Larson Electronics' Magnalight Announces Release of Battery Powered LED Beacon

Larson Electronics' Magnalight has announced the release of a magnetically mounted and battery powered LED beacon designed to provide complete portability without compromising power. The Magnalight CS-A-24LED Strobe Beacon can be mounted to any surface that will accept a magnet and is powered by 4 AA batteries to produce up to 40 hours of runtime. Visible for up to 3 miles, this unit provides a highly effective alternative to permanently mounted strobe lights that require wires and mounting hardware. 
The Magnalight CS-A-24LED Strobe Beacon is a compact battery powered signal beacon that offers up to 40 hours of operation on a single set of batteries. Designed with portability in mind, this battery powered signal beacon is equipped with a magnetic base that allows operators to mount this unit to any vehicle, equipment or metallic surface that will accept a magnet without the need for wiring or drilling holes. The 70 lbs mounting magnet provides secure placement and makes this unit ideal for towing and equipment applications where a permanent mount strobe is not practical or desired. Capable of being operated in a strobe or constant on mode, operation is controlled by a simple push button mounted on the back of the housing. Sitting only 3.75 inches high and 7.25 inches wide by 1.75 inches deep, this unit is perfect for mounting on equipment and in tight locations where space is at a premium. Built to withstand abuse, this unit is capable of handling the vibration and movement associated with work operations and will provide long service and reliable operation wherever it is applied. This unit comes with an Amber coloration and offers the long life and durability of LEDs in a compact and 100% portable package that can be used anywhere at any time a dependable signaling strobe is needed.

Cree Launches Industry-Leading TEMPO Evaluation Services

CREE, announces the commercial availability of TEMPO Services, a comprehensive set of quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses for LED-based lighting fixtures and lamps. TEMPO (Thermal, Electrical, Mechanical, Photometric and Optical) Services represent the accumulated advantage of Cree's extensive experience with customer LED systems combined with the use of calibrated test equipment to give LED lighting manufacturers and end users confidence in LED product designs.
Third-party labs currently provide testing services, such as IES LM-79, which is widely regarded as the most comprehensive LED luminaire test in the industry. However, through years of experience with component LEDs and Cree LED-based lighting systems, Cree has identified many other aspects of end-product quality that are not and cannot be examined by third parties. These aspects of quality include chemical compatibility between materials used in the luminaire and the LEDs, the effectiveness of mixing slightly different color LEDs for enhanced color consistency and TM-21 LED lifetime projections.
"At Cree, we've really 'seen it all' when it comes to LED components and successful LED designs don't just happen--they are methodically constructed," said Mark McClear, director of applications engineering, Cree. "TEMPO Services can give manufacturers competitive advantages by helping them avoid costly design mistakes and by providing access to a broad range of test environments that are, in many cases, cost-prohibitive for them to build and operate."
Cree offers a range of TEMPO Services to LED luminaire makers, depending on their product development needs. The flagship service is the TEMPO 21 Service, the most comprehensive LED luminaire test available, which measures and analyzes a final product design before submitting it for LM-79 certification. TEMPO 21 examines all the aspects of quality that Cree has identified as critical. Cree then provides the testing results and performance data in a professional, easy-to-read format through the TEMPO report, which can become a valuable piece of product sales collateral for TEMPO customers.In addition to a TEMPO report, the TEMPO 21 Service also includes consultation time with a Cree Application Engineer to review the testing results and highlight possible areas for improvement in the design.
Cree is also offering two quick turnaround testing services so LED system designers do not have to procure, calibrate and operate their own testing equipment during the design validation stage of development. The TEMPO SPOT Service provides measurements of flux, efficacy and chromaticity for luminaires and replacement lamps. The TEMPO FLASH Service provides measurements of flux, chromaticity and throw for torches and other portable lighting designs.

Bridgelux cuts jobs, shifts focus in how it makes LED systems

Bridgelux will cut about one-fifth of its workforce in Livermore, a move brought about by its decision to shift to cheaper ways to produce light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. Livermore-based Bridgelux is cutting 53 out of 250 jobs at its head offices in the East Bay, said Bill Watkins, CEO of the company. Worldwide, Bridgelux has about 300 employees.
These cutbacks come on the heels of the Solyndra shutdown that erased 1,100 jobs.
Bridgelux's products include LED chips that deliver electrical impulses to activate a light bulb or other lighting device. LED chips are the basis for light-emitting diodes in general lighting, cellphones, backlit units in flat-panel televisions, signs, automotive applications and camera flashes for mobile units.

