I have wanted to do something like this for quite a while. There are so many options for LED lights, but most use a few AA or AAA batteries, but not eight of them, which would give you 12 volts. I like the lights, but don't like the idea of replacing the batteries. I know, as many will point out, that the batteries do last a long while, but I like to have everything wired to 12 volts. I did find some similar lights at Cabelas that are meant for direct 12 volt wiring. Like many projects, I bought them but havan't wired them in yet.

Which version of the "Dot-It" did you get? I've got the ones with a motion sensor that activates two levels of brightness. The light is a very clean white, the best I've seen in an LED. It has one very bright LED. I think it is called the Dragon light. It comes in white, black, and silver. It has a very low profile. The others I've seen swivel, one version is waterproof, and there is a rectangular one which pivots as well.

Here's a link to the Cabaela's lights:

http://tinyurl.com/6z6kza

The third one over is the one I have- built-in switch, surface mount, 8 LEDs.

Ed in CT

> Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:20:34 -0700
> From: musomuso@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: LED electrical questions (Building a Sylvania "Dot-Its" unit)
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
> Hi all.
>
> I have 3 Dot-Its LED lights. Batteries are dead, I won't buy
> rechargeables, but the LED's are still ok.
>
> Each requires 4.5 V
>
> 3 in series = 13.5V
>
> Assuming they're connected to a 12V supply, will the level/quality of
> light degrade that much?
>
> Do LED's even work on less voltage?
>
> I'll bet other people have these kicking around. I'd post pics of my
> project if it's worthwhile doing. It would be pretty easy if one knows
> how to solder. I'd either make them a moveable unit or hard mounted on
> rear seat lid or wardrobe area.
>
> Would be nice to use up scraps around the house and keep this stuff
> out of landfill for a while.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 JettaWesty "Jaco
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

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