Suncor MicroStar ^TM * Installation Information

MicroStar ^TM  is designed to operate on 12 Volts DC. It will work with voltages ranging from 8 to 15 volts DC.

If the power supply is 12 Volts AC such as a Malibu outdoor lighting power supply, a bridge rectifier should be installed to convert the AC to DC. Such a rectifier can be obtained from retailers such as Radio Shack for under $5.00. Make sure the total current requirement is less than the rating of the power supply and the bridge rectifier.

Each MicroStar ^TM draws 0.02 amps or conservatively 0.33 watts.

(i.e. 15 MicroStars ^TM in a circuit (parallel) would draw 0.3 amps or 4.95 watts of power)

The LED in the MicroStar ^TM will only work with correct polarity; the red wire connects to positive and the black to negative.

In the photo below, a bridge rectifier is installed on a Malibu 88 power supply (their smallest).This supply could run 250 MicroStars ^TM with a total power consumption estimated at 83 watts!

The two male blade terminals marked AC connect to the power supply A & B terminals. The two male blade terminals marked + & - connect to the MicroStar ^TM circuit. In this photo, the unused "C" terminal on the Malibu supply was used to hang the rectifier bridge via an angle bracket. The "C" terminal does not connect to any circuitry inside the Malibu supply.

If you have any questions regarding installation or use, please contact Don Mc Leish, Suncor's Project Engineer at (510) 388-2127 or e-mail him.
 
 
 
 

Some Comments on wiring:

Typically, the feed wire to a group of  MicroStars ^TM should be 20  gauge wire. 22 gauge can be used for long runs to individual lights or groups up to 5. The type of wire is dictated by the environment of the application. Moisture, UV exposure and temperature will determine the appropriate type of wire and its insulation. Depending on the application, speaker wire, bell wire, phone wire and low voltage control wire can be used. The lights should always be connected in parallel with correct polarity. Butt and closed end connectors can be used as well as soldered connections. Protection of the connections to avoid corrosion should be considered in adverse environments. The MicroStars ^TM have a life cycle of about 100,000 hours so depending on usage, might ultimately have to be replaced. Because of this, care should be given in the installation to allow excess wire for light removal and replacement. If you have any uncertainties or questions please get the advise of someone with the proper electrical background or contact us prior to your installation.

Some comments on power supplies:

Wall plug in 12 volt power supplies can vary considerably in terms of their voltage output. If they are un-regulated, the output voltage can run from as high as 20 volts, no load, down to 9 volts at max load. If an un-regulated power supply is used, there must be enough MicroStars ^TM on the circuit to provide a load that brings the voltage down to 15 volts or less. If the load and resultant voltage can't be determined, only use a regulated power supply. There are also both regulated and un-regulated 12 volt AC power supplies. In addition to the considerations mentioned above, a bridge rectifier should be added to the circuit to convert the AC to DC. LEDs can be run on AC but unless you are an expert and know what you are doing, stick with DC!
 

Patent pending on Suncor MicroStar ^TM