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LED lights - A brighter choice? Battery operated LED lighting for display
Exhibitors wishing to know more about battery operated LED lighting for display at shows may find the following information useful. Please note that the research done is in no way a recommendation of, or from, any specific brand or retailer. It has been done in an attempt to provide a base for your own research into what may be a suitable, low cost, alternative to booking a power point at shows where this is necessary. Battery operated LED lighting seems to have come a long way in the last couple of years and in some cases may work very well to illuminate work. None of the items mentioned have been designed specifically for miniaturists but lateral thinking could make what is available very acceptable. There seem to be two main styles:- Flat-backed ‘spot’ lights which could be positioned beneath a shelf to shine on items below. Some have 3 LED bulbs, offer a very small area of light and sometimes come singly or in sets of three or more. Others have 24 LED bulbs, a much more powerful beam and wider area of light. They come with magnetic and Velcro style backing and/or hanging hook. Prices from large well known DIY retailers are about £5.00 each [variable]. There are also 24 LED inspection lights which look a bit like TV remote controllers and have a magnet on the back and a hanging hook. Same source as above and just under £10.00 each. They are all powered by 3 AAA batteries which last between 5 and 10 hours of continuous use. [Enterprising craftsmen could probably create stands on which to fix any of the above.] Reading lamp style. Again from same retail sources the one we have tested has 8 LED bulbs, a small base, flexible neck and long narrow head. A subjective opinion is that it is by far the most suitable for spotlighting miniatures. Cost £2.99 including the batteries. Other similar lamps are available on the internet. Some have clamps to clip on to shelves [check size of jaw opening] whilst others are free standing on bases. Try Ebay, Amazon, or see what your search engine comes up with. You may need more than one lamp and reserve batteries but if they work for you then it could be a very good cost effective solution to booking a power point at each show. Points to check. How many LED bulbs in each light. How wide and strong a beam. How many will I need to replace existing illumination. Will it work out cheaper over several shows. It is highly possible that given the environmental issues, manufacturers may well increase the range currently available, so if you discover a really good source or alternative to any of the above please share it with us so we can pass it on to other exhibitors.
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