LED Strobes

[wbottomley]

John, can you share some information about the LED strobe lights vs xeon strobe lights?

[John]

This is a comparison of the C9 base strobes.

Brightness: The xeon strobes seem to be a little brighter when viewed from the side, since the xeon tube extends into the lens and the whole xeon tube flashes. Viewed head on, I can't tell the difference.

Price: Christmas Light Show sells the xeon strobes for $6-7 price range.
Creative Displays sold the LED strobes for $3.50 each on the presale and now they are approx $5.25 ea in boxes of ten. During the CDI/LOR sale in July you can get an additional 20% off which would make them $4.20 each.

Duarability - The Christmas Light Show strobes seem to suffer from failures due to condensation, and Darryl suggests drilling vent holes in either the lens if mounted lens down or in the base if mounted lens up. Limits where and how you can use them, after they are drilled, as I have applications for both mounting options. I still experience failures every year with about a third of my xeon stobes. It's still too early to tell about the LEDs until they are used for a season or so.

I have both out right now with my 4th July display mixed in the same string. Did not modify (DRILL) the xeons. nor the LEDs. Last 4th July lost 10 of the xeons, didn't seem to matter if they were drilled or not. (some were - some weren't). So far both types have been out for 4 days with no failures.

My early ratings:

Flash Rate - even - I can't tell the difference once they start fireing

Brightness - slight edge to the xeon

Cost - LEDs win hands down

Durability - too early to tell. Past experience with the xeons - seem to have a pretty high mortality rate. This season will tell if the LEDs suffer the same or not.

Conclusion - In my opinion, I am very impressed with the LED stobes. Love the price, about half (when purchased during the presale). Even IF they fail at the same rate (still too early to tell) of the xeons, I'll be saving money using the LED stobes.

[John]

Correction to the presale price of the LED strobes (found my invoice today)

$ 3.75 each in box of ten = $37.50

[wbottomley]

John, thank you for the info.

I think you have made my mide up for me.

[John]

John, thank you for the info.

I think you have made my mide up for me.

What ???? Are you Crazy???? Relying on my opinion to make a purchase decision ????

[wbottomley]

And, I can't write either!

I don't know were my brain has been lately, LOL!

[Al in Raleigh]

Somebody was going to put some of the strobes in the freezer and see if they work. Did that happen?
Al

[John]

Al,

That was Robin in a post on SCL

http://synchronizedchristmaslights.c...?t=1344&page=2

[Al in Raleigh]

Thanks John,

It seems Robin was going to do it but didn't post his results.
Al

[John]

Maybe they are still in his freezer ?

[davetv102]

Has anyone put one of the strobes in a worklight type reflector and used them for lightning? I was wondering after seeing the ones John brought to the mini that a couple of these with some different timing might give a good effect. I'll try to post some results when my strobe order comes in, already got the clamp on worklight style reflector ready.

[John]

Dave,

On Halloween night I'm on the front porch, and depending on the age range of the kids, I'll change my music (speakers) , and lighting effects (don't want to terrify the real young ones)

Last Halloween I used some of the xeon strobes set up in the round spun aluminum work light reflectors to kick on effects aimed at particular display items when the teenagers show up. Worked pretty well.

Look forward to seeing your results.

[wbottomley]

On Halloween night I'm on the front porch... (don't want to terrify the real young ones)

John, you might want to consider going back inside the house.

[John]

Thanks - William !!!!! Now, will someone help me pull the knife out of my back?

[wbottomley]

LOL John!

I couldn't resist!

Thank you for opening the door.