Hello LEDLighters!
Its been a long while since our last communication. Many new products
and some great news regarding LED technology will be in this letter along
with the usual Bargain Basement stuff that has accumulated.
During this long hiatus, we have been scouring the world for new products
which are not replicas of what we already stock. The task was, and still
is, quite time consuming as there are now hundreds of LED product manufacturers
with many items for TheLEDLight.com
to evaluate. We have decided to bring in a few items and have much more
to evaluate as they arrive here. Some are already in stock and the rest
will arrive in a month or so.
Lets start with the new news. LED technology has made leaps and bounds
in the past 6 months. Lamina
Ceramics http://www.laminaceramics.com
has produced the brightest LED of its kind with power that is unsurpassed.
Yes, its new and its expensive. But the product shows you what the capabilities
for lighting are with the half inch square BL-2000 and other models. The
Lamina LEDs are arrays of super bright chips versus the single LED die
in the Luxeons, Nichia Jupiters and Osram-Sylvanias. We are looking forward
to a commercial product made with a Lamina array that we could stock.
In the same vein, Nichia's Jupiter and Reigel have arrived and have received
good reception. Size for size, they are a bit brighter than the current
Luxeons and use the standard 4 pin for mounting. As per past history,
Nichia itself does not provide much in the way of news letters but you
can review the specifications here http://www.nichia.co.jp/product/led-smd-powerled.html.
The 3rd Luxeon type LED available are the Osram-Sylvania Golden
Dragons, much improved from a year ago and are as bright as the
Luxeons. Again, not much news but you can read up on the Golden Dragons
here http://www.osram.convergy.de/scripts/product_class.asp?CLSOID=10084.
We have not brought in any of the Golden Dragons as individual LEDs. But,
we have brought in a 3 LED Golden Dragon Light Bar in white because this
is an easier installation than the Luxeons and Nichias. All that is required
is additional heat sink material and a 12vdc power source such as our
regulated transformers. The Golden Dragons,
http://www.theledlight.store/golden-dragon.html, can be installed into
any product imaginable, including furniture and equipment, as retrofit
RV, boat and truck interior lights.
TheLEDLight.com will bring in
LEDs similar to those mentioned above but made by smaller manufacturers
who claim their products are just a good. If they are, it will mean lower
cost to you, the end user. The type of products will be in cluster form
and possibly ready to connect to your power sources. We are searching
for 2, 4 or 6 LED clusters that could generate from 2 watts to 6 watts
of light in a compact form. One such product is the high power
Light Bulb. It's a light bulb, a cluster, a fixture! It's a great
product by any name!.
Did you know that you can drive 3mm and 5mm LEDs without resistors for
12vdc applications? Well, we have a driver that powers strings of 3mm
and 5mm LEDs besides the Luxeons - the Power Puck -http://www.theledlight.store/luxeonaccessories.html.
The method to use the Power Pucks are on this page, http://www.theledlight.store/pdf/Drivers/PowerPuck-5mm-Applications.pdf
. Power Pucks are very compact drivers in various sizes and capacities.
They are from Luxedrive, a division of LEDdyanmics who have produced a
number of new drivers that we will be adding to our list of accessories
for 3mm, 5mm and Luxeon/Luxeon type LEDs. The newest stocked item from
Luxdrive is the Buck-Puck that will drive and allow dimming of
the Luxeons and has other function options included. The model that we
stock is the 3021-D-E-700mA model as described here http://www.theledlight.store/pdf/Drivers/BuckPuck.pdf
Also stocked is the new very compact Buck-Toot driver built in
the same vein as the Buck-Puck.
More tech tidbits. Nichia has bumped its 20 degree white LED up to 18,000mcd
from the current 9600-11000mcd model. They have also begun the process
of deleting the current models and replacing them with newer, improved
LEDs. Watch for the 20 degree 18,000mcd white LEDs to replace our current
stock soon.
The warm white LEDs
we sell have been a great addition. For those who have yet to try them,
do so. These white LEDs produce a softer white that has enough of yellow
color to make them appear like incandescent light, but they are bright,
as intense, not too yellow and have a clean light output. An 11,000mcd
white put against an 11,000mcd warm white will look brighter simply because
it produces white light. The light intensity is the same as is the overall
light volume.
All of our transformers
are now the regulated type. That means current and voltage overload protection.
It is important to protect your LED investment by using regulated transformers
to prevent voltage spikes from burning the LEDs. When you install a LED
device in your RV or boat, be sure install an in-line resistor to control
voltage to the LEDs to no more than 13vdc, especially when the batteries
are being charged.
