LED lighting system

[davidbenjamindix]

i wasn't sure which category to post this in, so i chose this one.

I am a woodworker, and building a 20" x 20" x 20" walnut lockbox. I would like to have a LED light system in the interior, but I don't know where to go, or where to start. I'm looking for any suggestions, advice, hints, etc. There will be multiple shelves on the interior, and the bottom of the box will probably be flocked (flocking is a dust felt that is attached to a surface with an adhesive). i would very much like the lights to be somewhat bright, but not shining right in my face when the box opens, and the doors are on the front side (open towards you). i have a 12 volt battery recharger, so i assume i will be running 12 VDC. i also have a 4 channel 12 VDC remote control system (i am running some type of actuator or solenoid off of also), and have yet to determine if the LED's will run directly off of the recharger, or out of the remote system. i think i would like the LED's to turn on automatically when the front doors are opened.

the problem i have is funding. i just started a small business (custom woodworking, piano tuning, live piano music, beekeeping, selling local honey, small-party catering, photography for any occasion), and it's a slow start. basically im shopping cheap. i think i would like to use many inexpensive LED lights, but i will take all suggestions offered, both negative and positive suggestions.

if you would like to see the project in the works, i have most of my woodworking photos posted on my facebook account. feel free to add me as a friend, and you can see what i'm working on. it make help whoever is interested understand what it is going to look like.

my facebook name is David Dix, and my profile photo is a profile of me looking at a firebird. thanks for your time!.

David

 

[(*steve*)]

Firstly, I hope you approve of the avatar I gave you. Feel free to change it if you wish.

OK, you probably need to experiment a little. Many LEDs are quite highly focussed. In the past I have filed the domes end down flat and a matt finish gives a much broader diffuse effect. You may be able to have them fit flush with a wooden panel. I think it could look very good.

One technical detail to consider is that many white LEDs are "cool" white. Cool means more blue -- and I expect that would look pretty out of place in a wooden cabinet. If I were you, I'd go for a warm white -- that's a white that tends to be a little more yellowish.

Have a look at the article on driving LEDs. It will tell you what you need to know. Basically, you should b looking at several LEDs in series, with a resistor to limit the current to (probably) 20mA. You will need to repeat this for every group of three LEDs.

Feel free to post a link your facebook page.

 

[davidbenjamindix]

thanks (*steve*) for the avatar. that will work just grand. i think you're right about the LED color. it's dark walnut. i'll definitely look into a warm white. i do like cool lighting, but it doesn't seem applicable in this specific project. thanks!


facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/davidbdix

 

[davidbenjamindix]

how do i delete threads? if i solved the problem, how do i keep from wasting other people's time by reading the thread?

 

[(*steve*)]

The best thing to do is to post at the bottom of your thread the answer you found. That way, if someone has the same problem in the future they will benefit from your experience.

This works even if you decided something was not possible. That detail may help someone. However if someone else finds a way to do it, and posts their method, you may benefit from that too.

edit: I think if you delete the first post (and you can do that if it's yours) the thread will also be deleted.