EE Needed! LED step-up booster wiring question

So I recently installed a 50" light bar that has capabilities of running 9-36V.
I want to use this step up controller and am wondering if this wiring setup will work. Can i run my ground input,output and lightbar all together at different voltages?

http://www.prodctodc.com/cnc-digita...-volt-battery-charger-p-392.html#.U2mbzPldWup

 

Hmmm. This might seem like a stupid question, but why do you want to boost the voltage to the LED bar since it can already work on your 12V system?

Looks like you have your 12V negative ground common with the negative output of the voltage converter, the positive output of the voltage converter switched by a relay which feeds power to the LED bar. I don't see a problem with this.....however, keep in mind that a DC to DC converters are switching power supplies which typically generate noise. You may introduce noise which could cause problems with things such as your audio system.

 

More light

 

OK...So I'm assuming the higher voltage input, the higher the light output?

Do the specs for the LED bar state different output in lumens at different voltages?

 

I'm not a EE so I may be off on this and my terms may not be correct. Some of the LED lights that I have come across run on a constant current source. It will internally vary the voltage to hit the current needs of the light. So you can basically throw any voltage and current at it within its specified range and you are still going to get the same output. Depending the the light you may need to mess with the internal circuits to get a higher output. You aren't going to want to drive those LED too much more than what they are already doing. You will likely just get more heat output and not much more light.

 

I keep reading and seeing different outcomes from various sources.

 

My understanding of an LED "bulb" is that its basically on or off. Unlike an incandescent bulb, it will not be brighter with a higher voltage. So save your money and buy a cool switch for that beast instead..just my 0.02.

 

If the LED bar has a wide input range, it stands to reason that is has some sort of internal circuitry(a driver) to regulate voltage and current to the LEDs. You can apply different voltages within this range but I doubt that it is going to vary the brightness of the LEDs.

LEDs are designed to run at specific voltages and the brightness depends on how much current (amps) you pass through them. The internal driver is going to regulate this no matter what voltage you apply.

 

Well I got an unbranded one from hong kong. So I don't know all of the circuit board set up operations.

 

Well I guess I learned something.

 

Hong Kong huh?

Sounds like "Sum Ting Wong" to me LOL!

 

No. I am also in the process of changing out some of the fog lenses to spots as well. 48 of the 96 are floods.

 

Typically these light bars have a range for input voltage for different applications. Example would be tractors that run on 24v or some forklifts with 36v battery banks. If the specs on your light bar does not show a range for lumens, then it's safe to say it only outputs the maximum regardless of voltage input.

 

Ok. I have LED bulbs for my headlights and fogs. they both have LED "drivers" which regulate the voltage and current seen by the LED bulbs. I suspect your Light bar has something similar, perhaps internal.

Here's a thought...before you go off and wire up a power supply, try bench testing your light bar with 12V and 24V to see if there is any difference in output. You should be able to connect two 12V batteries in series to provide the 24V if you don't have the voltage converter yet. I suspect the light output will not change.

 

Oh I wanted to bench test it but only have a battery charger with outputs of 6v or 12v. Anyway I could use a battery charger and battery on my pickup to make this work?

 

Do not use a charger to try to up the volts I a series circuit.

 

Yes, that will work. Connect the Positive cable to the Negative battery post. Then take the Negative cable and run it to your light bar. Now run a wire (jumper cables?) from the Positive battery post to the light bar.

You might want to make sure your charger is set to 6V or 12V low. Battery chargers can often put out in excess of 16V to 18V with no load. You don't want to accidently exceed the 36V rating of the light bar.