How difficult is it to make LED tail lights...just curious, I got something in mind and I wanna try it out.
Thanks
Depends on what it is you are doing. I'm attempting the same thing, the only stock piece that I'll end up using is the black housing part.
Mostly, the difficulty is, at least for me, is not throwing too much $$$ at it. As it stands right now, I have $300 into a prototype that is not yet started. It will soon be more than that as I need to buy a new digicam. Regulator went out on the charger and battery exploded.
I will have one-off PCB boards coming in soon, as well as the red LED's needed.
As far as construction difficulty, the lens on the 95-02 Fires is a bit difficult to remove, as you can't heat it to loosen the adhesive or the lens melts.
how did you endup removing your lenses then man cut it off along the edge???
Yep. Used a dremel where I could and a hacksaw blade where I couldn't.
I'm about 1/3 way done with the prototype. New digicam ate into that budget, so it will be a while before I get started back up.
I just bought ones made to fit a Scion tC and am grafting them onto my car. Thats the easiest way............................HAH!
To each, I suppose. So I'm doing it the hard way. It gives me something else to do during the day other than peruse the .org for hours on end.
I've got about $70 in mine (all materials that I need are bought). All I have to do now is actually take the time to get my new lense molded to the contour of the light and I'm basicly done, but college and work takes up 75% of my time, so........
Quote:
work takes up 75%
i hear ya man. i can wait till october. thats when my job starts to slow down. i then will have more time to do everything.
-Www.IznTrbl.Com-
I keep nickel and diming myself on replacement parts. -12vDC voltage regulators from Radio Shack (stupid little pins aren't held into the component worth anything and I think my cat ran off with a few of 'em) .. Perf boards so I can visualize the layout of the PCB while drafting it, an additional extra tail light after dropping the one that I was working on and completely busted out the lens. Little stuff that does it.
Also, it will depend on what it is you are planning to do. Mine for example, are being based off the Toyo tails. Also, I'm going with quantity cause drivers in my area don't understand the concept of a brake light or just don't see them at tines. Basically cramming every LED I can in there (while still maintaining proper resistance/voltage). I'm estimating December/January completion time of a fully functional prototype.
I just had to redo the PCB layout as well changing from series of seven amber LED's to series of 6.
how bright are they after running 6 in a series? i know running four isn't too bright. if you can, try to run as many as you can parallel. you get twice the amount of light but try to not burn them out.
but you know, you may be using the 8mm leds huh? i haven't purchased any that size yet, but i'm sure they are bright, and can hold the voltage.
i cant wait to see how you did.
-Www.IznTrbl.Com-
So far on the turn signal layout I have 90 3mm LED's (3000mcd) each drawing 30 milliamps due to the shape of the PCB being used and the tight space constraint.
So, I would either need a 3amp 12v regulator (or 3 - 12v 1amp) to run in series of 6 LED's, then parallel the series together.
In parallel, the same layout would need either need a 2 volt regulator at 5 amp-stable (pricey) or 90 - 390 ohm 1/2w resistors.
For the turn signal, it's more feasible to go with series due to the smaller area. Light output is good. And since I seldom use my turn signals anyway...
For the brake light, I'm planning on a mix of 3mm & 5mm LED's, possibly a few 8's thrown in there. Since I'm not quite at that point yet, haven't quite worked out the layout, but probably a series/parallel combonation as well w/ less in series.
IZN TRBL wrote:i cant wait to see how you did.
You'll be the first to know.
Kardain wrote:So, I would either need a 3amp 12v regulator (or 3 - 12v 1amp) to run in series of 6 LED's, then parallel the series together.
In parallel, the same layout would need either need a 2 volt regulator at 5 amp-stable (pricey) or 90 - 390 ohm 1/2w resistors.
Strike that, it's still too early in the morning, my brain don't like math this early.
I can get away with 1 12v 1amp regulator for series.
LMR ( the unstable ) wrote:The 3rd brake light is the easiest to do.
I have a Home made reflector and 3 5-mm leds.
Works pretty well, Now i just need to make a clear lens.
That will be after the tails are complete.
Take on the hard challenge first, then once that's done, the 3rd brake will be a breeze.
Im putting Cavy tails on my fire in the long run. And doing the 4 way reverse light mod.
Ill used the info from doing the #rd brake light to do my front turn signals next.
http://members.rankmyride.com/djtorello
LMR ( the unstable ) wrote:Im putting Cavy tails on my fire in the long run. And doing the 4 way reverse light mod.
Ill used the info from doing the #rd brake light to do my front turn signals next.
If you have the sedan, that's possible no prob.
The coupes on the other hand, the only option is either the APC Retros or hand assemble, which is what I have to do.