LED startup Switch Lighting hopes to light the way in valley

Silicon Valley is known for computer chips, software companies and social networks -- but not light bulbs.

Switch Lighting, a San Jose startup, hopes to change that. Later this fall, the venture capital-backed company plans to release a new line of bulbs aimed at replacing the ones consumers typically use in lamps and other fixtures.
Switch's bulbs are among a new generation powered by light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, a technology that many experts bet will finally displace the incandescent bulb that Thomas Edison invented more than a century ago, in part because they're much more energy-efficient. Switch hopes to carve out a place in this emerging market by offering bulbs that look better than competitors', produce better light, are more durable -- and potentially cheaper, too.

Engineering a Light Bulb Revolution

Don’t tell Ed Hammer he can’t do something because he’ll likely prove you wrong. Forty years ago as a GE lighting engineer at Nela Labs, Hammer was told his idea for a new energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) wouldn’t work. No one had been able to transform large gas-filled energy-efficient lights into a practical shape that fit the common table lamp. But in the 70s, a national energy crisis was in full swing. Engineers knew fluorescent lights were much more efficient than old incandescents and would cut consumers' skyrocketing light bills. But there was just one problem; how could you make them?
Hammer had an idea. He tinkered in the lab with a new double-helix design, successfully bending a 25 watt gas-filled glass tube into a curly shape with a common light bulb-sized fixture. The next day he brought in a table lamp from home, twisted in the strange looking bulb and voila! “I screwed it in and they liked it,” he remembers.

Lighting Clock

Aether & Hemera Studio was commissioned by Newcastle Council to deliver an interactive lighting feature for Harbottle Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Working with the park's users and the local community they designed a landmark that reflects residents' aspiration for the park. The core idea was to create a welcoming gateway that emphasizes its relations with people and surrounding environment through dynamic LED lights animating the space.

AEP Offering Discount On Some LED Bulbs

American Electric Power of Ohio said Monday it is offering a $10-$15 discount on some LED bulbs. According to a news release, AEP is offering the discount on select models of on ENERGY STAR LED -- or light-emitting diode -- bulbs.The pilot program is part of an overall initiative to reduce the price of select ENERGY STAR-qualified products for AEP Ohio customers."LED bulbs approach 80 percent efficiency, which means 80 percent of their electrical energy is converted to light energy. Compare that with incandescent bulbs, which operate at about 20 percent efficiency," the AEP release said.

Time To Upgrade Your Aquarium Lights?

Several years ago, a new type of light fixture first appeared in the aquarium hobby and really changed the way we kept planted and reef aquariums: the compact fluorescent light bulbs. These narrow, u-shaped tubes put out more light per watt than traditional fixtures and really didn't require anything special: you can buy a regular strip light that replaces the standard one and grow high light plants, even many corals under it. Before long, this technology began to migrate and now all the lamps in my house have funny cork-screw bulbs that are derived from the same technology. Today, a new type of lighting is sweeping the aquarium market, LEDs. Let's take a look at the history behind these lights for the aquarium trade and how they're affecting the market.

LED Spotlight With Ergonomic Handle

The Magnalight HL-7LED-3C Handheld LED Control Light uses seven of the latest CREE EZBright three watt LEDs to produce 1,596 lumens of effective and well focused light. Designed to operate on a variety of voltages ranging from Capable 9 to 48 Volts DC simply by connecting the unit to a suitable power source, this industrial grade spotlight is equipped with a solid composite plastic handle with an ergonomic design for easy handling and a sure grip. Connection to power sources includes a variety of optional cords including 16 and 25 foot straight cords with cigarette plugs, a 21 foot cord with battery clamps, and a 16 foot straight cord ending in battery ring terminals or a cigarette plug. A single heavy duty tension hinge connects the lamp to the handle, and the lamp housing is constructed of heavy extruded aluminum for serious durability.

