Help with a lighting structure.

al3c1 · Post by **al3c1** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 6:34 pm

Hi everyone.

I’m looking for some help with building a light structure…
My apologies if there are other posts about this subject but when I browsed, I didn’t see any.

So, I’m building a light structure to help identify our camp at night from afar.
The primary problem I’m experiencing at the moment is choosing a suitable light.
I was wondering if anyone could share any information/experience about this subject, in the construction of the structure, but mostly in the choice of the light…
I’ve been looking at marine navigation lights used on boats as well as various strobe beacons. The marine lights are static, white, and bland but guarantee at least 2 mile visibility. While the strobe beacons are more aesthetically pleasing, and are a more distinct light, but don’t provide any information about distance visibility.

That’s the general question I have, any experience/stories are appreciated.
I have some other boring details regarding power draw, cost, the structure, and my options which I can post if need be.

Thank you for any help.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 7:28 pm

If your going to just stick a pole in the air then cover it with xmas lights or the cool rope light and place the strobe on top.. It's what we did years ago.. But now we just use the lighted landmarks around us.. Works well for us..
Welcome Home

Gravity Mike · Post by **Gravity Mike** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:22 pm

The base is a 31-foot collapsable fiberglass pole - found online. It took a month of weekends to sew the banner, it's polyester flag fabric. The lanterns are chinese paper lanterns, sprayed a bit with clear coat for extra strength. Originally used brake lights (in this photo), but have since upgraded to LED clusters. The only recurring problem is the latern wiring twists around and strains and brakes. Everything else had held up for several years without damage - even the lanterns!

When we were placed around 'A' or 'B' you could see it from the man. Now that we're a new suburban interface zone camp, you have to be within 3 or 4 blocks, depending upon other nearby structures.

Gravity

Davoid · Post by **Davoid** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:26 am

I don't think you need to go with the 2-mile visibility, unless you've got some theme going on that depends on it. If it's just for finding your camp, let your general sense of direction and knowledge of the streets point you home, and as you get close, your cool strobe (or what have you) can guide you the rest of the way.

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:49 am

And if you have an uber-bright light, please be kind and make sure it doesn't blind your neighbors.