12 V LED lights from IKEA

[Ronan1981]

I was looking at LED lighting for my van in a few places and they are so expensive! (like 27 euro for just one light) Then I was in IKEA the other day and saw their LED packs and noticed that the voltage is actually 12v, the plug converts it to 220v. So...cut off the plug and voila, 12v LED lighting at a fraction of the cost. I got a 4 pack of lights for 28 euro thereabouts. (Then I lost the run of myself and bought multi-colour changing LED strips for 40 euro aswell )

[slippy8v]

fitted these in mine + a remote on/off dimmer from E-Bay great job

[CovKid]

IKEA lights have been mentioned many times on here. Not the best value, but they're OK. Other options include deck lighting in numerous stores, all of which is 12v. Last year I got a similar set from Maplins for £4.99

[seanmc1970a]

I used 5m of colour changing led lights, works well and the kids love the flashing disco effects ( headache )
Only problem is that when you change the tv channel the light sensor change the lights colour..... wonder what other campers must think of us sometimes

[MagicWagon]

slippy8v
Do you happen to know if your dimmer does it's magic on the positive or the negative output.
I need one that will work on the positive output as my lights are earthed via the chassis, not via a dedicated negative feed.
I think the positive feed ones have a common negative, i.e no resistance between input and output negative. I don't suppose you happened to find out when fitting yours ?
Thanks

[Ronan1981]

slippy8v
That looks a good job. Was the wiring for the dimmer simple? Another problem I have is how to attach the round LEDs to the roof panels. There's no relief that I could use to hold them to the panel as they're complely round.

[Ronan1981]

CovKid
I'll have to check out maplin as the decking lights are expensive everywhere else I've looked.

[CovKid]

I find you have to time it with Maplins. They quite often turn up in their bargain bins.

Also check the Hong Kong stuff. Their postal prices are low and I buy a lot of electronics from there with no real hassles:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... hts&_sop=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OK, its not overnight but can be very rewarding when stuff arrives.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I don't bother with UK suppliers, these people https://www.myled.com/ have been going since the start of the led boom - there must be something more suitable in their offerings for you than buying from the likes of Ikea. Remote dimmers etc available to suit.

[CovKid]

I love LEDS. This evening I'm starting work on modding a set of stock rear lights for another T25 owner.

[Oldiebut goodie]

As to looking for moderation of output on a positive feed - when I use a tricolour led in a switch I use a single resistor on the negative rather than 3 ( 1 on each positive) as it makes more sense ( and less work). I suspect that it is the same with the dimmers, it is easier to moderate them all together rather than individual bulbs.
I doubt that any dimmer will act on the positive. I still can't see why the dimmer cannot be mounted close to the lights rather than close to the fuse box ( I think that this was the desired location) so that it is easy to run a negative to the lighting units. The remote control can then operate it from the house if needs be if the signal is strong enough!

[slippy8v]

Ran the + and - from the rear interior light with the remote control unit up under the roof panel, had been advised (T4 forum) to put a 12v regulator in line as well, have one in the bits box just not got around to fitting it yet. Yes you can turn the lights on if you are in the house.Will do a range check later.

[CovKid]

You shouldn't need a regulator to be honest. The few extra volts you get won't make much difference and when parked, it'll be about right anyway.

I highly recommend getting one of these. They're reasonably accurate from the tests I've run and help you add up whats consuming what.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Digi ... Sw~OdVYuBc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Some LED setups can consume a lot more than you think. I still use portable (battery-powered) LED lamps a great deal as they can last for weeks and late in the evening give a far more comfortable light although in a few cases I've swapped out bright white LEDs (which frankly are awful) to warm white ones. The only thing bright white is good for when comping is finding a loo on a campsite at night.

Made the best of GSF's 40% off today and bought a brand new starter battery for £48.

[slippy8v]

Thanks Covkid did not really want to start taking the roof panel down again as its a nice tidy fit.

[MagicWagon]

Slippy8v. Thanks for the info re the dimmer. I guess I could take a chance on one of those dimmers as you can get one for under 3 pounds to see if it is positive output.

Oldie but goodie. You can get a dimmer that acts on positive, eg here http://www.abeltronics.co.uk/products/l ... tage/dim12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but at £45 it would be my last resort. I can't fit a dimmer nearer the lights unless i buy two as there are two lights on opposite sides of the van and I have no idea if or where the negative wires join.