Noticed in Supercheap Auto catalogue today a 30 cm Slimline Neon Light. 12 volt. On/Off switch located on cigarette lighter plug. 2 metre cable length. Available in different colours. Now! what I want to know is: If you had that plugged into your cigarette lighter without the car running wouldn't it run your car battery flat?
It would be great in the back of van for light but with some other form of plug in.
Oh by the way $19.99
Now before you say one thick female, I mean key on but motor not running.
ozi2 said
06:49 AM Jan 7, 2011
Hi Happywanderer, yes, you are correct in it would draw from the cars battery as it isnt isolated. I'm sure you will get lots of good info from the tech heads on this subject If you are looking for external lighting for your new van then some of the LED lights seem to be the go today....not always cheap, but hopefully some of the tech guys can give far better comment on what would suit. Enjoy your new purchase, ozi2
jimricho said
07:08 AM Jan 7, 2011
Leaving the key "on" (either in the "aux" or "ign" position) will over time flatten the battery anyway whether or not there's this light plugged in. Likewise if interior lights are run for extended periods.
A small battery pack may be the answer to provide power for some lighting when you're camped
I doubt it would be a "neon" light but either a fluorescent or a LED light, possibly the 30 LED light on (I think) page 13. This is not just being pedantic as the difference between these types is significant in answering questions such as this.
LED lights draw much less power than Fluoros but I think that fluoros give a nicer light but would need a larger battery pack.
Life wasn't meant to be simple!
PS: I was composing this post while ozi2 was posting his/hers.
I find it's handy to have a portable 240v fluorescent light to use when "ground" power is available. Supercheap may stock these too.
-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 7th of January 2011 07:12:44 AM
Happywanderer said
05:48 PM Jan 7, 2011
I bought something at a camping sale recently. Will go check it out. Back in a tick.
Happywanderer said
05:52 PM Jan 7, 2011
Its an Oztrail Battery Lantern. Stainless Steel Composite 9 watt Unltra Bright U tube + LED
Cost me 20.00 Think they are usually twice that price. Requires 4 D batteries.
Beth54 said
05:29 PM Jan 8, 2011
I just use a head lamp. I get teased a bit becuase it looks a bit silly, but I don't care, it's great!
I can use it while cooking, see into the pot or pan, and for reading in bed.
They cost anywhere from $10 to $50. I recommend one with a larger wattage or whatever it's called, so it'as brighter. It's packed away with Gypsy, so I can't get my hands on it to see what brand etc.
The only thing you have to remember is when someone speaks to you, you'll likely blind them when you look at them. Best to turn it off after when you walk away from the cooking.
Ron and Shirley said
07:02 PM Jan 8, 2011
Absolutely right Beth. They are a must have item for any camper.
Soon as it gets dark I reach for mine to do the outdoor cooking, and any other jobs around the camp, plus when walking the dog last thing before bed.
Some of the latest LED ones are just so bright they can be quite blinding when people forget they are wearing them and don't turn them off.
Gerty Dancer said
07:23 PM Jan 8, 2011
We have a flourescent light something like the one you are describing HW, it has a low power consumption, and as its only used for an hour or 2 in the evenings it hasnt flattened any batteries, and gives us a really brilliant light! Used to use it a lot with the camper trailer, hung on a post a couple of meters away to attract the insects away from the cooking, while still being able to see what I was doing.
PS. Just realised we havent used it since we've had the caravan.
Happywanderer said
08:58 PM Jan 8, 2011
Beth, where do you get the head lamps from? What a great idea.
Have only seen them on miners going underground.
Beth54 said
09:11 PM Jan 8, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
Beth, where do you get the head lamps from? What a great idea. Have only seen them on miners going underground.
Generally all the camping shops have them. My first one was from a cheapie shop, but it died, so there's probably a lesson there.
The boys in our family have been using them for years and swear by them.
here's a good one and it's only $115.00
http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/showProduct/HEADLAMPS/LED+LENSER+HEADLAMPS/ZL7871/LED+LENSER+H7R+RECHARGEABLE+HEADLAMP+-+MODEL+ZL7871E
Happywanderer said
01:43 PM Jan 9, 2011
No Beth, feeling worse. Didn't get much sleep last night as had trouble breathing and now have a thumping head and full sinuses.
Was talking to my sister this morning who lives down in Geelong. She said there is a gastro/virus going around. Starts with the runs(diahrea??) , goes next to a raw throat then the head gets full of the flue, she said dozens down there have had it and the only thing that will help is sudafed and gargle with betadine throat gargle.
That is exactly what I have had and didn't know the connection till she told me.
