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ALDI Special Buys 05/08 Solar Shed Light $14.99

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ALDI Special Buys 05/08 Solar Shed Light $14.99
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Scab on 01/08/2017 - 08:48 aldi.com.au (4623 clicks)

These things are pretty good, I have one over my carport and I can't fault it, it's out in the open weather and hasn't deteriorated and the sensor picks up from about 2.5 metres away.

Light is fairly bright and lights up my entire driveway, will be getting another for my porch.

I love German supermarketeers.

120° motion sensor
Amorphous solar panel
10 LED sensor light
Super bright white (SMD) LEDs
Light output: 35-40 lumen
2.3m connection cable
Swivelling light head allows light to be aimed left or right
3 position switch: off/PIR motion sensor/on
IP44 water resistant
Includes 3.7V battery – 900mAh
Charging time: 8 hours
Usage: up to 3.5-4 hours

All Saturday 05/08 Special Buys

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ALDI
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closed Comments

    • Scab on 03/08/2017 - 15:08
      +1

      You can get them for a lot of brands, my Bosch blue has an attachment guide that can be purchased separately.

      Don't think the really cheap ones do though.

      • BertieBrown on 03/08/2017 - 16:41

        Thanks for the reply Scab :)

  • Pandamony on 05/08/2017 - 17:55
    -2

    I bought it and when in PIR mode the light is on and never switches off. It is going back to the store for a refund. I was hesitant about buying this as the last non-food item I bought from Aldi was a heated throw which didn't heat up, it also went back to the store for a refund

    • Scab on 06/08/2017 - 07:24

      You're unlucky, my heated throw is fine and I just bought and installed the second of these lights and it works fine.

    • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 13:22

      Did you fully charge unit for 36-48 hours turned off as per instructions? (Not according to time when you posted - same day as bought.) Battery will be partly charged - from last charge in China.

      If not charged correctly, PIR won't operate So light will either be on or off - see Troubleshooting.

      Did you definitely set 3 position switch to PIR rather than On? It's a bit fiddly.

      Light remains on 90 seconds, rather than 30 OP wrote above.

      Bought 2 & both worked correctly. Better than expected. I was surprised - as it's an Aldi product ;-) I've never had much success with Aldi electronics.

    • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 18:01

      How did you determine "when in PIR mode the light is on and never switches off"?

      These retrigger if movement is detected any time within the 90 seconds the light is on.

      Leaving the movement detection area after it switches on is only way to check. Mine then turn off at 90 seconds.

      But if movement is detected - it restarts the 90 seconds from that moment "and never switches off" until 90 seconds after any small movements cease. A handy feature instead of leaving people in the dark!

      Of course yours may be an Aldi dud. But that is not a valid reason for a neg.

      I'm very impressed with these.

      • Pandamony on 06/08/2017 - 22:14

        I didn't charge it up for 36 to 48 hours, but the unit was constantly on in PIR mode no matter where or how long I left it. It looks like I got (yet another) Aldi dud

        • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 22:23

          Quality Control is terrible with Aldi electronics. Tempo (electronics supplier to Aldi) rang me for help. So I know it's not good.

          Probably just a cheap faulty switch. Slide switch position between PIR & ON is very small.

          Hope you followed the instructions before installing ;-)

          But after reading your comment I noticed light wouldn't turn off for ages. Then realised it was retriggering without light going out - which is great for my uses.

    • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 12:18

      Have now bought 5 - all work great.

      • Scab on 09/08/2017 - 12:26

        LoL, what are you going to do with 5?

        • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 13:34

          More than I was doing with 2 ;-)

          Trying movement lighting inside house. Can adapt to USB charging. Have along a wall - lights passage as I pass by. Looks good. Thinking of using sensor to control other lighting in house. I really like these.

          If I don't need some, back they go to Aldi.

          There were over 60 still on shelf yesterday. Expect will not all sell & price will be reduced.

        • Scab on 09/08/2017 - 13:37

          @Infidel:

          That is awesome, I'd stick one in my bathroom as a night light with the solar panel outside the window but it would be too bright, unless I could disable some of the LEDs.

          Way too bright when you're half asleep and going for a nighttime pee.

        • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 13:42
          +1

          @Scab:
          Have one in ensuite for relative - uplight to ceiling, panel out window. Seems ok - turns on as soon as get out of bed.

          Should be easy to disable some LEDs by opening light unit or even covering LEDs from outside (black electrical tape?).

        • Scab on 09/08/2017 - 13:45

          @Infidel:

          black electrical tape?

