Knowing how to wire bowfishing lights to generator is a technique you’ll find resourceful in times of emergency during your night fishing trips. Only a handful of things that are much more infuriating than returning home early from a fantastic bowfishing session as a result of depleted batteries.
It’s difficult enough to spare some time to go boating, so don’t let drained cells be an obstruction to your fishing goals. Bowfishing lights consume a high percentage of power, and are a major contributing factor to batteries going dead during the night.
What is the best way to connect bowfishing lights to a generator? Bowfishing may be a rewarding and entertaining sport and can be done at any time of day or night.
However, If you want to go bowfishing at night, you must understand how to properly attach your bowfishing lights to a generator. It’s a simple process that would be of great benefit to you once you understand how it works.
We’re getting into the finer details. Connecting your lights to a generator for bowfishing purposes would be a breeze thanks to this guide. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to wire bowfishing lights to a generator, here’s your chance to learn how.
Before we dive into how to wire bowfishing lights to a generator, we have to, first of all, understand the types of bowfishing lights available for use.
What Are Bowfishing Lights You Can Use At Night?
What are Bowfishing lights you can use at night? AC lighting systems, as well as other lighting systems like metal halide, halogen, and highly pressurized sodium. Including DC lights, including all LED bowfishing lights, are the two most prevalent types of bowfishing lights. A notable example is the is the 12V lysed bowfishing light.
There, however, seems to be a widespread misperception that LEDs can be powered by alternating current (AC). The truth is that all LEDs are direct current (DC), and they can still operate on alternating current (AC) with the help of drivers or power converters.
If you have bowfishing lights with a driver fitted within the housings that allow them to run on AC electricity (generator), please bear in mind that you may be in for some trouble.
Having a driver installed within the light enclosure is that the driver produces heat, as do the LED bowfishing lighting components. When several heat-generating units are placed adjacent, one will inevitably overheat, reducing the product’s lifespan. When this happens, you will notice LEDs flickering or parts of the chips failing. The LED will someday cease to function altogether.
After extensive testing, bowfishing specialists discovered that separating the converter from the light housing is the ideal option since the two heat-generating elements are separate.
Let’s, however, focus on how to wire bowfishing lights to a generator.
How To Wire Bowfishing Lights To Generator?
Step 1: Calculate Total Wattage
The first step in running your bowfishing lights on a generator is determining their overall wattage. If you are unsure of the wattage, contact the retailer where you bought them. It’s critical to understand this before proceeding.
Step 2: calculate the size of your converter
Once you’ve determined the size of your conversion, you’ll need to select the size of your generator premised on the converter’s amperage and voltage. This is done in a somewhat different manner than you might imagine.
Here’s an explanation for the voltage change in converters
You may have observed that running 24V DC is significantly more efficient than operating 12V DC. The reason for this is connected to how we measure bowfishing lights as well as how converters work. DC bowfishing lights will claim to be 12V DC or 24V DC, but in reality, they can tolerate a wide range of voltages.
Typical 12V converters produce 14 volts, while 24V converters produce 26 volts. But instead of accommodating only a specified voltage, your bowfishing light will accept whatever voltage it can receive. As a result, using bowfishing lights on converters may shine brighter than when using batteries because they absorb more power. Batteries may begin at 13-14 volts, but they will end up losing charge over time, resulting in a decline in power output.
A power factor on the converter must be considered while sizing the generator.
To put it simply, bowfishing lights on a battery consume the limited power available. On a converter, they have force-fed as much electricity as the lights can handle. As a result, lighting on converters linked to generators will often appear a little brighter than lights directly attached to battery packs.
Step 3: Connecting your generator and the Power Converter
Because the Power Converter has an access point socket, you can either plug it directly into the generator or use an extension cable to attach it into the generator port if you need to add more power.
Why is a Bowfishing Generator Important?
Having a generator for bowfishing is indeed an essential piece of equipment for a variety of reasons. The most obvious reason is that they provide an excellent supply of power for your lighting requirements.
Many bowfishers prefer to fish at night to avoid the midday sun or target specific fish that only breed at night. And with the use of generators, you can rest assured you have a guaranteed power source.
Well, once the issue of a portable power supply arises, you’re faced with two options: a generator or a battery. Batteries are less expensive, but their power supply is rather limited. Generators are, however, an excellent choice if you need a more steady and efficient power supply. Of course, they cost an extra buck or two, but generators are well worth the investment.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Generator
In general, if you want a quieter generator, go for one that has a decibel rating of 60 or less. You don’t have to break the bank to get a generator; there are various reasonably priced generators in the market.
Along with the loudness, you must keep an eye on the petrol tank. What is the maximum capacity? Some generators may run for up to 10 hours on a full tank before needing to be recharged. Larger tanks allow you to keep the lights on for more extended periods.
The next worry is portability. You don’t necessarily want something that will be cumbersome. Additionally, search for something with an ergonomic grip since this can be a significant plus.
Note, consider the generator’s size when purchasing one. Will it fit onto your boat? You don’t want the generator to take up too much room. This is a personal quest because many of the answers will be dependent on the size of the boat you’re dealing with.
Conclusion
The effort was well worthwhile. You can now go bowfishing without being scared of your lights going off while you’re trying to have a good catch. And now that you know how to wire bowfishing lights to a generator, you’re bound to have more fun, and enjoy a bigger catch.