Haven't even driven my new van since I got it home on Friday, p.......d off.
Patto44 said
05:27 PM Jan 9, 2011
Check out the 'markets'. Have seen them for around $5 to $10. I bought several while in Bali and paid about $3 including batteries. They use AA orAAA.
jimricho said
05:46 PM Jan 9, 2011
Take it easy and rest up Marj, plenty of time to test out the new rig when you're a bit better.
cheers,
Jim
Beth54 said
08:48 PM Jan 9, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
No Beth, feeling worse. Didn't get much sleep last night as had trouble breathing and now have a thumping head and full sinuses. Was talking to my sister this morning who lives down in Geelong. She said there is a gastro/virus going around. Starts with the runs(diahrea??) , goes next to a raw throat then the head gets full of the flue, she said dozens down there have had it and the only thing that will help is sudafed and gargle with betadine throat gargle. That is exactly what I have had and didn't know the connection till she told me. Haven't even driven my new van since I got it home on Friday, p.......d off.
Oh that's no good Marj. My son and daughter-in-law had some sort of gastro bug this week just gone too. I don't think it was that severe though.
Yes, just rest up, drink plenty of fluids yada yada...you're a Mum, you'd know all that stuff.
Allara said
07:11 AM Jan 10, 2011
HW, Sorry to hear you are not better yet, try and take a multi vitamin, some B and C also as you are probably not eating well if you are crook. A friend in Canberra is still getting over it and it has been about 4 weeks.
The headlamp that Beth has is the same as the ones that the scouts get. They use them all the time, great for camping. They use a more robust one when they go caving and take the smaller one as backup. I might add, I stay above groung, the other leaders do the gopher thing.....not that brave.
denninelli said
08:57 AM Jan 14, 2011
I have a flouro light that hooks into a battery. I use one of those battery packs that you can also use to start the car when you make the mistake of leaving the car and van hooked together and accidentallly use the 12v light in the van (done it more than once - oooooops!). That pack has kept light going plus recharged phone etc for up to a week before needing recharging.
patrolst said
06:51 AM Jan 17, 2011
Hi If you check out Annaconda they have specials on the head lights I picked up 2 for $15.00 last year. Regards Jim.
Now! what I want to know is: If you had that plugged into your cigarette lighter without the car running wouldn't it run your car battery flat?
It would be great in the back of van for light but with some other form of plug in.
Oh by the way $19.99
Now before you say one thick female, I mean key on but motor not running.
If you are looking for external lighting for your new van then some of the LED lights seem to be the go today....not always cheap, but hopefully some of the tech guys can give far better comment on what would suit.
Enjoy your new purchase,
ozi2
A small battery pack may be the answer to provide power for some lighting when you're camped
I doubt it would be a "neon" light but either a fluorescent or a LED light, possibly the 30 LED light on (I think) page 13. This is not just being pedantic as the difference between these types is significant in answering questions such as this.
LED lights draw much less power than Fluoros but I think that fluoros give a nicer light but would need a larger battery pack.
Life wasn't meant to be simple!
PS: I was composing this post while ozi2 was posting his/hers.
I find it's handy to have a portable 240v fluorescent light to use when "ground" power is available. Supercheap may stock these too.
-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 7th of January 2011 07:12:44 AM
I can use it while cooking, see into the pot or pan, and for reading in bed.
They cost anywhere from $10 to $50. I recommend one with a larger wattage or whatever it's called, so it'as brighter. It's packed away with Gypsy, so I can't get my hands on it to see what brand etc.
The only thing you have to remember is when someone speaks to you, you'll likely blind them when you look at them.
They are a must have item for any camper.
Soon as it gets dark I reach for mine to do the outdoor cooking, and any other jobs around the camp, plus when walking the dog last thing before bed.
Some of the latest LED ones are just so bright they can be quite blinding when people forget they are wearing them and don't turn them off.
Generally all the camping shops have them. My first one was from a cheapie shop, but it died, so there's probably a lesson there.
The boys in our family have been using them for years and swear by them.
http://www.downundercamping.com.au/home.php?cat=507
-- Edited by Beth54 on Saturday 8th of January 2011 09:12:02 PM
-- Edited by Beth54 on Saturday 8th of January 2011 09:13:25 PM
By the way Marj, are you feeling better today?
I bought several while in Bali and paid about $3 including batteries. They use AA orAAA.
Yes, just rest up, drink plenty of fluids yada yada...you're a Mum, you'd know all that stuff.
If you check out Annaconda they have specials on the head lights I picked up 2 for $15.00 last year.
Regards Jim.