          That's a great idea, simplicity is always best and I have a few rolls of duct tape laying around.

          Sounds like a plan, was going to buy a battery powered LED night light but this will do nicely and I don't have to worry about batteries.

        • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 15:27
          +1

          @Scab:
          Another solution is to make the light opaque with tissue paper. I've used this solution successfully with LED lights. Could be creative here.

          Just tried it - with 2 sheets of plain toilet paper. Unscrew the 4 screws on light head, then 4 retaining reflector & remove. Place paper between reflector & clear cover - reinstall. Only took a few minutes.

          Have named it the Norman Gunston light - there's toilet paper stuck to its face ;-)

  • Ron025 on 05/08/2017 - 18:48

    I purchased 3 today from Armadale store in Perth. Fitted one this afternoon will see how long it lasts.

  • squeeb on 06/08/2017 - 12:53

    Purchased but wonder how long it takes me to install….

  • Squeezy on 06/08/2017 - 13:28

    Good to know they last. I bought 2 yesterday but always dubious about quality of Solar LED lights. Ive had some quite expensive ones die after 12 months and warranty just expired

  • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 14:03

    With other sensor solar lights from Aldi, have changed cable to plug into USB power source (cheap powerbank or charger). That way can be used inside house where power is not easily available. Should work with this unit changing power cable to USB cable.

    Solar panel delivers around 6V open circuit. Change the plug on cable to micro-USB or USB socket to make low power powerbank charger ;-)

    Uses 900mAh 3.7V Li-polymer battery - could be replaced with phone battery when no longer works.

    Trying this in bathroom & maybe bedroom of elderly relative, switching on when moving around at night. Stays on for 90 seconds, but easily retriggered by movement (eg of hand). Could mount solar panel outside window or use USB power.

    Adapted earlier $6 Aldi mains sensor light to turn on mains 10W led for 90 seconds to give lots of light in kitchen & surrounding area. Works well.

  • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 15:21

    Note: Aldi electronics may appear same as previous sales, but may be different quality, manufacturer & specs. So previous experience with almost identical unit may not predict how this unit will operate or last.

    Instructions for this unit are dated 8/17.
    This model has 90 second PIR light, against 30 OP mentioned.

    • Scab on 06/08/2017 - 15:32
      +2

      Instructions for this unit

      The instructions for this are hilarious:

      Dress Properly: Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear are recommended when working with the Solar Shed Light.

      Use eye protection: Wear safety-approved goggles when setting up this product

      Do not set up if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

      And the best one:

      Have your product serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.

      LoL.

      This model has 90 second PIR light, against 30 OP mentioned.

      Must have changed as the one I purchased a year ago was 30 seconds.

      Prefer 90 seconds for my use, so this is good.

      Oh and I found something I don't like, the pivot wing nut and screw are rusting as it's out in the open.

      Not a big deal, by the time it causes any issues the light will be long dead.

      • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 17:01
        +1

        Considering most people fail to read the instructions before installing, asking for those conditions to be met is hilarious. (I wonder if warranty may be invalid if installed without following those instructions?) I wore a non-conductive tutu while up the ladder.

        Had almost passed on this deal due to 30 seconds limit - 90 is much better.

        Yes, these cheap solar lights with metal fittings… rust. (But plastic bolts seize or break.) Can discolour paintwork. A spray with rust inhibitor or oil should be a good idea before installing.

      • INFIDEL on 06/08/2017 - 18:08
        +2

        Just found these retrigger if movement is detected any time within the 90 seconds the light is on.

        Mine turn off at 90 seconds with no additional movement. But if movement is detected - it restarts the 90 seconds from that moment. A handy feature instead of leaving people in the dark waving their hands madly to turn the light back on!

        If you move slightly it just keeps light on for 90 seconds after you stop moving. Quite sensitive to small movements - tried while sitting on toilet & light simply would not turn off until after I had left! (I am setting it up in bathroom of elderly relative, solar panel out of window.)

        Also if another light is turned on while this light has turned on, it turns off. Smart.

        I'm going back for a few more based on these handy features ;-)

        • Scab on 07/08/2017 - 07:09

          Also if another light is turned on while this light has turned on, it turns off.

          Must be the light sensor on top of the unit, pretty good feature.

        • INFIDEL on 07/08/2017 - 08:21

          @Scab:
          With other cheap sensor lights I have bought, sensor light only can turn on in the dark, and just does not turn on again if a light is on. With those, sensor light is not turned off if light goes on.

