LED-- lighting of the Future

txchnologist.com ^

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Another use where LEDs shine (ahem) is as indoor grow lights. They are tuned to just produce the parts of the spectrum that plants need for growth and health. According to news reports, B.C. Bud grow-ops are switching over to LEDs because they don't leave a large heat signature, and because they consume so much less electricity. (They are much more efficient than even LEDs for ordinary lighting, because they only produce the light that plants use.) The cost of the electricity isn't a factor to the grow-ops -- they steal it by bypassing the meters. The problem is that new smart meters are being installed, and the hydro company expects to save millions every year, because it will be easy to spot where electricity is being shunted past the meters.

These new LED grow lights are also economical for legal grow ops (if, for instance, a greenhouse with tomatoes could be called a grow-op).

[wbill]

I completely agree with you, right now, the quality on LEDs doesn't compare to incandescents, especially for what LEDs cost.

However, I figure that in a few years, they'll catch up. Just out of competitive necessity, if nothing else. So, meantime, I've squirreled away a closet full of incandescents to get me through. Even bought an 8-pack of 100W bulbs, even though I don't use them. I figure that one day, I might want one, and don't want nanny gov't telling me "no".

I like the idea of never (or rarely) replacing my lightbulbs, and running light fixtures for a fraction of the current cost. In fact, I replaced a particularly hard to get at bulb at my Dad's house with an LED ($60, at the time). It works great, I've not had to replace it yet. Perfect solution for the problem that was at hand.

Finally, I think that the government should stay the hell out of my business, and let the market decide. If LED's can become a quality product at a competitive price, then incandescents would have eventually gone the way of the buggy whip, anyway.

Don't get me started on CFL's.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

“I could get a breeze off of the electric meter.”

LOL. I’m going to steal that one. I’ll have to use it quickly though — the new smart meters are digital; so I won’t be getting any breezes from the new meter, when it’s installed.

[tnlibertarian]

That’s interesting. Less waste in not just heat, but extraneous light frequencies.

[combat_boots]

From $3 or $4 to $18 or $20 per bulb.

[RitchieAprile]

I replaced the headlights and passing lamps on my Harley Road King with the LED replacement units. What a difference!

$750 bucks, but they illuminate further out and produce a
non-dazzling white light that gets drivers attention without
dazzling them.

[Marine_Uncle]

"If every one use LED’s it might impact (reduce) the load on the Electrical grid...."
Of course it is a factual statement. The question is in the "if". The obvious is the cost incurred in the initial sale. People don't think about how much power they save using CFL's and LED lighting. They look at the 87 cent cost for four 60 watt incandeciant bulbs verse the 5 dollar upward cost of a CFL or higher cost for the LEDs. Very few people where even interested in me showing them the long term cost benefit of gradually switching to LED or CFL's during those four years I worked in the Home Depot Electrical Department.
Speaking of. I really should take advantage of the low cost of incandescent bulbs before the banes take place.

[Olog-hai]

I think these guys oughta sue.

[Huck]

I would consider using LEDs in the place of flourescents---anywhere where cheap ugly light is acceptable (garage, laundry room, basement.)

I also squirrelled away some 100w on the off chance I want one for anything. Definitely stocking up on 40s, 60s, and 75s. Ambiance is very important to me.

[mamelukesabre]

I have a harley too. I like old fashioned incandescents for vehicles. I can be won over to LEDs for flashlights easily, and if they make some improvements, maybe for homes too. I already use florescents in my house for the kitchen and bathroom.

The reason I don’t think i will ever use LEDs for vehicles is because its way way harder to diagnose a malfunction. With the old fashioned filament type bulb, you just look at the filament and see if it’s in one piece. THat’s it. maybe shake it a little and see if you can hear a rattle inside the bulb.

Also, when it comes to my motorcycle, I like old traditional looking things. My bike is very traditional looking and has the styling of a 1970s vintage harley FX or a late sixties vintage triumph bonneville. My bike is a 2005 superglide that has been lowered and stripped down. I got fork gaitors, old style tires, old round mirrors, no front fender, drag pipes, etc.

[Huck]

I’ve yet to see a string of LED Christmas lights that wasn’t instantly recognizable as LED. I might just be pickier about it than the average bear.

[Utah Binger]

[Utah Binger]

Applications:
Track Lighting, Recessed Downlights, Display Lights

Features and Benefits:

Smooth, uniform dimming from 100% to 0.5%
Energy Efficient: Up to 80% less energy than halogen alternatives
Exceeds all ENERGY STAR performance requirements
Long Life; 50,000 hours (Last at least 15 times longer than alternatives)
Very Durable: Solid state lighting technology significantly reduces lighting service & maintenance due to robust lighting design.
Very low heat generation - excellent for sensitive display lighting such as museums.
Excellent color consistency and high color rendering (CRI).

Specifications:

Line Voltage: 120 VAC
Input Power: 17 Watts
Input Line Frequency: 50/60Hz
Lamp Life (Rated): 50,000 Hrs. (Warranty 5 Years)
Minimum Operating Temp: -20­°C
Maximum Operating Temp: 40°C
CCT: 3000K (Natural White)
CRI: 85

[Utah Binger]

[SierraWasp]

May your days be merry and BRIGHT!!!

And may all your Christmasses be WHITE!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS you fantastic FReepers!!!

[MaxMax]

/bump for later

I was just searching the net for info on LEDs.

[Paradox]

LED lighting is not quite there for general lighting. Compact fluorescent still give you more light per watt.

[Carry_Okie]

Compact fluorescent still give you more light per watt.

Not for anything involving directional lighting, such as cans, spots, track, etc. Moreover, that LED wiring can be low voltage is considerably cheaper than 120V wiring. So for new installations, LED is the way to go.

Besides, I hate the warm-up time for CFL bulbs.

[tubebender]

My nephew is working on this for Phillips Luminance. They are designing LED lighting years out. He was on the team that brought you the camera module on you cell phone. 30 years as a EE for HP Optics and it’s derivatives and spinoffs...

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Looks very good....think I see Zion Canyon there,