We have stocked a new
line of MR-16s that will run on either 12vdc or 12vac! These new MR-16s
are un-polarized so that you can install them without fear of knowing
which pin is positive. If it doesn't light up, turn it around and reinstall
the bulb. NOTE: the MR-16 is for 12vDC and 12vAC, not 110/120vac. Power
is supplied through a plug-in regulated transformer such as those we stock.
Speaking of transformers, we are searching for a brand that is a desk
top type for ease of use in most applications. Rather than plugging in
a heavy and cumbersome transformer cube into an outlet and possibly blocking
the use of the other outlet, a desk type would have two cords, one for
the plug end and the other for connection to the device to be powered.
It will provide a cleaner look, un-congest the outlet, generally make
it easier to hide the transformer itself when connecting directly to 110/120vac
power wires. (Be sure to follow local regulations and use a junction box
when wiring direct to power wires.) The desk type transformer will also
allow its use outdoors as the transformer box can be sealed from moisture
and the plug will go into a standard weather proof type outlet.
Okay, so we have the news out of the way. On to the really great stuff
now in stock or coming in soon.
Flashlights. Always of great interest and why not? We have a few more
new Luxeon models that are sure to please everyone.
A] Streamlight
has introduced a 4AA Luxeon model as well as a Nightfighter NF2 LED,
a Scorpion LED and a Task-Light 2L3W in addition to their other Luxeon
flashlight models. Check out the 2L3W with its 3 watts of power and a
high/low switch. Streamlight also has introduced a new Twin
Task 3C model with 3 375nm and 3 390nm UV Ultraviolet diodes in the
titanium case. The black case model will have 6 390nm UV diodes. Both
will have one 57 lumen Xenon bulb.
B] Vortex has finally
shipped the new KC-1 Luxeon LED keychain light. This beauty is only 2.5
inches long x 1 inch diameter and has an excellent 10 year Limited Warranty.
At $50.40, this is a super bargain for a 35 lumen flashlight.
C] PALight Survival
has 'survived' a planned deletion but was brought back due to what we
guess is a high demand for this 7 year old flashlight. The Survival has
withstood the challenges presented by the newer aluminum bodied brands
and those with Luxeon LEDs. It is still a good solid basic LED flashlight
with the right modes, and we are proud to continue offering such a great
LED flashlight. Red, Blue, Gree and White LED are in stock.
D] Another favorite has resurfaced, the Gerber
Infinity Ultra Task Lights. The Ultras were formerly made by CMG,
who were bought by Gerber Gear in 2004. Production of the Ultras stopped
during the brand transition until reemerging as the Gerber Infinity Ultra
Task Lights. It has essentially gone unchanged other than loss of the
LED colors. We stock the dark green, silver and black bodies with white
LEDs. We also brought back into stock the Gerber
Bonfire Blaze LED Lantern which also has not changed other than for
the long winded name.
E] We have looked at and will probably bring in a 3 3watt, total 6 watts,
Nuwai's Luxeon flashlight with 3 levels of brightness that runs on 3 C
Cells. This baby is built like a tank and feels just like it with its
heavy knurling and thick wall body. One other we favor is a 3 watt Luxeon
run on 2 CR123A with 3 brightness levels, and a 5 watt model also with
3 brightness levels. Keep an eye on our new
products page for these models in June.
F] Terralux has released
two new MagLite® LED replacement bulbs. The new DB3W is a 3 watt
Luxeon replacement bulb for 3 C or 3 D cell MagLites®. The DB5W, a
5 watt Luxeon module, replaces the filament bulb and batteries in 2D models
with the included CR123A battery pack. The DW5 can also replace the 6D
Maglite filament bulb with no battery change.
Outdoor Fixtures that we have brought in are the Polaris
In-Ground Light, the LightUp
Motion Sensing Lights and the LightUp Floodlights shown on a revamped
Landscape web page. The LightUp products use Luxeons as the light source
and are very bright. The LightUp Motion Sensing Lights will be available
in two styles, one with a solar package and the other powered by 4 AA
batteries. Both models feature a 1 watt Luxeon white LED. The Polaris
In-Ground Light utilizes 18 LEDs in white, red, green, blue and color
changing RGB. Although the Polaris In-Ground Light is an in-ground fixture,
they have already been used as up lights for a garden setting and we are
sure that there will be other innovative and imaginative applications.
For those who want to have their Malibu and similar type lawn lights up
graded with LEDs, we may have the larger T15
wedge base models in white, blue and green colors. The T15 Wedge LED
Bulb is also called a #194 Wedge and could fit into a few auto applications.
