love your work JDove!

 

[stormpatrol]

got a new strip at Newcastle show, they work now and are waterproof so it said on box lol

 

[seanparky]

awesome mod. can i ask where you got the remote from or name of remote. cheers

 

[jdove]

Hi seansparky
I got mine off ebay if you do a search for 12v remote control led dimmer heaps come up. the link below is like the one's I got, I have not used my spare one yet as the original still works perfect. Gotta love those cheap Chinese electronic gizmos
Cheers
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RF-T1-Re...t=AU_Lighting_Fans&hash=item3376cd75d8&_uhb=1

 

[seanparky]

thanks mate. you have given me some ideas. i also have a couple in mind for some reading lights in bunk are for kids, as well as a 12v usb charger socket in bed areas. Also a motion sensor to turn on a red night light for when kids get up to go to the toilet so they don't fumble bang and crash around looking for light switch.

 

[Ss--ss]

Thanks jdove!... I just did my external awning LED strip today. pretty much exact same way you did it except I was able to buy 8mm automotive tape off ebay.. Amazing how much light it produces.
BTW , I checked it with my meter & it's using 3.7amps

 

[Frank]

Thanks jdove!... I just did my external awning LED strip today. pretty much exact same way you did it except I was able to buy 8mm automotive tape off ebay.. Amazing how much light it produces.
BTW , I checked it with my meter & it's using 3.7amps

Can I ask how you ran your power + and -

 

[Ss--ss]

Yep, I just picked up power from the overhead cabinet above the sink. The 12v that connects to a little overhead light.

 

[Frank]

Ok cheers what about the negative

 

[Ss--ss]

Hi, the negative is from the same cupboard light . All the 12v devices have a positive & ground unless they ground to chassis but I've never seen any Jayco use the chassis.

 

[Drover]

I'm waiting on the mailman to deliver my led's, then I can get started on mine, going for an outside strip and put some light in the cupboards as well. I like the remote set up.

 

[Frank]

Hi, the negative is from the same cupboard light . All the 12v devices have a positive & ground unless they ground to chassis but I've never seen any Jayco use the chassis.

Thanks again. I have run my strip light wires to the location of the outside light switch, going to replace with a double switch so can have the LED's or the outside light on, however cannot locate a ground there which is annoying...