          Also, the other sensor lights do not retrigger & remain on if there is movement while sensor light is on.

          It's the sensible design of circuit to still take input from sensors (light level & movement) while light is on which is a great improvement with this cheap unit (over usual dumber units with similar sensors I have used).

  • snapper on 08/08/2017 - 22:32

    I bought a couple for my parents. The place they want one (above garage door) is too far away from a good, unshaded spot for the solar panel with the supplied 2.3m cable. Is it possible to get an extension cable for this type of connection? Can someone give me the specific type of cable and connection so I can search for one? (or provide a link if you know what I'm looking for). Thanks in advance.

    • INFIDEL on 08/08/2017 - 22:40

      Doubt you will find extension with these fittings.
      Internal wires in cable would be better if thicker to account for voltage loss over longer distance. (Panel output is around 6V, 100mA max) Otherwise batteries may not be adequately charged.
      If I was doing the job, I would replace entire cable with longer thicker one.

      • snapper on 08/08/2017 - 22:44

        Ok thanks for reply. I only need another 2.5m to get to a sunny position. Do you think it would be better to just get a 5m cable that is thicker?

        • INFIDEL on 08/08/2017 - 22:49

          You could join 2.5m+ of cable into section of supplied cable by cutting & using simple connectors (joined inside garage to protect from weather).
          Cable should preferably have a bit thicker wires than that supplied. (Opened light unit - quite thin cable used.)

          Best to try out installation (light level & motion sensor) before cutting cable (just let it charge up, unplug & move to desired location) to check is suitable - in case you want to return.

        • snapper on 08/08/2017 - 23:05

          @Infidel: Good suggestions. I have tried out location and checked light level - it sheds a decent amount of light, certainly enough for approaching garage door and finding the right key. Any chance you suggest some suitable cable and connectors?

        • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 00:08

          @snapper:
          I tend to have assortment on hand. Simple screw type connector strips are easy to use, or automotive connectors. You'll need 2 connectors at each end of added wire. Simply twisting wires together & insulating with electrical tape will work - just don't pull on cables.

          Similarly thicker twin speaker or automotive cable would be good.

          Just make sure you cut & connect 1 wire (of the 2 wires) at time at both ends of added wire - so polarity from solar panel to light is not reversed! Wires are coloured black (negative) & red (positive) under black outer covering.

        • snapper on 09/08/2017 - 00:22

          @Infidel: Thanks… might be a bit beyond my capability at this stage. Would something like this be ok? Looks to be the same 2-pin connector - listed as "outdoor light systems connectors" here. Claims to be IP67. A similar listing claims "made of high quality UL2464 wire"

        • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 00:35

          @snapper:
          Yes, as long as exactly the same - note the flat on 1 side inside the socket so polarity is ensured. The wiki ones are not designed for DC voltages so connect either way - not like these lights.

          Those ebay ones seem 4 prong connectors. Would be easy to order the wrong fittings & have a long wait to find out.

          Connecting 2 wires is very easy.

        • snapper on 09/08/2017 - 00:39

          @Infidel: There is the option to select 2 or 4 prong connectors. I was looking at this one

        • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 00:42

          @snapper:
          Those are still different - using a notch so only connect 1 way. These lights have a flat side inside.

          Getting the exact fittings may be difficult. The factory would not have expected customers to want to extend the cable, so may not use standard fittings.

          And the cost of those cables is approaching the cost of the light. That's why I'd just use some found cable (old speaker cable) I have lying around & splice it in to extend the cable at no cost & no waiting for delivery.

          Good luck - I need my sleep 😴

        • Scab on 09/08/2017 - 08:00

          @snapper:

          might be a bit beyond my capability at this stage

          Splicing as Infidel suggested is really your best and easiest option, you can get screw on, crimp or scotchlok connectors and some electrical tape or heatshrink, wouldn't take longer than 5 minutes.

          Also, the panel doesn't really need direct sunlight, as long as it's not heavily shaded it will still work ok.

        • snapper on 09/08/2017 - 13:18

          @Scab: Ok thanks, I might attempt to splice as suggested. I do need to extend the cable because there is a balcony above that extends out over the garage; the spot where the light is wouldn't get sun all day.

        • Scab on 09/08/2017 - 13:24

          @snapper:

          You can always try it first and see if it still works in the shade before splicing.

          One light I have is under a huge gum tree and is shaded most of the day, but it still works ok.

          Although it's only rarely activated so doesn't stay on much, worth a try though.

