Vibration resistant lamps for nav lights?

9D280 · 05 December 2012, 09:51

OK, simple Q, Lots of LED "pimp my Saxo" LED lamps put there, but what I'm after is something with a bayonet to fit a plastimo 10W ARW that so far has not survived more than 5 mins of being switched on - it's on a "legal length" pole so does whang about a lot up there (vibrations etc) and without fail has been shaken to bits at every attempt. Three bulbs so far in three attempts.

So, anyone know of any "tough" bulbs, or LED replacements that are "nav legal"?

Thanks.

SPR · 05 December 2012, 10:26

don't believe they are such a thing! I think you need to buy new light fittings ...

Cookee · 05 December 2012, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPR

don't believe they are such a thing! I think you need to buy new light fittings ...

+1 I'm afraid!

The only other options I see are stabilise your pole better or purchase LED bulbs for the existing fitting although they wouldn't be approved they would still do the job - at the end of the day it isn't commercial?

9D280 · 05 December 2012, 11:09

I'm sure I've seen "tough" bulbs advertised, but can't find anywhere on t'net....

Stabilise the pole is going to be easier said than done - It has to hinge or it will be removed instantly on removal from the garage.... I guess a weight at the top might damp the vibrations a bit, but that's going to take a fair bit of experimenting & is more likely to destroy the hinge....

No, not commercial, so LED could be a way out. I guess a bit of stage lighting diffuser gel round the inside of the housing might even out the light from an LED a bit?

Ironically my other ARW (which I was going to put an LED in so I could use it under "main fail" conditions and max the battery life for the VHF (Aux has no alternator) and is the same bulb - It's been up there for 5 years with no issues, granted not on the end of a 0.75m pole...

oracle · 05 December 2012, 13:15

These guys have an interesting looking range, haven't used them so can't comment on quality or durability but they seem to have quite a range.

Aten Lighting - Supplier of High Quality LED Lights

maxg · 05 December 2012, 16:11

We use these types of bulbs a lot on site. They are specifically made to be
manhandled.
Don't know if that's what your after.
You can get different types it the "rough in service" that's the important bit.

Rough Service Lamps BC & ES Ligh Bulbs

Peter_C · 05 December 2012, 17:51

I don't know your bulb numbering system but is it an 1156 bulb? Or? I have never heard of LED not being approved as they are typically brighter and whiter than an incandescent bulb. Totally legal here in the USA, and actually preferred as they don't fail very often.

9D280 · 06 December 2012, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxg

We use these types of bulbs a lot on site. They are specifically made to be
manhandled.
Don't know if that's what your after.
You can get different types it the "rough in service" that's the important bit.

Rough Service Lamps BC & ES Ligh Bulbs

Yeah, found plenty of links to that kind of thing - only problem being the bulb I'm after is on a par with the sidelamp bulb on your car!

Thanks for the link anyway.

Poly · 06 December 2012, 09:13

9d,

Is it something like this you are looking for? 382 Super Bright 60 LED Bulb

Although if my experience is anything to go by - half the problem is cheap bayonet fittings where the bulb rattles loose.

9D280 · 10 December 2012, 11:45

Poly,

Do you mean the bulb in the fitting or the glass - bayonet joint?

I have already had to "modify" the fitting in both my ARW lamps - now can't take the bulb out without a pair of pliers, but at least it stays put & on....

Poly · 10 December 2012, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

Poly,

Do you mean the bulb in the fitting or the glass - bayonet joint?

I have already had to "modify" the fitting in both my ARW lamps - now can't take the bulb out without a pair of pliers, but at least it stays put & on....

Aye, the cheap metal work comes loose. I wonder if using pliers to fit glass bulbs is part of your lifetime issue though!

9D280 · 10 December 2012, 15:02

Not like that

- I use the pliers to put a small "pre- tension" in the silly bit of pressed steel that supposedly holds the bulb in.

Sufficient that it needs a gentle "un squeeze" to allow the bulb in and then spring back to actually grip it & make contact.

Fingers only on the bulb itself!

Peter_C · 10 December 2012, 18:38

What about taking the fitting and throwing it away. Then get a multiple LED bulb and solder it in place and fit it with a hot glue gun or something into its rightful spot. This would eliminate the failure from the fitting.

You might also want to check into using a bungee from about the half way point in order to stabilize the light pole. Sounds like it is kinda violent up there.