Solar & LED lighting

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catdancing0531
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Solar & LED lighting

I love LED lights for their energy efficiency.  I've had some training in solar, and felt LEDs were the way to go.  However, I've become aware in recent years that the blue light from LEDs can interfere with sleep, and electronics with LED back lighting (laptops, smart phones, etc.) are harmful to the eyes and in particular macular health.  I suffer from macular health issues, so I'm sensitive to LED lighting.  I do have blue light blocking eyewear, but that doesn't take care of it all.

I've ordered a 2019 Scamp 16' layout 4 and understand that all the lights are LEDs.  The only solution I know of is to install extra 120V outlets so I can plug in regular lamps in which I can use non-LED bulbs (esp. pink incandescent lights for night time use).  Any other suggestions for this dilemma are welcomed.

I do plan to go solar, but total LED lighting is not the ultimate answer.  It's a balance.  Has anyone else thought about this?

salukispeed
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I am no expert so take with a

I am no expert so take with a grain of salt, But  white led's come in several color types from 5,000 k = bluish or daylight to 2,700 k which is much softer and closer to incandescent, Sometimes called warm white or even soft white . almost all white LED's are actually blue with Phosphorous coating which converts the UV from the Blue to white just like fluorescent lights do. and the different phosphorous types used create different colors.   I do not know if the softer, lower K would affect you the same or not. You could replace the harsh daylight whites with warm white or maybe even yellow at the cost of a little brightness and they would have zero blue and possibly attract fewer bugs. I do not like the bluish Daylight my self and favor the softer types. Many fixtures use standard bulbs and this could give you several possible solutions. There is even Pink LEDs but they are costly and use the same process as the white starting with blue source. 

Since all scamps are custom built you might discuss  starting with incandescent and then trying your own LED replacement bulbs. Yellow and warm white are easy to get. 

We too have a 2019 scamp ordered for June delivery but it is only a 13 with shower/toilet. 

2019 Scamp 13 standard

ac0gv
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I went with 3000.......

........,because that was that was the yellowest I could get at the time.

http://www.theledlight.com/color_chart.html

 

catdancing0531
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I don't have a problem with

I don't have a problem with paying more for a pink LED light as I'm sure in the long run it would end up still costing less than a pink incandescent bulb.  I've seen pink LEDs in stores and thought about buying some.  But, I think any LED still emits blue light, not matter what it's color.  I just did a little research and found this comment "the Definitely Digital Good Night LED ($70), claims to emit less blue light than other LED bulbs. Consumer Reports tested this claim and found that the bulb did emit less blue light than other LEDs. But this doesn’t mean that they have less blue light than other types of bulbs or that they actually help people fall asleep."

From what I've read, LED bulbs contain a lot more blue light than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and incandescent bulbs,  and Incandescent lights have the least blue wavelengths.

So, I guess what I'd like to find is a method to replace some of the LED lights in the Scamp trailers, since just changing the LED color won't significantly reduce the blue wavelengths, as I understand it.  The only thing I thought of was extra 120V outlets to plug in other lamps that I can use non-LED lights in.

I am also talking to Scamp about this, but don't have a definite solution yet.

Other thoughts appreciated.

Greg A
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Bulbs

There is quite a bit of info in our solar resource section on LEDs

Experimenting with the “warm white” would probably be the only way for you to determine your sensitivity as each person will be different. I don’t know what fixtures SCAMP is currently installing, but the common T10 or Bayonet bases can simply be changed out to incandescent or warm LED’s once you find what would work for you. Ask them what base the bulbs are in the light fixtures they are currently installing and you’ll know what to shop for.

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catdancing0531
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bulbs

I did read over the info on the solar resource section about LEDs.  Any LED is going to be too much blue light for me, since they all have a lot of blue light.  I think my best bet is to confer with Scamp and see if in fact the current LED light fixtures that they are using can be swapped out for other bulbs...or go the route of the extra 120V outlets.

Thanks.

Greg A
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Bulb info

When you find out what type of fixtures they are using and which type bulb they take, please post that info back here so we know what they’re currently installing. Unless they’re using one of the fixed LED fixtures it should be an easy swap to the type of bulbs you need.

Interesting on reading up on the LED blue light issue, it also mentions other items that are very bad for “blue light” emission and one should have very limited exposure to in evening hours. Smart phones, laptops, tablets, TV’s or any device with an LED screen which is most things nowadays. I guess as a retired IT guy that’s part of the reason Melatonin supplements when needed at night have always been a part of my regimen. There appears to be quite a bit of information and research starting to show up on this when you search the topic.

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salukispeed
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yellow

A bit of searching and it seems that yellow  Led's can be just that and not have much if any blue. The spectrum on many yellow are slightly touching the fringes of green and the beginnings of orange but blue  not so much. An outfit like Superbright LEDs has a very complete staff  and listing with people that may be able to assist you with the blue concerns. I buy from them occasionally and they have been helpful when needed.

Good luck keep us posted

2019 Scamp 13 standard

catdancing0531
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can change fixtures

Just spoke with Jim at Scamp.  Apparently, they can swap out the light fixtures for ones that will allow for an assortment of bulbs: LED, CFL, incandescent.  That would be the ideal solution for me.  Kent, the owner and the one who make final decision on this, is suppose to call me closer to the time my Scamp is ready and we'll talk about this.  So, I may have more info in a few weeks.  I'll post an update when I have it.

ac0gv
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Changing fixtures

The stock Scamp fixtures can already hold LED lamps, no changes needed.

catdancing0531
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changing fixtures

Right, but some of them can ONLY use LED lamps and I want to be able to install CFLs or incandescent (due to the blue light problem with LEDs).  Thanks. 

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