New mod... <cooler lighting>

[Trevor Shipman]

So now that I have the SeaBlaze X lights in, I'm sure to be doing more night boating. So with that I need to be able to reach in the cooler and see what cold beverage I'm reaching for. I want to hook a simple light inside the cooler in the floor (we use the floor compartment closest to the captains chair as a cooler). I plan to pull power by tapping into the interior lights. Which means when they're on, the cooler will be on. Which would be ok, but I'd like to hook a switch so that when the lid is closed it depresses the "button" and turns the light off. Think washing machine here when you open and close the lid. I plan on using this light:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OABXSVS/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_CHRixbEJC5DK4

But I'm having trouble locating a switch that I have in my head. Any help would be great!

Also, I don't love that light, I'd prefer something that was more flush mounted so that it doesn't get banged up or caught on anything and get damaged over time. Any light suggestions? I want it to be a cool blue color, think something like the Xeon headlights you see.

Thanks for the help! Should be pretty easy once I find the right components.

 

[Bill D]

@Trevor Shipman the easiest and cheapest thing to do would be to install a little micro switch to cut power to the light when the lid is shut. They are really tiny and you can get five for $7 from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Omall-Micro-S...8&qid=1461944928&sr=8-8&keywords=limit+switch



I'm not familiar with the layout of the cooler / compartment you are using, but it's pretty simple... something pushes the little arm down and it opens the switch. You may need a striker plate, and you would have to mount the switch so it doesn't move.

 

[itsdgm]

How about using a "Mercury" switch (that's what I've always called them). It's a type of switch that is positional. When the lid is raised, it would close the circuit. You could simply mount it to the lid and wire it inline.

 

[Trevor Shipman]

How about using a "Mercury" switch (that's what I've always called them). It's a type of switch that is positional. When the lid is raised, it would close the circuit. You could simply mount it to the lid and wire it inline.

Hmmm I haven't seen those before but I see how it works. Pretty simple. That would require an exposed wire to the lid though, right?

 

[robert843]

Hmmm I haven't seen those before but I see how it works. Pretty simple. That would require an exposed wire to the lid though, right?

I'm not familiar with the compartment you are going use but I have used mercury switches for home made motorcycle alarms many times. You would want to mount it to a moving part like a lid and you balance the switch to active on the lid opening and deactivate on the lid closing. On a motorcycle I would balance it so with the kick stand down no power if the bike was stood straight up it would power on a siren. Its a very simple switch to use.

 

[Trevor Shipman]

This is an overview of my setup

 

[cozilla]

I am wanting to do something similar to my Yeti 50. Looking on for ideas.

 

[itsdgm]

@Trevor Shipman

You would simply wire this switch inline to your light. When the lid is down the circuit would be interrupted. When the lid is upright, the Mercury drops down and completes the circuit.

Here's a few pics of what I'm referring to. One is an example of a complete switch, the second pics shows the glass bulb and how the Mercury would move inside to complete the circuit. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Mavelous]

Something like this? Similar to the cleanout hatch kill switches but reversed operation. If I understand what you are trying to do, I believe you would need a momentary off type switch. https://www.grainger.com/product/1X...rchased-_-AZPIDPBR_59073&cm_vc=AZPIDPBR_59073

 

[subysti]

Why not use a door pin switch from a car. Available at any auto parts store for a couple bucks. Single wire hookup and weatherproof. Open the latch, switch closes and completes circuit light comes on.

 

[zelone]

This mod would go great with my cooler seat hinge mod!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

There are a few led cooler lights on the market.......why reinvent the wheel?

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000006665-LED-Cooler-Light/dp/B00GVL1UVU

 

[Trevor Shipman]

There are a few led cooler lights on the market.......why reinvent the wheel?

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000006665-LED-Cooler-Light/dp/B00GVL1UVU

After looking in the cooler hatch, it would be a little more of a pain to run wires and cut holes for a light, so I took Murf's line of thinking and found this motion activated light on Amazon. I'll give that a whirl. There is actually a little bit of a lip underneath the perimeter of the cooler that it can tuck under out of the way a little bit. Not sure how she'll hold up to outdoor conditions but for $20 I'll roll the dice. I plan on running it lengthwise, on the left/hinge side.

http://www.amazon.com/SinoPro-Light...psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

Thanks for the help!

 

[MattFX4]

I am wanting to do something similar to my Yeti 50. Looking on for ideas.

How does the 50 work out for you? My wife just bought me a Yeti 50 for our anniversary. It's being shipped so do not have my hands on it yet. Hope it will fit on the boat without getting in way too much.

 

[cozilla]

How does the 50 work out for you? My wife just bought me a Yeti 50 for our anniversary. It's being shipped so do not have my hands on it yet. Hope it will fit on the boat without getting in way too much.

The cooler is great. I use it for everything except bringing it on the boat lol. I actually haven't tried to use it on the boat yet just as it has been my wife and child. The cooler is taller and takes up less floor space as compared to a 45 or 65. I have the Badger wheels on it as well. I have a RTIC Softpak 30 on order to use for the boat if it comes in before the season is over haha. Want to add a hitch and luggage rack to my golf cart to tote the Yeti around on as well.

Here is my Yeti 50 with the Badger wheels and SeaDek top.

 

[MattFX4]

The cooler is great. I use it for everything except bringing it on the boat lol. I actually haven't tried to use it on the boat yet just as it has been my wife and child. The cooler is taller and takes up less floor space as compared to a 45 or 65. I have the Badger wheels on it as well. I have a RTIC Softpak 30 on order to use for the boat if it comes in before the season is over haha. Want to add a hitch and luggage rack to my golf cart to tote the Yeti around on as well.

Here is my Yeti 50 with the Badger wheels and SeaDek top.

View attachment 36605

Got my 50 today. Wishful thinking, but hope it fits under seat of my 242. If not going to strap it to the rear swim platform. Good thinking on golf cart, my rear seat folds down on mine to make a flat bed. I will probably strap it down on the flat bed part of my golf cart.

 

[cozilla]

Nice @MattFX4. I do the same on my cart just flip down the rear seat to make it flat. That works well.