14 replies to this topic

[mgn]

hi all,

Nearly completed making obs #003 (I will post it's construction and innards later on), and I want to illuminate the inside with low power LED lighting, preferably in a couple of strips. I used to have a simple low wattage red light bulb in my previous obs, and I could use the same again I guess, however I'd prefer low profile, low (or variable power) red LED strips.

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions on what they have used please. I can't immediately see what I am after on the interweb without finding bright strobing colour changing disco strips :=\

 

Any comments always appreciated,

 

Martin 

[Jim Davis]

Check here, they have various wattage: https://www.superbri...r,Red,136,4639:

[mgn]

Check here, they have various wattage: https://www.superbri...r,Red,136,4639:

thanks Jim, also looking at USB powered red LED strips, and just attach them on the far side of the wooden beams too..

[astrokeith]

The RGB or RGBW can be very useful. Having the ability to flip over to white (or perhaps yellow) to set up or whatever in the middle of the night is nice.

 

Mine is a 4 state system. very dim red (I'm a visual observer), quite bright red, dim white, very bright white.

[mgn]

The RGB or RGBW can be very useful. Having the ability to flip over to white (or perhaps yellow) to set up or whatever in the middle of the night is nice.

 

Mine is a 4 state system. very dim red (I'm a visual observer), quite bright red, dim white, very bright white.

Can you link what it is you have/use?

[Jeff_Richards]

This what I bought for my not quite finished observatory:

 

https://www.amazon.c...K/dp/B07LCB3HQJ

 

Can even be controlled by Google mini, Amazon Alexa, etc. I plan to use my Echo with specific settings for what I'm doing (low level red, bright white, etc.).

Edited by Jeff_Richards, 21 January 2021 - 06:39 PM.

[kathyastro]

I picked up a couple of 25' red rope lights that were on sale after Christmas.  They run on 120 v AC, and I have them wired to a standard dimmer.  Performance on the dimmer is quite non-linear, but acceptable.

 

I installed them under the ceiling of the 1' area around the dome (8' dome on a 10' building).  Since the ceiling is only 4' high, the red light is indirect if I am standing.

[astrokeith]

Can you link what it is you have/use?

Hi, actually mine is a standard RGBW strip driven by a Raspberry Pi home-brew design. 

 

Elsewhere in the house I use Alexa controllers such as...

https://www.simpleli...-controlled/?gclid=CjwKCAiA6aSABhApEiwA6Cbm_1Sz22eyh0py3BarOwfzosSNgVbB0qFPHRKqD16JO_XCnuHru-vCvRoCLqYQAvD_BwE#fo_c=1144&fo_k=75b791d457cf1936061fb123c75955e2&fo_s=googlecsv

 

There are plenty to choose from. You could go for one the cheapo Amazon kits, but I'd make sure it has at least 3 light scenes or states that can be pre-set. 

[speedster]

LightingWill “U” Alumininum LED Channel black 3.3'x10 (Amazon) 8.00
Minger LED striplights, 16.4' (Amazon) 13.99

 

Just ignore all the goofy colors available on the controller. 

[TeslaTrek]

Several years ago I installed this roll of Red LEDs:

 

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

I must say, at night when no exposures are going on, these red LEDs are perfect.  Keeps my night vision and has a great "ambience" (that is when I have John Prine playing in the background).  However! I will be upgrading this to this one soon (when I get time) when time permits

 

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

so I can get different colors.  I hope this is not a mistake.

[outofdark]

Interesting issue with the led strips is that the controllers are pwm.  I get interaction between the led lighting and the hand control on my scope.  When the scroll speed on the scops hand controller was set to scroll fast it was unreadable.  I set the scroll speed to the slowest speed and I dont notice the interaction as much now.

[mark77]

I use 12 volt LED vehicle tail lights, I get 2 brightness settings

 

 

https://smile.amazon...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I may eventually add a PWM controller to them so I have more level control.

Edited by mark77, 22 January 2021 - 11:32 AM.

[mgn]

right, step forward, turns out son #002 was given these as a Xmas pressie, and it's perfect

 

https://smile.amazon...11342448&sr=8-5

 

dimmable, and includes red ( very dark too). Also does the disco stylee if needed too. piccie to come when I complete my obs. 

 

Thanks for the comments all.

Edited by mgn, 22 January 2021 - 02:12 PM.

[NoDarkSkies]

I found Cardinal Red Paint to work best for Soft or Daylight LED Bulbs. 2 Coats or even 3. Amazon Link also at Home Depot.
I tried 3 other reds but Cardinal Red seem to give the best Red Light.
 

[Jaces Jane]

https://www.amazon.c...b_PrbcGbEB8540X

For Cloudy Nights.