        • snapper on 09/08/2017 - 13:30

          @Scab: If the panel doesn't get any charge won't the light keep working until battery is completely drained? Which would presumably take a long time if the light is only turning on a couple of times per night

        • Scab on 09/08/2017 - 13:34

          @snapper:

          Although it would be ideal, it doesn't need direct sunlight to charge, mine gets a little filtered afternoon light and still works ok.

          Your best bet is to charge it fully in the open sun for a day or two, then try it in the desired spot and see if it's not too shaded.

          You can always splice it if it is.

        • snapper on 09/08/2017 - 13:35

          @Scab: Good suggestion. Currently charging it each day in sun til I visit again next week and install

  • INFIDEL on 09/08/2017 - 18:16

    Considering removing light off sensor base, adding NPN transistor & feeding that switched output to a relay box (relay & power supply in insulated box - I have a few) which switches mains power @10A. That way sensor can switch light bulb to light room.
    Solar panel & LED array can find another use.
    Output to LEDs is 2.8V.

    • Scab on 10/08/2017 - 07:25

      I'm considering illegally hooking mine up to the mains power supply and using it to grow cannabis.

      • INFIDEL on 10/08/2017 - 09:15
        +1

        Think you've been inhaling too much of your product…
        The plants don't move (except if using fans), so lights don't operate, so plants die. You just went out of business & return lights to Aldi within 60 days 😣

  • INFIDEL on 14/08/2017 - 20:07
    +1

    Coupled these sensor lights with free android phones running Alfred app (free) to give remote surveillance of elderly relative in 3 fall prone areas. Areas also benefit from extra lighting. Power from USB power packs, good WiFi cover.

    Cameras are directed to cover floor area in case of fall. Should help in response time & preventing further falls (by checking video of how fall happened).

    Motion triggers light & camera - sends warning to my remote phone + video. Working well.

    Is combined with floor pressure sensors & help buttons that trigger alarms. Relative also wears a monitored VitalCall emergency pendant - press, operator answers, calls ambulance if needed.

    (Currently in battle with hospital medical team that want to send relative permanently to Aged Care Facility after minor fall at home. Major reason - more staff to check on him, but has had more serious falls in nursing homes… Relative would rather stay in own home with my live-in assistance & care of own medical & carer team 5 days a week. Lighting & cameras are part of the strategy to support my case for home care.)

    • Scab on 15/08/2017 - 08:40

      I just bought another four and one of them had a shitty switch.

      Wish they made them with better switches, also changed the pivot bolt and wingnut with galvanised ones so they don't rust.

      • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 13:02

        Only 1 faulty! But it's from Aldi.
        All 5 of mine have survived switching many times a day.

        The reliable operation of the (cheap) switch is vital in this light. I will likely wire into permanent sensor mode or wire an external switch as switches fail.

        But out of 16 Aldi Gutter Lights (8 $10 packs), all switches either were faulty at purchase (taken back & replaced) or have failed after a few months sitting on gutters (light stops working, moving switch either flickers light or no light).

        Switch not only switches light on/off, but stops charging in off position!

        Now have 4 Aldi Gutter Lights working - after performing a switchectomony days ago - shorting out the switch so constantly on. Sprayed those over with RP-7 to inhibit rust in mounting bracket.

        • Scab on 17/08/2017 - 13:11

          Just installed one in my carport.

          I have one outside at the front of the carport and that's been flawless, but the one I just installed under the carport at the back keeps triggering when cars go past in my street at night.

          I think it must be the car's headlights reflecting, but what's weird is the one outside the carport works perfectly.

          Only think I can think of is that the light is reflecting from the inside of the carport roof or nearby window and triggering the sensor (it doesn't trigger if I shine a torch on the sensor though)?

          Going to try putting a cover of some sort around the light to see if that helps.

          Now have 4 Aldi Gutter Lights working - after performing a switchectomony days ago

          Had those ALDI ones but took them all back and bought ones from eBay that had a better battery.

          Half of them had failed switches after a few months so I did the same and bypassed the switch.

        • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 14:41

          @Scab:
          Most likely the motion sensor - angle it differently (to side across carport or down) so does not detect movement outside area required.
          Light sensor just turns light OFF if light detected.

        • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 14:43

          @Scab:
          Battery life (number of hours per night lit) of solar lights is a function of:
          enough input (efficiency & size of solar panel),
          light output (efficient LEDs & different power consumed to achieve different light levels)
          storage (limited to panel input less light output, less storage inefficiencies).

          With faulty switches - these are wired to the battery (power input & output) & any poor contact will reduce power to battery. So the batteries may fail to fully charge during each day, so LEDs turn off earlier.