Lithonia Enhances Indoor LED Offering With Diffuser Lens

Acuity Brands, Inc. has enhanced its LED indoor ambient lighting portfolio with the launch of an expanded line of diffuser lens options for the Lithonia Lighting TLED luminaire. The TLED luminaire is a high-quality, general-purpose troffer with flexible diffuser options, and along with the RTLED, ACLED, and VTLED is part of Lithonia Lighting’s versatile recessed LED indoor ambient lighting product family.
The TLED luminaire maximizes energy savings with the use of advanced LED lighting technology, full-range dimming, and flexible diffuser lens options. Enhanced diffuser options now include the following: an A19 lens/overlay providing high-angle lighting control, a shadowbox square frame offering a diffuse-Lambertian effect; a micro-prism lens/overlay achieving a fine-textured appearance, and a satin white lens giving a soft and uniform volumetric distribution.
“The TLED luminaire complements our portfolio and helps provide a range of flexible options for the lighting designer, all delivering the benefits of LED technology and superior lighting quality,” said Dave Ranieri, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President and General Manager, Lithonia Lighting Commercial Indoor Products.
The TLED luminaire is available nationally through Acuity Brands’ Lithonia Lighting sales representatives and authorized distributors. For more information about the expanded line of diffuser lens options for the Lithonia Lighting TLED luminaire, click here.

Larson Electronics Announces Addition of Trunnion Mounted High Intensity LED Light Bar

The Magnalight LEDP5W-12ET LED Light Bar from Larson Electronics is a versatile and powerful light source designed to provide trouble free operation and versatile mounting, even in demanding and extreme conditions. This 60 watt LED light bar produces 5,556 lumens of light, and is designed to withstand the extreme conditions often associated with marine and industrial operating environments. IP68 rated waterproof to three meters and able to resist the damaging effects of salt water, vibrations, and sandy or dusty conditions, these LED light bars also offer multi-voltage capability and a versatile trunnion mounting system that provides 270 degrees of vertical adjustability after mounting.
The LEDP5W-12ET light bar draws only 5 amps at 60 watts when connected to a 12 volt electrical system, yet produces a well focused 5,556 lumen light beam reaching up to 500' in length when used in spot mode. An optional flood configuration provides a shorter and wider beam for more widespread light coverage of large areas. This LED light bar contains advanced PWM circuitry that provides precise control of the light's operation, allowing users to connect external dimmers or pulse generators to an extra connecting wire and cause the light to dim, flash or strobe as desired. This advanced circuitry design also provides active temperature and voltage control, reducing heat to prolong the life of the LEDs, and allowing the unit to be connected to voltages ranging from 9 to 46VDC without the need for additional external hardware or transformers. An included trunnion mounting system provides added mounting versatility and beam direction adjustability, by allowing the light to be permanently affixed into place, yet still adjusted through 270 degrees of vertical movement, simply by loosening two thumbscrews and repositioning the light head. Stainless steel hardware provides resistance against damage from the elements and corrosive salt water marine environments. This powerful and compact LED light bar is only 3.9" wide, by 2" deep, by 5.5" high, allowing users to mount this light in places where incandescent halogen lights of comparable output will not fit. The housing on this unit is constructed of extruded aluminum and rated IP68, giving it extreme durability and the ability to resist the intrusion of water, dust and sand, even when submerged or exposed to very windy conditions. The 12 CREE XLamp XPG® five watt LEDs in this unit provide high power and reliable output and are rated at 70% lumen maintenance, even after 50,0000 hours of use. This LED light bar offers durability and power that makes it ideal for applications such as marine or industrial operations where a highly reliable and efficient source of illumination is needed.

LED Engin Announces Narrow Beam Lens and Emitter Combinations

LED Engin, Inc., announces the introduction of two narrow-angle TIR (Total Internal Reflection) high efficiency lenses for the company's high flux LuxiGen LZC- and LZP- series emitters. The proprietary 8-degree narrow spot lens and 15-degree spot lens are designed for use with LED Engin's compact, high flux density LZC (12-die) and LZP (24-die) LuxiGen emitters. This combination enables an array of high brightness LEDs to be replaced by a single LED emitter and lens, cutting fixture size by at least 50% and delivering superior beam control.
The TIR lenses collimate the LED light into efficient, well-controlled beams that maximize the usable lumens in the target area. They provide the throw or distance required for many new lighting applications, and do so with a smooth beam of uniform intensity that minimizes glare and creates crisp, single shadows.
The 8-degree narrow spot lens, coupled with the LZC 12-die, multi-color RGB, RGBA or RGBW emitters, provides effective in-source color mixing for dynamic color in entertainment and architectural lighting applications. When used with white LZC or LZP series emitters, the combination can replace 35W metal halide lamps in downlighting and bay lighting applications with an efficient, cool-running unit that has a service life of 50,000 hours.
On-axis efficiencies are 12cd/lm for the 8-degree lens plus LZC emitter and 8cd/lm for the 15-degree lens and LZP emitter. Up to 36,800cd center-beam candle power can be produced by a single lens/emitter combination.
The lenses, which are made from optical-grade polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and UL-rated, are available with holders that mount easily to LED Engin's LuxiGen metal core printed circuit boards (MCPCBs).

