Battery Operated Lighting - Number of Tips for Using Wireless Lights

Weekend Warrior: Installing NETBRIGHT™ Wireless Motion Sensor Networked Spotlights

May 7, 2015May 12, 2015 Chris Johnson 3 Comments

Today begins our newest series: Weekend Warrior. It’s part of our quest to bring our customers unique products and offer creative ideas for DIY projects around the house. This week we’re tackling one of our most innovative new products: The NETBRIGHT™ Wireless Motion Sensor Networked Spotlights.

The Problem – lack of security lighting for rear of home.
The DIY solution I chose – Mr. Beams Netbright Wireless Spotlights.

I recently moved to a part of North Carolina where many of the homes in the area are vacation homes that are vacant throughout much of the year. Unfortunately, during the off-season months break-ins are common and I thought it would be wise to install security lighting around the perimeter of my home.

Currently, we have a fantastic motion sensor floodlight that gradually increases its light level installed at the front of my home. I have gotten into the habit of making excuses to walk near it just because I think it’s so cool.

Front floodlight image — My front entrance with existing floodlight

The back entrance of my home … not so much… Read More

How to Survive a Snow Day (in the South)

February 25, 2015February 26, 2015 Renee Carlson

How to survive a snow day (in the South) In the Carolinas, snow days are a rare treat, but their scarcity means we aren’t always ready for what comes along with them. Hazardous driving conditions, icy steps, power outages and stir-crazy kids are par for the course. With a little planning, some creativity and a few affordable products, many winter weather woes can be alleviated.

Icy Steps & Sidewalks

I forgot how much my dog loves to frolic in snow. Which is why, when he lurched forward to run figure eights in the powdery stuff last week, his leash was still securely attached to my wrist and I was busy fiddling with the buttons on my coat. After a few terrifying seconds of skating across the thin layer of ice, I came to my senses and dropped the leash, skidding to a halt against a pine tree. Thankfully, the only thing wounded was my pride, but it could’ve been much worse. Read More

Simple Changes to Brighten Your Deck

October 23, 2014April 4, 2017 Renee Carlson

simple changes to brighten your deck Updated April 4, 2017

You don’t have to spend a fortune or hire an electrician to make a dramatic difference in your outdoor lighting. If your deck needs an upgrade without breaking the bank, consider these budget-friendly ways to shine some light on your outdoor living area.

Rail Lighting

Available in both solar or battery-powered options, these virtually maintenance-free LED lights are an easy and affordable way to add an attractive style to your deck. Look for photocell technology, which automatically turns the light on at dusk and off at dawn, extending the life of the batteries and giving you even more bang for your buck.

These LED deck lights have batteries that last up to a year and are an affordable way to illuminate your outdoor space.

Light Your Way with these 4 Halloween Safety Lights

October 7, 2014October 7, 2014 Renee Carlson

Keep your Trick-or-Treaters safe with portable lights on Halloween that can double as costume accessories!

How To Make A Battery Operated Light Bulb

June 28, 2013April 27, 2015 Annie Josey

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could make a light bulb light up without putting it into a socket? Turns out, there’s more than one way to power a light bulb. If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun experiment, I’ve found a way to power any regular old light bulb with a battery!

Here’s what you need:

One D Battery
A Light Bulb (With Screw-in Base)
Two Pieces Of Insulated Wire
Electrical Tape

Follow these steps:

1. Strip about 3/4″ of insulation off each end of your two wires. Read More

Bike Lights For Night Riding

April 11, 2013September 25, 2013 Annie Josey

Bike Lights Oval
My town is about as bike friendly as you can get. Most roads have designated bike lanes, or friendly “Share The Road” signs. All in all, bikers and motorists get along well here, but we’re not immune to accidents. Last week, I was driving in the evening and I saw a car accidentally force a cyclist off the road near a stoplight. He wasn’t hurt, but I could tell he was shaken. As an enthusiastic cyclist myself, that worried me. Did the car just not see him?

Whether you’re hopping on your bike to enjoy the spring weather, or to be a little more environmentally friendly, safety should be a priority.

The most important thing to consider when riding at night is how to see and be seen.

Here are a few of our favorite LED bike lights for night riding:

1. Clip On Bike Lights

Clip On Light

These LED lights attach easily to the front and rear of your bike. The white light clips to the front break cables to help you see where you’re going, and signal to others that you’re heading their way. The red light clips to your seat rails, brightly marking your bike’s rear. They both operate in steady beam and continuous flash modes, visible from up to a mile away. They’re weather resistant and have a long battery life. Read More