Frequently Asked Questions
Q: [Are these LED MR16's like landscape
lights?]
A: [These MR16's have the same base and reflector of a regular MR16
but have an array of 32 LED's. These MR16's are both AC and DC.]
Q: [How can you power these MR16's?]
A: [Most Christmas animators use an old PC power supply. Here is a
link to modify a PC ATX power supply for lab
usage but the principal is the same for using the 12 volt DC output
from these. Here is a
link that shows usage of a PC PS and a DC
controller board. You can also power these with a 12 volt AC
landscape transformer.]
Q: [How can you dim and otherwise
control these MR16's?]
A: [These MR16's will need a resister (22 ohm 2 watt) placed in
series between one of the leads. This will allow you to dim them
more effectively. These MR16's do not however have linear dimming
like most incandescent bulbs. There are two DC control boards on the
market currently.
Light-O-Rama and
D-Light offer DC control boards that integrate
with synchronization software and allow you to control the MR16's in
conjunction with music to fade, dim, chase, flash and so on. These
DC controllers also allow control of other devices like servos and
the like.]
There is also a DIY product called a Lynx that will allow you control these with DMX control. Visit http://diylightanimation.com
Q: [What types of bases or holders are
available for these?]
A: [There are many landscape type holders available. Some will not
fit properly because the LED's stick out past the reflector. Some of
the Christmas light enthusiasts make their own. Here is a
sample of some of the home made holders.]