LED lighting trial in Victoria Avenue

Wanganui District Council (New Zealand) has installed two LED streetlights in the Bridge Block of Victoria Avenue as part of a trial of the technology. Infrastructure and Property Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens said the lights were installed this week and the trial will then be extended to the City Bridge. "The trial will not only assess how LED lighting can reduce our power and maintenance costs but also how fit for purpose they are in specific environments," Cr Stevens said.

Perko Pole Mount LED Spotlight for Boats

Larson Electronics' Magnalight.com has announced the release of a Perko Stanchion Mounted LED light emitter with included Perko Mount and standard red and green running lights. The Magnalight LEDLB-21-S-E 21 Watt LED Spotlight produces a tightly focused spot beam light pattern that is not normally associated with LED light emitters. This IP67 rated LED fixture contains seven 3 watt LEDs and produces 1,750 lumens, creating a light beam capable of reaching 675 feet in length without the wide beam spread normally produced by LED spotlights. A Perko pole mount fixture with attached red and green running lights allows easy installation and removal and works with most standard Perko mounting sockets.
The Magnalight LEDLB-21-S-E LED Light Emitter on Perko Pole Mount provides boaters with an efficient and effective way to mount a powerful LED spotlight on almost any boat, whether it's a 13 foot skiff or 30 foot cruiser. Producing 1,750 lumens, this compact yet powerful LED light emitter produces an unusually tight spotlight beam capable of reaching distances up to 675 feet in length. While most LED spotlights produce a beam that tends to become wide and washed out at the extreme end of their throw, the beam pattern on this unit more closely resembles that of an HID spotlight and retains good focus all the way through its range. Mounted atop a Standard Perko Stanchion Mount that includes a standard red and green running light assembly which is USCG 1 NM certified, this unit is easily mounted to any standard Perko socket and can simply be removed and stored when the boating season is over. The Perko Stanchion Mount has 2 gold plated connectors embedded in its nylon base to bring power up from the Perko socket and a nylon locking socket to secure the unit once installed. The design of this light and mounting system allows the running lights to remain on whenever power is present at the mount, yet allows the spotlight to be operated independently. This LED fixture is designed to operate on 12 volts DC and draws only 1.6 amps, making it a highly efficient yet powerful light source that outperforms traditional incandescent spotlights by using less than half the amount of power to produce the same amount of light output. The LED light fixture on this unit contains seven Edison Edixeon® Emitters that are housed within an IP67 rated waterproof aluminum body and protected by unbreakable polycarbonate lenses, providing excellent output, durability, and a 50,000 hour rated LED lifespan. Also available in floodlight configurations, this Perko Mounted LED light assembly is ideal for boaters seeking a durable and easily installed spotlight that will improve lighting efficiency without sacrificing effectiveness or reliability.

