Outdoors Icicle Xmas Lights

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Outdoors Icicle Xmas Lights

networkn

Networkn
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#225797 6-Dec-2017 09:43

Having a look around, waterproof LED seem to sit in 2 price brackets. $70-90 for AC Powered, or $30-40 for Solar. Quite a big difference.

I'd prefer something I can schedule to be on and off with a smart switch and also worried solar isn't reliable.

Anyone have experience either way?

russelo

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#1913746 6-Dec-2017 10:10

Bought 800 led icicle solar from bunnings for $78.

It's got 3x AA batteries inside. It uses the solar itself as the light sensor (turns on when no power feed).

Surprisingly bright and light lasts till dawn (~9pm to ~530am).

Bought another 200 led icicle from warehouse for $15.

Only 1 AA battery inside and smaller solar panel. Weak light and maybe last only 3 to 4 hours.

MikeAqua

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#1913753 6-Dec-2017 10:18

We have several sets of solar outdoor 'xmas lights'. Not icicles but functionally similar - i.e. a lot of small LED lights.

They tend to have built in day/night timer, which takes care of switching for you.

We leave them up year round in the seating areas spaces and they last 2 or 3 years.

They usually get enough solar to last through the night, even in winter. If we have several days rain in the depths of winter they will struggle, but come right once the weather clears.

We are in Nelson so high sunlight hours.

Mike

networkn

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#1913755 6-Dec-2017 10:19

Thanks. I opted to buy 1 set of each and will compare. Not a massive investment overall and the kids love the lights at xmas! (Dad does as well ssh don't tell anyone) :)

davidcole

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#1913777 6-Dec-2017 10:44

networkn:

Thanks. I opted to buy 1 set of each and will compare. Not a massive investment overall and the kids love the lights at xmas! (Dad does as well ssh don't tell anyone) :)

I wonder if the solar could be played with to give enough power to a Wemos D1 Mini, so you could control/override them. Stick it all in the waterproof box.

You'd need a panel, a lithium charger (though I took one of these solar ones apart and the circuit board was very similar to my lithium charger), and make sure the wireless gets out there.

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