          Batteries are rarely the problem, as I've previously suggested on OzBargain, unless faulty batteries have been supplied. All 16 I bought had good batteries under test. Final 4 sets tested fine months after installation.

          Many people think better batteries will light the LEDs longer at night. Batteries can only store around 30% less than are supplied with & deliver less than that.
          Unfortunately without more electrical input or less electrical output, changing batteries won't help. NiCd batteries supplied can take up to 100 cycles to be at peak storage efficiency.

          Manufacturers match the parts pretty well - so the panel won't supply more power to be stored, the batteries run down to 1.1V in my tests - at which LEDs extinguish.

          What I have found with solar lights that remain on longer is the amount of light is less. That is the LEDs draw less electricity per hour for less light output, but do it longer before the battery voltage drops below the voltage needed to light the LEDs.

          Proved that to my satisfaction by swapping batteries & panels between units & took readings of input & consumption.

        • Scab on 17/08/2017 - 15:04

          @Infidel:

          angle it differently (to side across carport or down) so does not detect movement outside area of detection.

          It's not detecting any movement as the cars out on the road at least 15 metres away, and the closer one at the front of the carport doesn't do this (also tried another solar light thinking it was faulty and it does the exact same thing).

          And it doesn't do it with all cars, just some, guessing it's the angle/strength of the the headlights (my place is on a bend so approaching headlights hit the carport and shimmer for a few seconds).

          Also does it with my car parked under the carport and directly in front of the light, which blocks any movement.

          To give you an idea, one light is fine at the front of the carport and faces the street and is out in the open, the other is under and at the end of the carport and has issues.

          Light sensor just turns light OFF if light detected.

          Yeah, I realise that, but according to Google reflected light can trigger IR motion sensors, which I never knew.

        • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 15:07

          @Scab:
          Different manufacturers fit different motion sensors. Some are more sensitive to movement from in front, some only from the side. So detection characteristics will vary, even between Aldi models of these.

        • Scab on 17/08/2017 - 15:14

          @Infidel:

          Yesterday I swapped the front one that works perfectly (which is 12 months old) for the one under the carport and it does the exact same thing.

          It's got me perplexed, I can shine a torch on it and it won't trigger yet headlights make it go off.

          Anyway, I've cut out a cardboard box and put it around the light (left the front and bottom open) to see if it still triggers, will find out tonight.

          If that fails I'll have to move it from the centre of the carport to one of the corners.

        • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 15:34

          @Scab:
          Moving to a corner is common - detects movement across the carport. Sensors can be more sensitive to movement from side than in front.
          Plus light is not directly in eyes driving or walking in, when triggered.

        • Scab on 17/08/2017 - 15:38

          @Infidel:

          Thanks, I'll probably move it to the corner tomorrow and angle it diagonally across the carport.

          Luckily I only install them to a bent galvanised metal strip that I slide in between the carport roof and frame, so reinstalling will be easy.

        • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 15:42

          @Scab:
          reflected light can trigger IR motion sensors - depends on the light. But don't see any special quality of reflected car headlights. Link?

          eg Reflected light: Infrared energy can be reflected off any glossy surface such as mirrors, windows, floors or countertops with a glossy finish, and slick finished concrete and cause the alarm to trigger. - likely discussing sunlight or fluro lights. Carport conditions are more likely to disperse light, & less likely to false trigger.

          Fluorescent light has enough IR that can trigger remote control sensors. Problem exists with direct or reflected light. An Aldi PVR I was reviewing would turn on/off if CFL or fluro light was turned on - just what you want when watching a movie etc. Tempo Australia (supplier to Aldi) had a long argument over that. On Whirpool, rep said PVR was designed that way!

          Doubt car headlights have that property. But anything is possible with Aldi sensors.

          Have fun experimenting💥

          Mine have not even been used outdoors.

        • INFIDEL on 17/08/2017 - 15:46

          @Scab:
          I never led Aldi purchases get too comfortable😀
          I think they built an Aldi 500m from my home just to handle my returns😁

  • INFIDEL on 29/08/2017 - 18:36

    Connected 2 of these to $2 light box - used as lit up info sign in house. Light box has USB input, so wired these to socket to charge from 5V. Disabled light sensors with tape as not needed. 2 mounted on 1 unit gives wider angle of sensor detection & light output.

    Added USB cable to another.

    Works great. Now have good motion detection lights inside house - where solar panel is not accessible. Nice & bright. Also ready for any power outages. Solar panels will find another use.

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