12VDC Light Activated PhotoSwitch

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon May 31, 2010 10:05 pm

I am looking to install a light(dark) activated switch for my string of blue/yellow (near natural spectrum) LED lights that I use for night lighting on the boat. These are powered by a large 12VDC gel cell, which is charged by a 5W solar panel.

I want to have these LED lights come on every night at dusk, and shut off at dawn. I used to leave them on 24x7, but they drew more than the 5W solar panel supplied in a 10-12 hours of light.

I purchased a Malibu low-voltage lighting photo-switch a few years ao, but then discovered that malibu low voltage lights are AC, not DC ...

Has anyone here done this, or si anyone familiar with a nice, reliable, inexpensive 12VDC photoswitch?

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon May 31, 2010 10:50 pm

Flexcharge manufactures a 12v autamatic switch, great for anchor light and such. Will handle 10 amps. They also have 12 volt programmable timers. I believe West Marine carries them.

http://www.flexcharge.com/flexcharge_us ... tchman.htm

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon May 31, 2010 11:04 pm

Yes, the Flexcharge Night Watchman looks very popular (but fairly expensive). http://www.flexcharge.com/flexcharge_us ... tchman.htm

http://www.solarseller.com/dc_photoswit ... otoswitch_
$29.50 + shipping.

I'll check with my suppliers and see if I can get it wholesale. I see kits for $9.95, but they involve soldering components on PC boards - too much work (and not sealed).

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:29 pm

Which ever you choose, it goes without saying that you should hook up an "AUTO/MANUAL" switch to bypass the unit. Also, some make the mistake of mounting the photocell in an area that is lit up by the load, like mounting the unit at the helm to control the anchor light. The result in such an instalation is feedback.