The new MOB pole I built has two LED’s that point straight up. They
have a magnifying lens in each end to make a beam.

Question: Is the sun shining down on these LED’s going to cook and
destroy the element that makes the light?

I hope I don’t have to add little hats or umbrellas to my MOB pole?

--

Roger Long

The sun will probably will have no effect but that does mean that the
pattern is Lambertian. Most of the light will be projected upward. You
might look for a couple of LEDs with a batwing pattern to change them out
with. They project more light to the sides.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Roger Long" wrote in message
news
The new MOB pole I built has two LED's that point straight up. They have a
magnifying lens in each end to make a beam.

Question: Is the sun shining down on these LED's going to cook and destroy
the element that makes the light?

I hope I don't have to add little hats or umbrellas to my MOB pole?

--

Roger Long

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote

The sun will probably will have no effect but that does mean that
the pattern is Lambertian. Most of the light will be projected
upward. You might look for a couple of LEDs with a batwing pattern
to change them out with. They project more light to the sides.

My test last night showed plenty of side lobe light. The idea of the
design is that the beams shine up on the pole and flag as well to make
the pole more recognizable if there are shore or other lights around.
This could help you figure out that the other blinking light is on a
lifejacket and that's where you want to be heading.


--

Roger Long

"Typical" half power cone angle is roughly 30-40 deg included. So you will
illuminate the flag and will not see much side illumination.
BF

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote

The sun will probably will have no effect but that does mean that
the pattern is Lambertian. Most of the light will be projected
upward. You might look for a couple of LEDs with a batwing pattern
to change them out with. They project more light to the sides.

My test last night showed plenty of side lobe light. The idea of the
design is that the beams shine up on the pole and flag as well to make
the pole more recognizable if there are shore or other lights around.
This could help you figure out that the other blinking light is on a
lifejacket and that's where you want to be heading.


--

Roger Long

BF" wrote in message
... "Typical" half power
cone angle is roughly 30-40 deg included. So you will
illuminate the flag and will not see much side illumination.
BF

It depends what you mean by "much". I saw plenty last night. This is
for a boat that isn't racing under spinnaker at night so can start
back promptly. I didn't intend it to lead boats or aircraft to the
center of a several square mile search area. For a serious ocean
racer or fast power The primary purpose of the lights is to guide the
person in the water to the pole. I verified last night that they can
see it farther than anyone is likely to swim (in Maine temperatures
anyway).

For a serious ocean racer that might have to beat back a mile or two
after getting the spinnaker down, I probably would try for more side
illumination.

The key thing is getting the pole over very fast. Otherwise, it's just
a distraction leading you to the wrong place.

--

Roger Long

Gee, I don't know Roger............

a little reflective umbrella sounds kinda cool. :-)
and it might add sooome measure of protection, er something.

Bill

"Roger Long" wrote in message
news
The new MOB pole I built has two LED's that point straight up. They have a
magnifying lens in each end to make a beam.

Question: Is the sun shining down on these LED's going to cook and destroy
the element that makes the light?

I hope I don't have to add little hats or umbrellas to my MOB pole?

--

Roger Long

In the long run, sunlight is going to degrade any plastic, including
those LEDs. How long will it take? No idea, but I'd sure be checking
them along the way. The lenses in my running lights were really bad
after 16 years, so I replaced them when I bought the boat.

I have to tear it apart and build a new one in 5 - 10 years anyway
because the batteries are totally sealed inside. Accidental
activation and running down of the batteries would be a drag but I
decided to make it totally watertight.

I now plan to put a short sail tie around the LED's when the boat is
not being used.

BTW Here's what the LED set up looks like:

Http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/MOB.htm#LED

--

Roger Long



"Keith" wrote in message
oups.com...
In the long run, sunlight is going to degrade any plastic, including
those LEDs. How long will it take? No idea, but I'd sure be checking
them along the way. The lenses in my running lights were really bad
after 16 years, so I replaced them when I bought the boat.

Roger Long wrote:
I have to tear it apart and build a new one in 5 - 10 years anyway
because the batteries are totally sealed inside. Accidental
activation and running down of the batteries would be a drag but I
decided to make it totally watertight.

I now plan to put a short sail tie around the LED's when the boat is
not being used.

BTW Here's what the LED set up looks like:

Http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/MOB.htm#LED



It's the 'best looking' MOB pole I've seen.
Hope it works out well for you.

"Don White" wrote

It's the 'best looking' MOB pole I've seen.
Hope it works out well for you.

Let's hope it never HAS to work

--

Roger Long