ACR Search Light LED Retrofit?

ttmott

ttmott

PhD in OCD
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TECHNICAL Contributor
Apr 3, 2012
8,127
Space Coast Florida
Boat Info
2006 52 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Cummins QSM11
The ACR-RCL-100 search light is now LED.
RCL-100-LED-Searchlights-Front-View-600x600.png

They are a bit pricey to buy a complete replacement. Has anyone done a conversion to their existing Halogen RCL-100 or is there a retrofit "kit"? Mine is in perfect shape except another halogen bulb has retired so I'd like to consider, if possible, a LED conversion....
 
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+1 watching this. I have a spare housing and said the same thing. I used to make custom Scuba lights out of Cree leds, I was thinking to mess with this someday but would prefer to just buy a kit and plug and play.
 
+1 watching this. I have a spare housing and said the same thing. I used to make custom Scuba lights out of Cree leds, I was thinking to mess with this someday but would prefer to just buy a kit and plug and play.
 
ttmott said:
The folks at ACR got back to me today - "A conversion comprises of too many parts and differences; it would be better to purchase a new LED spotlight".
Click to expand...
Thats code for "we could but...we would rather charge you $1500 for a new one" because we can. Very interested in what Saverio has going on with an existing fixture that will fit in the housing.
 
With all the inherent problems and the one in my 450DA being D.O.A. my plan is to permanently remove it - installing a deck plate in it's place.

it's not just the bulb, it's the mechanism and everything.

The replacement cost and likely life span make this a no brainer for me, unless someone has a compelling argument to replace it.

The dash panel will be a good spot for future generator temp & oil pressure gauges !

RWS
 
I was able to rebuild mine. I found from previous post link for a new motor that does vertical travel. that was a small expense on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BX54O8A?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1

The light bar was from ebay. I'm sorry forgot to take more pics yesterday. but i was able to get full travel with the new light and motor. its very bright.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255115469070

I than replaced the plastic plantery gears inside for left and right movement

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184540529122
 
Saverio said:
I was able to rebuild mine. I found from previous post link for a new motor that does vertical travel. that was a small expense on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BX54O8A?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1

The light bar was from ebay. I'm sorry forgot to take more pics yesterday. but i was able to get full travel with the new light and motor. its very bright.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255115469070

I than replaced the plastic plantery gears inside for left and right movement

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184540529122
Click to expand...
In doing some research on the LED lamps I can't find anything that has a narrow beam angle to replicate the beam angle the halogen system has. Most all of the high lumen LED's are for spreader type lighting.
Also for high energy LEDs there needs to be a cooling system or method; what did you do for that?
 
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Thanks for the link on the light but unfortunately the light is out of stock. I will keep it on the watch list and order one when it comes in. For that price I will buy it and test it next to the halogen in the dark and see what it does.
 
ttmott said:
In doing some research on the LED lamps I can't find anything that has a narrow beam angle to replicate the beam angle the halogen system has. Most all of the high lumen LED's are for spreader type lighting.
Also for high energy LEDs there needs to be a cooling system or method; what did you do for that?
Click to expand...
If you’re using the light where you quickly spot something and turn it off, I would expect the built-in cooling fins to be fine. It wouldn’t hurt to check this though.
 
jmauld said:
If you’re using the light where you quickly spot something and turn it off, I would expect the built-in cooling fins to be fine. It wouldn’t hurt to check this though.
Click to expand...
I'd hate to be limited in that respect. I use the light on my boat quite a bit. Keeping the LED lamps cooled is important especially with the higher wattage ones.
 
I just took the light and put it in the housing. I was able to have it pivot with the Allen head minting screws. I tested everything with my Milwaukee drill battery
 
ttmott said:
The folks at ACR got back to me today - "A conversion comprises of too many parts and differences; it would be better to purchase a new LED spotlight".
Click to expand...
When isn’t that true! I’d still like to know how they get a buck and a half for an LED light.
 
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