A/c D/c

[lsorah0001]

I knnw basic electricity, but this may be too deep...If I wanted to hypothetically hook one Christmas light bulb up in my truck, could this be done? With or without resistors, an A/C bulb to a D/C current, is this possible. (I want to hook up something that would go in a strand of lights, not a light itself, then I would just get a 194 and use it.) TIA for any and all help!

--Lee

[Draenor]

Im not understanding what you want to do.

 

 

Anyhows, AC and DC do not mix. You either have to use a rectifier or inverter to switch from one to another.

[badmeds]

I knnw basic electricity, but this may be too deep...If I wanted to hypothetically hook one Christmas light bulb up in my truck, could this be done? With or without resistors, an A/C bulb to a D/C current, is this possible. (I want to hook up something that would go in a strand of lights, not a light itself, then I would just get a 194 and use it.) TIA for any and all help!

--Lee

 

Lee,

 

you have two options. get 12V lights or get an DC to AC converter. We used to run strands of lights around a small bus for hauling the kids around on tacky light tours and used DC lights as these were safer. Make sure you pay attention to your amperage, etc...

 

these links might get you started.

 

http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/dc-c...mas-lights.html

 

http://www.inirgee.com/

[lsorah0001]

Basically, what i have is an "Ornamotor 2" (plugs into a strand of Christmas lights) that rotates an ornament. I wanted to wire it somehow into my truck. I have watched the videos of the disco lights in the overhead console, thought it was cool, and though about going the next step with a mini disco ball, and thought this would be perfect, if I could get usable power to it. Thanks!

--Lee

[Nytemare]

Quick answer. NO.

 

I'm an electronics/mechanical technician. It cannot be done without an inverter, just like badmeds said.

 

 

Basically, the motor in the device is an ac motor, and works on a principal of alternating from positive to negative current in the stator to cause an induction field In turn the armature moves. Or one of the other types AC motor principals.

 

DC doesn't alternate, therefore the motor will not move, and probably just burn up.

[hubbycap]

A cheap cigarette plug inverter from Harbor Freight or any other such Chinese junk-type store would be sufficient.

[Draenor]

A cheap cigarette plug inverter from Harbor Freight or any other such Chinese junk-type store would be sufficient.

The Chinese are trying to kill us.

[Volucris]

Go get an inverter at your local auto parts store. They either plug in your cigarette lighter, or you can wire it to the battery of you want. I have a 400 Watt one, and it works fine for charging radios, running a trouble light, etc.

[99silverado1500]

I picked up a 800 watt inverter at a computer trade show, and it will power everything up to a electric chainsaw, that was the only thing that actually put my inverter on overload. Walmart sells them, as well as harbor freight. I wanted to put "stake sides" on my truck and line them with lights, but neon and all other distractions are illegal in pennsylvania, so i decided against it to avoid a ticket in my case, but an inverter is all you will need to run lights.

[lsorah0001]

I was hoping for something cheaper. Maybe I'll run up on a good cheap DC motor. Thanks for all y'all's help!

--Lee

[Zembonez]

EASY FIX... I run and charge my laptop and digital camera on an inverter and it works great. It was about 50 bucks and there are much cheaper versions if you just wanted to run a string of Christmas lights. Pretty easy and pretty cheap to boot.

[redsled2007]

I was hoping for something cheaper. Maybe I'll run up on a good cheap DC motor. Thanks for all y'all's help!

--Lee

 

CHEAPER!!! I've seen them for $10. How much cheaper do you want????

[08 Sierra Z71]

Stick a 6000 watt generator in the back of the truck and you could run enough lights to make Tim Allen jealous.

[99silverado1500]

Stick a 6000 watt generator in the back of the truck and you could run enough lights to make Tim Allen jealous.

Thats an idea....haha that would be insane...

[superjim]

Stick a 6000 watt generator in the back of the truck and you could run enough lights to make Tim Allen jealous.

 

 

There is an SUV in my area, with a luggage rack on top. He has lights wrapped around all four sides of the luggage rack. Front, rear and both sides. I would ASSume he is using an inverter to power them.

 

 

Jim from Texas