Expect these at the end of May or early June.
For indoors, we are bringing in the Luxeon
LED NU-181 Desk Lamp that has a neat soft touch on/off switch. The
18 inch long flexible neck has unrestricted adjustment, allowing the head
to be positioned at any angle, even curled up. It has a solid and fairly
heavy base to allow one handed adjustment and not cause the lamp to tip
over. At the same time, we think we have a good source for E12
base Chandelier LED Bulbs in white LED that will fill the need for
a popular bulb style. Also recently added is the Nightspot
LED Reading-Task Light. The Nightspot is a super reading light
that attaches to any surface with the screw mount. Install these everywhere
a spotlight is useful - bedrooms, as bunkbed lights, attach them to desks,
as a computer light, use several for bench work, at the hobby tables,
for hand and machine sewing, in closests, in hallways as night lights.
There is no limit to where you can use the Nightspot.
And yes, the outdoors and recreation niche will have a few more LED lights
to fill camping, boating and one type of auto light that will be sure
to please a lot of people. To be added to the LED Lantern category are
the dimmable 12
LED NU-12 LED Lantern and the NU-10 LED Lantern, which is a hand held/table
model with 10 LEDs and a Xenon bulb.
We have located a vertically stacked LED bulb, the Power
Tower, that could be used for boaters as well as a LED replacement
for RVs,trucks and autos, farm equipment, buggies or wagons of every kind.
This LED bulb could have 12 to 36 white, or red, or amber LEDs generating
a horizontal 360 light pattern in a 15mm Bi-Pin 1157/3157 base and as
single pin 1156/3156 LED bulbs.. The most common application would be
for boat anchor lights, truck and auto brake, turn and running lights.
If you've got converted "gas lamps", you could change to 12vdc
and run the Power Tower in them. We will see how this product goes through
R&D and what kind of delivery timetable it will have. If you would
like to stay informed, please email
us.
A new type of roadside safety light has emerged. This model contains 12
red LEDs that generates veridical and horizontal light in an impact proof
plastic case. Called the FlareAlerts,
these roadside safety lights are the prefect replacement for incendiary
types that are a fire hazard, and environmentally unfriendly. Whether
in flashing mode or on constant-on, visibility is 3 miles! Excellent visibility
for planes, helicopters and ground personnel even in high winds with flying
debris. Currently available only in red LED. A Carry Case that will hold
6 FlareAlerts and spare batteries is due soon. This is a must-have safety
device, whether it is one piece or the full set!
Most of you have seen and even considered buying solar powered house/street
numbers but did not due to.......... Well, we have a great model at great
prices that are visible day and night. The LED
Solar Powered House Numbers are in stock. Each pack has one each of
the numbers 1 to 9 and 0. In many cases, a single pack will provide the
numbers that are your house/street numbers. In other cases, you will need
to purchase as many packs to have your house number set. Example, if your
street address is 1999 S. Main, then you will need 4 packs. If you or
anyone close to you has health or mobility problems, the LED Solar Powered
House Numbers is the ideal way to be located in a crisis by police and
emergency personnel. If there is a letter or two, let us know what those
letters are and we will add it to your order at additional charge.
As an addition to the LED fixtures due or are already here, we thought
that a simple and easy to install 12vdc "bulb" with Luxeon type
LEDs made by a smaller manufacturer would fit in as an outdoor, covered
or under-the-eaves light. Called the high power Bulb, it is intended to be
used in conjunction with a battery pack and solar panel. However, they
will run directly off of a 12v battery only, or through a transformer.
It is actually a fixture, a bulb component set onto a mounting base, that
will generate either 25 lumen for the B3 1 watt model, or 50 lumen for
the B6 2 watt model. You can install the high power Bulb as is, or place
it into another fixture, or make it into a light source of your own design.
Look for the high power Bulb here at DC
LED Bulbs.
If your eyes are tired from reading this lengthy newsletter, may we suggest
the purchase of the NU-181
Desk Lamp. It will surely ease the reading task. :-)
Thank you all for the patience shown with regards to a very late newsletter.
Please be sure to check the Bargain
Basement for the usual super deals on used/returned products, and
some very good deals on new, unopened items too. As usual, we will upload
to this page http://www.theledlight.store/BargainBasementNew.html
for 24 hours to allow our newsletter customers first pick from the list
of goodies.
As always, be well,
be safe and thank you for your business. We appreciate it very much.
Patrick and Mary
sales@TheLEDLight.com
www.TheLEDLight.com