On 26 Aug 2003 at 12:22, Martin Haggblom-Payne wrote:

<snip>  <a lost art lately>
> 1.  I found a set of 2 halogen lights this weekend at IKEA that I'd like to
> put in the camper for extra light when camping.  They use 10 watt bulbs and
> are designed for under-counter or recessed lighting in a cabinet.  They plug
> into the wall using a transformer that converts 120v 60hz to an output of
> 12V AC 1.67A 20VA.  My question is, will these work in the vanagon if I
> hardwire them to the 12V system(w/out the transformer).  The set was only
> $9.95 so no big deal either way but they would be cool to have in the westy.
<snip>

Hrm.  Probably, here's a quick and dirty way to check.  There is a good chance
that it will work well enough for this.  The issue is only what the lamps draw.
 First, I'd run it on the AC, quickly followed by the float battery.  Switch
back and forth a few times until you get a feel for any brightness change.. If
the brightness does not appear to change significantly, the voltage and current
are appropriate to run it.  A 10% voltage change to an incandescant bulb makes
about a 2 to 1 brightness change, which is very obvious, so only a little
change in brightness, means really close in voltage.

Remember that this is a subjective thing I've told you, so your mileage may
vary a lot.  I take no responsibility for those that don't back up the
judgement with a measurement.  The average DC current on the 12DC source should
be within about 30% of the average AC current when on the adapter.  The 12DC
will most likely be lower value if not charging.

Don't forget to fuse things.  One of those lamps should do well with a 3 amp
slow blow.

tom

------
Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
85 Westphalia GL Albert
96 Jetta GL The Intimidator
taring@taring.org

"It is better to go into a turn slow, and come out fast, than to go into a turn
fast
and come out dead." Stirling Moss