Philips Introduces Flexible, High Performance Outdoor LED Luminaires

UrbanScape and MetroScape are the latest additions to the broad line-up of Philips outdoor LED luminaires that offer cities and municipalities sustainable, energy-efficient solutions with all the benefits of Philips LUXEON high-power light emitting diodes (LEDs). Through innovative design and the latest in Philips LED technologies, UrbanScape and MetroScape offer flexible solutions that can reduce energy consumption by 40-60 percent over High Intensity Discharge (HID) alternatives and provide a rated life of 100,000 hours, while delivering superior light quality.
UrbanScape is designed to create a fresh modern and minimalistic look for urban projects. Its subtle yet sophisticated details make for a unique design with contemporary, purified lines. In contrast, MetroScape is a stylish retro luminaire designed with the latest technologies, but inspired by the past. Both offer optical systems composed of high performance acrylic refractor lenses which not only provide pole spacing up to 7 times the mounting height but also optimize target lumen for perfect lighting uniformity and intensity on the ground or street.
Based on the Philips LEDgine LED platform, which features best-of-breed Philips technologies such as industry leading LUXEON LEDs and Xitanium drivers, UrbanScape and MetroScape are high performance solutions. With a design that situates the driver in the fitter and away from the heat generated by the LEDs, UrbanScape and MetroScape offer enhanced thermal dissipation and longer life for both the driver and LED. The Xitanium driver also controls the power provided to the LEDs ensuring light output and intensity throughout the lumen depreciation period, while LUXEON LEDs continue to provide industry leading lumen maintenance that supports longer useful life of the solution.
The LEDgine platform also offers the flexibility of a modular approach, which allows for different LED configurations, enabling the systems to be tailored to a customer's unique needs such as application and light output. This helps to ensure that light levels and light quality meet the application requirements, while protecting investment in the lighting system by allowing it to be expanded or adjusted as the lighting requirements for a particular environment evolve. For Landscape Architects and municipalities, this translates to better light rendering and improved ambiance lighting while providing exceptional ROI.

Veeco Instruments Launches Technology Center in Taiwan for LED Industry

Veeco Instruments, a provider of metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) systems for LED manufacturing, has opened its new technology center in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The Taiwan Technology Center (TTC) is established to offer technology support for the LED industry. It is designed to perform process demonstrations, organize quick start programs to convert best known methods, encourage combined technology development programs and offer preliminary access to assess system upgrades. It has Veeco Instruments’ MOCVD systems such as multi-chamber TurboDisc MaxBright MOCVD System.

Consumer Reports' most efficient light bulbs

In January , new federal regulations on energy efficiency will go into effect and begin to phase out standard incandescent light bulbs. While the most popular 60-watt size will continue to be made until 2014, Consumer Reports has been testing alternatives. LED bulbs are very expensive. They can cost from $17 for a table lamp bulb to more than $60 for a floodlight.

LED TV backlight market value drops 18% YoY

According to the LED research arm of TrendForce, the global market value of high-brightness LED this year reached only an estimated $9 billion instead of $10.6 billion, as previously expected. LEDinside stated that the measly YoY eight percent increase was due to the backlight markets weak demand and the plunge in LEDs average selling price, resulting in LED market oversupply. TrendForce predicts that the excess supply situation is likely to remain, and in fact, if the inventory level continues to rise and the price declines more than expected, high-brightness LED backlight market value might decline further.

New ETC Desire LED lighting systems for stage and screen applications

The new ETC Desire range of LED lighting systems have been designed for use on the performance stage, focusing on the importance of true colour, smooth dimming, stable output and customisation for individual needs. LEDs commonly used on the professional lighting scene tend to have a restricted palette available from RGB source fixtures, and combined with a cold unnatural look when set to white, LED lighting systems were often considered unsuitable for serious stage lighting use.

Light bulb company explains IPO

Christchurch energy-bulb maker that got its first big break in South Canterbury is looking to list itself on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Energy Mad managing director Chris Mardon said the company would hold a public presentation in Timaru on Thursday, to explain the company's bid to raise between $5 million and $10m through an initial public offering. "It's an opportunity for people who have supported us from the beginning to hear about what we plan to do next, but also to ask some hard questions. It's one thing to look at the prospectus, it's another to hear it from us in the flesh."

LEDs efficient alternative to phased out incandescent

California decided to replace the least efficient incandescent bulbs one year earlier than the rest of the country. That means 100-watt light bulbs are out because they need to be 72 watts or less. Light-emitting diodes, commonly known as LEDs, are a good alternative because they last a long time, are cooler to the touch and give off great color. Consumer Reports put a variety of LED bulbs through tests in its labs. These bulbs are expensive, anywhere from $17 for a table lamp bulb to more than $60 for a floodlight. "Even with an LED's high cost, you can still save $100 or more over its life compared to a standard incandescent," said Bob Markovich of Consumer Reports.

Dixon in pact to manufacture LED products

Dixon Technologies India Pvt Ltd is setting up a Rs 50-crore facility in Noida to manufacture Lighting Science Group’s (LSG) LED lighting solutions for the India market . As part of the tie-up with the American firm, Dixon will also distribute and sell the LSG lighting products in India. “Our partnership with LSG will make LED technology available for large-scale implementation in the Indian market. We expect to be a market leader in two years,” said Mr Sunil Vachani, Chairman and Managing Director, Dixon Technologies.