Led pilot lights

[flyboyo2]

My measuring ability runs 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, etc. any of those other fractions are meaningless to me. Consequently as I am in need of 5 led pilot lights to replace the ones on the instrument panel beneath the boat schematic I am, at sea, so to speak.   
The best I can measure, the press in hole is 1/4 inch in diameter. There are plenty of these lights to be had on the 'net but the measurements they give have me baffled.  Therefore, has anyone replaced these lights on your boat recently?  If so please give me the benefit of your expertise before I go

[dirtwheelsfl]

Picture??

[flyboyo2]

These 5 small lights on the boat schematic between the switch panel and the wheel.  They are available but I'm at a loss as to what size due to the various voltages, amp draw and sundry other specs.  I'm certain the body is 1/4 inch and the lip where the bulb is  5/16.  Otherwise, nada.

[Capt. Bob]

Are those not "grain of wheat" miniature incandescent lamps? I doubt the factory was using LEDs in 89, so you are looking to upgrade correct?

I know the wheat bulbs come in various voltages so 12v handles that. The incandescent bulb that size wattage is about a half a watt and draws about .05 amps. Not a lot though LEDs draw far less.

A .25" lamp is a little bigger than 6mm. Most LEDs I've seen are sold in metric size. Looking underneath the panel, can you see how the lamp is connected to the base or is it all one piece?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-pcs-Red-5mm-Grain-of-Wheat-Bulbs-Wire-Bulbs-Lighting-kit-12V-95mA-/131493955756

This seems to fit your dimensions.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-wired-bolts/wired-12vdc-led/55/#/tab/Specifications

A photo of the panel bottom would be nice. I'm certainly not an LED expert but fiddle with model trains and read where modellers are using these miniature LEDs to add illumination to their displays. Seems they use an LED that is about 2V+/- from what I've read. They add a resister between the 12v power and the bulb to achieve the operating voltage but you may find a small LED that has it build in.

Where did you find replacements? Link?

Good luck and post your results as you move forward. While we have seen this console panel before, I believe you are the first replacing the lamps.

[flyboyo2]

Capt. Bob,

I'm sure you are right about the LEDs verses "grain of wheat".  While searching the net all I found were LEDs.  I need a shank lenght of .53 inches.  I finally found many suppliers but most want a minimum order and my 5 + 2 doesn't come close.  Onward with the search.

I will check your links for g of w.

Thanks for the help.

[RickK]

That's interesting - I never knew of "grain of wheat" bulbs - dang CB, you're a wealth of knowledge 

[Capt. Bob]

There exist an even smaller lamp known as a "grain of rice".

Wheat and rice are often interchanged when referring to miniature lamps.

Modellers are high on those, especially the smaller (HO and N) scale junkies.

[GoneFission]

You can chain the small LEDs together to make them work with 12 VDC.  Most small LEDs are 3V or 4V forward voltage.  Just string 4 of them together in series and they will work on 12V with no resistor or driver required.  Remember LEDs are diodes and are polarized, so you have to put the negative to the positive to make them work.  Reverse one LED and the chain won't work. 

You can get the little 5mm LEDs in your choice of color cheap on eBay.  How about 100 for $3?   http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-5mm-White-Red-Blue-Green-Yellow-Round-LED-Light-Bulb-Emitting-Diode-Lamp-/331174189830?hash=item4d1b851b06:g:kuEAAOSwuTxWAC10 

Good luck! 

[Capt. Bob]

Would not wiring in series require all the lamps functioning at the same time? Kinda like Xmas decorations.

His control panel may indeed be all lit at once, if he switches everything on at the same time (then you just need one big Frankenstein knife switch)  .........but it would seem that the panel would have some on at a certain time while others remain off depending on their various functions.

[RickK]

If you use these type of panel lights (LEDs) they have integral resistor so you connect the negative (black) lead to the negative buss bar and connect the positive lead to the output side of the switch and it'll come on when you activate the device/switch.
This one is ready for 12V.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/5590103007F/350-2126-ND/1693259

[GoneFission]

Would not wiring in series require all the lamps functioning at the same time? Kinda like Xmas decorations.

True - but remember LEDs have a 20,000 hour life,  so they don't exactly burn out at the same rate as cheap Xmas lights.     Many LED marine side and bow lights on the market have the bulbs wired in series rather than parallel. 

[flyboyo2]

What RickK said. The LEDs are individually switched, 5 of them, nav lights, anchor light, bilge pump, panel lights, bait well.  My lights were 6.35 mm,WTH, Paneltronics has all sizes and colors.  They are in the mail. 

[wingtime]

most LED should run fine on 12V.  Have you checked superbrite LEDs?

[flyboyo2]

Gottem' from Paneltronics, they fit perfectly.

[Downloader]

What size did you order??

Thanks in advance.