Powering DirectLite

The most common question we get is, "What's the best way to power the light engines?" Here's the detailed answer:

• Use constant-current drivers. Since LEDs are current-driven devices, they're very sensitive to changes in current. Without these drivers, the light from our engines may appear to pulse as the current fluctuates. You may also shorten the lifespan of the embedded LED.
  
  Each of our light engines has a forward biasing voltage slightly less than 4V. So, a driver listed as 12-24 volts can power 3 to 6 light engines. You can't hook up less than 3. (3 engines X 4V each = 12V minimum) Drivers ranging from 350 to 1000mA are available, with output voltages up to 36VDC. That allows you to connect up to 8 light engines in series.
  

• Running the engines off a standard car battery is not recommended. If you do it, you'll need to use a current-limiting resistor to protect the engine. Use a Resistor Calculator and plug in 3.5V for the drop across the LED and .35-.70 amps for the LED current.
  

• Another option is to use a Buck drive, which can take a wide range of DC/AC voltages and convert them to a constant current output. We've used these extensively and can recommend them.
  

• Yes, you can connect FiberLite engines and DirectLite engines in the same circuit. For the best results, we recommend that you make sure to use engines with the same brand of embedded LED.

Same Proven Formula

DirectLite is built off the exact same light engine as FiberLite. The only difference is: there's no fiber. That's because sometimes you just need a whopping amount of light shining in one spot. Here it is.

What's It Good For?

DirectLite is designed to compliment FiberLite. Taken together, they'll light just about anything you can think of. DirectLite is especially great at making halos behind small objects, relief lighting, and creating brighter spots in logos, signs, architecture and more. It brings bright, wide-angle light to wherever you need it. And it's still just as easy to use and just as durable as our other products.

 

available LEDs Phillips Luxeon Rebel & K2, Cree Xlamp XR-E lifespan 70% lumen maintenance at 50,000 hours light engine dimensions approx 2.25" wide, 1.2" high, 1" deep light engine weight approx. 1.6oz (45g) power supply constant current drivers current 350 to 750mA, DC electrical socket Molex Microfit 3.0 connector