Thread: NASA Supernova LED Navigation Lights

Talbot great post. I would not worry about their power use anyway must be dramatically lower than what most of us are using today. THX barnie

LED light market leader is Lopolight Navigation lights LED based info@lopolight.dk tel: +45 3248 5030 US distributor EuroMarine Trading, Inc. . Protypes tested 60000nm. Correct me if Im wrong./Harry

Lopolight costs £300 (just the Tri) NASA costs £50. Lopo white and red sectors were the same as the NASA. The green sector was not as bright as the NASA. The Lopo cut off even earlier on heel and very abruptly compared to the NASA. IMHO neither are really suitable for a monohull. Orca green at $389 was a consistently lower intensity (but still meeting the 2m regulation) and had a much better ability when heeled. Bebi performance met the...

I wish PBO wasn't so damned expensive here. It's a very good magazine that combines the strengths of Ocean Navigator , Practical Sailor and Good Old Boat .

When dealing with relays there is a minimum current which is referred to as a wetting current which is the minimum current which will help to prevent oxidation of the contacts. If a current far to small for the relay is used for a very long time, the resistance of the contacts can go up substantially. It may be that other connections in the system will behave in the same manner. I would not jump to the conclusion that wire size is marginal.

Quote: Originally Posted by Hurricane Harry ...meaning that with regular bulbs currents are higher cables get warmer, wich helps to keep system dryer as opposed with wires for LED where currents are low you dont get same effect. LED light cables are there for more proof to moisture./Harry Truly, nonsensical, technobabble, bullshti, displaying a astounding ingorance of first principles.

Thanks for the wealth of info, Talbot. I'm going to wait another couple of months but will probably get the Nasa lights. I was willing to pay Lopo prices before I chanced on the Nasa product so maybe I'll get a spare...or five.

You would have to be careful with the coloured lights, as the red and green are supposed to conform to a specific frequency range, and there is some form of certification/testing that can (should?) be performed by the manufacturer. I remember reading a bunch of info about this a while back, and there is a tendency for LED lights to look too blue when used for the green sector. They are great as anchor lights and stern lights, I have them for...

Haven't used the NASA LED lights, but have been watching out for them on eBay. I have several other NASA instruments though - speed, depth, wind and GPS repeater. These have been installed for a bit over 2 years now and, touch wood, have functioned faultlessly so far. They certainly are relatively cheap compared to other more well-known brands.

I believe NASA produce low-cost versions of a number of standard marine items, it certainly is refreshing to have some price-based competition in an otherwise decadently overpriced market.. (no affiliation)