Not the typical LED question.

[Doc2012]

If this is in the wrong section, feel free to move it. The reason I'm putting it here is because I have a 3rd Gen, and these will be going on a 3rd Gen.

I've contacted some complanies that make the LED light bars, and other stuff, I've also searched the web for countless hours about LEDs, where I can buy them, and all that information.

In doing so, I've come up with the fact that I can buy, IIRC, 300, 10mm, 140kmcd(micro Candella) LEDs for $66 plus shipping.

According to my research, 1 Candella is roughly equal to 1 candle power, a now obsolete measurement. So, one of those LEDs, wouldn't even give off 1cd. (If my math is completely FUBAR, please correct me.)

The problem with that, is that I want to make my own bars. Actually, I want to put these LEDs into some housings that I have. Maybe make my own bar, who knows where my mind will take me.

I just don't want to spend a stupid amount of money on something that isn't going to get the job done. 66 bucks is a tank of gas for me. That'll get me a lot further than some LEDs will.

Now, my question for you people is, where can I find some LEDs that are decent? I've looked at SuperBright LEDs, and in the component section there seem to be some that MIGHT fit the bill, but I'm not sure.

I'm half tempted to go to HF and get some 1 million candle power flashlights and wire them together; but, again, don't want to dump money into it unless I'm sure it will work. Not to mention those bulbs don't last very long at all.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[rideexileex]

I was in the same boat of wanting to save money and buy the components and make my own bar, but when it's all said and done, it's near worth just buying the bar anyway.

The LED's themselves are one thing, but you also need to power them with LED drivers, and finding a quality driver that has the appropriate power output is critical.

I would also look to buying the components from a major electronics distributor, such as digikey, etc, rather than superbrightleds.com. Granted, those LED websites make the selections look easy, but they're going for profit mainly on low volume sales. You'll save quite a few bucks and have FAR more options.

This link will give you an idea of what all is involved:
DIY Hight Powered LED Light Bar - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

 

[rideexileex]

If I can do a quick sales pitch, I would recommend the Rydel Fab Light bar. Made almost entirely in the USA (apart from the components themselves), small, compact, and 10W CREE LED's. 60W of power for ~300 bucks.

 

[Doc2012]

I was in the same boat of wanting to save money and buy the components and make my own bar, but when it's all said and done, it's near worth just buying the bar anyway.

The LED's themselves are one thing, but you also need to power them with LED drivers, and finding a quality driver that has the appropriate power output is critical.

I would also look to buying the components from a major electronics distributor, such as digikey, etc, rather than superbrightleds.com. Granted, those LED websites make the selections look easy, but they're going for profit mainly on low volume sales. You'll save quite a few bucks and have FAR more options.

This link will give you an idea of what all is involved:
DIY Hight Powered LED Light Bar - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

How I missed that, I have no fawking idea. You, Sir, are awesome. Thank you.

If I can do a quick sales pitch, I would recommend the Rydel Fab Light bar. Made almost entirely in the USA (apart from the components themselves), small, compact, and 10W CREE LED's. 60W of power for ~300 bucks.

Sales pitches are all well and good, and I appreciate the link and the info.

LEDs are something I've been fawking around with for about a year now. First, I did my dome light. Didn't turn out so well the first time, and need to get the time to do it again, but I have the idea down.

I just think it would be bad ass to be able to make my own light bars. According to the Pirate link, he made all three of his for about 180 bucks. Unless I read it wrong.

I'm sure I could cut some of those costs by making my own housings, but only time will tell.

I'll be sure to do a build thread on them.

 

[rideexileex]

No problem!

That thread goes over the build process quite well. I think he has updated it in there to include this link now too:

TaskLED Home

That was a website I had found right about the same time, that sells high power LED drivers. Best of luck!