Anyone have a LED dusk to dawn pole light?

[Sysop]

I can't light my yard enough to see it all, so chances of randomly needing a light where I'd put one aren't likely. I carry a small flashlight everywhere I go, so that is no bother at all. I put some solar LED motion lights here and there to get my attention should I need to go check things out.

 

[ultrarunner]

I wish I had some darkness out here. I live close enough to Branson there isn't as much darkness as I would like , especially on cloudy nights with the light from the city bouncing back down from the clouds..

The Oakland house is like this... the entire Bay Area is the back drop view from the back of the house... millions of lights and when it is clear even the lights on 5 Bay Area bridges including the Golden Gate...

Growing up I never really new what darkness was until my time in Washington...

 

[Zerk]

I wish I had some darkness out here. I live close enough to Branson there isn't as much darkness as I would like , especially on cloudy nights with the light from the city bouncing back down from the clouds..

My house is out of town, but I don't get the clear nights, because I am not far from town. That is why I like a dusk to dawn, not missing anything.

Though motions sensors, atleast the two head ones I have, provide poor light, the spots are not as good as big light up high.

 

[TomSeller]

What I don't like about motion sensors is they don't have a good bypass. If you want to turn the light on to see if bear is in the front yard, I have to go out on steps and wave my hands.
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No one said you weren't smart but...... I'm not so sure this would be a smart move

On the ones I have if I turn the light switch off for 3 or 4 seconds, then back on the motion sensor is bypassed and the lamp is switched on. Do the same thing to toggle it back to automatic. If wiring new, get a center off SPDT switch and run an extra conductor with one side of the switch in series with the motion sensor and the other side direct to the lamp.

 

[Zerk]

No one said you weren't smart but...... I'm not so sure this would be a smart move

On the ones I have if I turn the light switch off for 3 or 4 seconds, then back on the motion sensor is bypassed and the lamp is switched on. Do the same thing to toggle it back to automatic. If wiring new, get a center off SPDT switch and run an extra conductor with one side of the switch in series with the motion sensor and the other side direct to the lamp.

Mine is supposed to have that bypass feature, off and on. But it kicks my butt and never seems to work. Ends up stuck on with bugs. I turn it off, then forget to turn back on.

I have motion lights, not a fan, but they are better then the dark.

I'd like to know if better ones are out there. I am tired of going on extension ladder and cleaning it and still just as bad. Not as good as it was when I put in. Maybe more expensive ones are better, or maybe technolgy just isn't there.

 

[sixdogs]

The last four pages I skimmed through illustrates the problem with LED's. You simply cannot compare them apples-to-apples and that's my opinion.

I can't hold up a 100W or 300W bulb and compare those to LED's in a simple fashion. If anything, the info given makes comparison less likely and most of us are programmed to avoid that kind of thing but maybe that's just me.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Most all motion lights are still switch activated.

 

[Zerk]

Most all motion lights are still switch activated.

Yes, but you still need motion for the light to come on.

I bought one with an over ride sequence, just doesn't seem to work that good. Maybe others do.

Lights shine farther then motion activates them is the problem. So you are walking in dark for awhile waiting for it to turn on.

I use them, but they can really suck. Maybe a timer would be better, on until 9 or 10pm. But I find myself running out to the truck in my underwear at all hours for stuff.

 

[TomSeller]

1. Yes, but you still need motion for the light to come on.

I bought one with an over ride sequence, just doesn't seem to work that good. Maybe others do.

2. Lights shine farther then motion activates them is the problem. So you are walking in dark for awhile waiting for it to turn on.

I use them, but they can really suck. Maybe a timer would be better, on until 9 or 10pm.

3. But I find myself running out to the truck in my underwear at all hours for stuff.

1. Not if you toggle the light switch on newer ones per my earlier post, no motion detection is required. How old is yours?
2. Modern ones have a sensitivity adjustment. Yes, the light may shine farther than the motion is able to be detected but that is mostly when approaching from straight on. Not so much when approaching from other angles. A lot has to do with where you locate the light.
3. I hope you are far off of the county road

 

[Zerk]

I have motion sensor I bought 5 years ago that said you could cycle the power to get it to come on. Never got it to work. Maybe just need another. It is above the porch and so have to be on the icy steps before it comes on. Plus sometimes I just want to look outside.

I have maxed out sensitivity, but the ranges are still less then light shines.

At my camp, I may trench and put out a yard light, with a switch inside. One of these days.