Rewiring LED light strp.

Electronics is not my major, but LED lights operate with power supply that is design for them.
Without major job of redoing power supply, I would seek 12 to 3V power converter what should let you using the dimer.
Or spend couple bucks for new 12v light.

Moved from the TC forum.

Wayne
Moderator

You may be able to find a 12V to 4.5v Pulse width modulator. That would allow you to go from 0 to 4.5 volts. I've never looked for a 4.5, but have bought 5v, 6v, and 12v. I would think a 5V would work fine. They are usually $3 to $5 free shipping.

Look on ebay. You may also find a 12 to 4.5V regulator which would be just on and off.

I did a quick search and didn't find a 4.5V. I did find a 12V to 5V. You'll have to cut the USB connector off but it is real cheap for your initial electronics training.

Paste this in the address line:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Converter-Module-12V-To-5V-3A-15W-USB-Output-Power-Adapter-SC-/251734856189?hash=item3a9c9111fd:g:BHgAAOSw2XFUl-od

Not sure about your light, but all the LED "bulbs" and panel I have installed were reverse polarity protected. But make sure to wire positive to positive and negative to negative.

One source for a cheap 12V to 5V power converter is a cell phone car charger. Get a generic one and wire up as needed in place of the batteries. The dimmer should still work as before. The slightly higher voltage shouldn't cause significant problems for most LED lamps.

Pickup an adjustable BUCK converter from Amazon. Under $10 with a little display on it. You turn a little screw until the screen reads about 4.5 and the rest is just wiring.

Thanks for all the great advice. Got lots of cell phone chargers. This was a nifty light and I hate to throw it away.

go to Amazon or Ebay
look for Drok voltage bucker
this a voltage reducer regulator
they are adjustable
use a digital volt meter, dial the output voltage down to 4.5v
and then wire it to your light
cost about $8
there are many different ones, be sure to get one with the voltage range you want
12v to 3-4v would be good

Mr Wizard, once you set the voltage will the output vary if the input varies, e.g. start a desulfate on the bats?

Also, I have two 12v incandescent rope light just under the step to the back room and around the entry. I'm looking for an led strip that is not bright. Just need to accent.

Thanks

I put these in the back of our toy hauler on the ceiling. I purchased the light strip with power supply and remote for a little over $20. The light strip has many colors to choose from.

led strip

You can find LED reading lights that say 120V but have an adapter to 12V such as --- these for $2. Cut the adapter off and wire to 12V. 12V LEDs are polarity sensitive so if it does not work, reverse the two wires.