Lights

=Lights= toc The LED lights installation is complete.

Installation Location
The picture below shows the LED lights operating at night along the sidewalk from the Science Building.



LED Lights
We are using a LED light that meets the following requirements:
 * 12VDC operation
 * Standard light bulb base (E26/27)
 * Warm white color (~3000K)

We ordered some lights from this place on 10/22. Received 11/10/08. They look something like this:

This is a non-focused version and has a wider field of illumination. The PAR38 type is more focused. We are using 4 bulbs total: a PAR20 and PAR38 on each end of the hedge. Together the bulbs draw ~0.6A, so the total nominal current draw will be ~1.2A.

CFL Alternative
We went to Walmart (8/3) and saw outdoor CFL flood lights that can output 1300 lumens (~90W equivalent). Cost was $7. More light, less cost. The only thing keeping us from running with this option is we would need an inverter, because the CFL's operate from 120VAC. But, as David H. said, CFLs don't have quite the "coolness" factor the LEDs do and maybe CFLs wouldn't generate quite as much educational interest too. But the CFL flood lights throw enough light, and CFLs are a viable option. If we want to pursue the CFL option we need to calculate power requirement, which would be needed to size an inverter. Then we need to find some candidate inverters.

Motion Sensor Option
One way to lengthen battery life is to install a motion sensor near the bushes so the lights turn on only when someone is present. There are 120Vac but no 12Vdc sensors to be found at Home Depot. We "examined" a 120VAC version and managed to connect 12VDC, but it did not function completely. He also found some online. Here's one: http://www.rpc.com.au/catalog/motion-sensor-5amp-p-2104.html. Here's another: http://store.altenergystore.com/Lighting-Fans/Motion-Sensor-Light/Sunwize-12-V-DC-Motion-Sensor/p1709/?source=froogle.

Solar Security Lights
This is also a cool option. These lights are typically LEDs, use a motion sensor to turn on only when needed, and have the solar panel and battery already integrated. Here is one: http://www.solarlightstore.com/solar-spot-lights/flood-lights/motionactivated80ledsecurityfloodlight.cfm. Maybe one or two of these can be installed near the dorm, since this is far away from the battery. We bought one from Sam's Club (I-10/Uvalde) for $60. It's outside the back door of the Upper School Dorm. Good for educational purposes.