LED Tails project thread **updated** final product post 28

[HoustinoJillian]

those mirrors are sweet. i wish you had a g2, i'd trade you a set of heated turn signal mirrors for a set of tails.

the optidrive has 2 functions. first, it is a voltage regulator, supplying the LEDs with a constant +12 (a +9 version also exists, which i did not use). second, PWM stands for pulse width modulation. basically, instead of providing constant power to the LEDs, it flashes them on/off extremely rapidly, which to our eyes causes a dimming effect. (this is similar to the concept of how TR refresh rates work, by providing still pictures at a faster rate than the eyes can detect difference). the amperage at which the LEDs run is determined by how you wire them. MIne are wired in a series-parallel array, with each string of LEDs resistored to drive the LEDS at 60mA. underdriving the LEDs at 60mA helps with power consumption, heat, and improves LED longevity. you could chose to run LEDs at any amperage using a PWM such as this, it's just the value of the resistor which you use in series with each string that determines the LED amperage.




i guess i was thinking of the g3 SHO that has a separate amber section for the turn signal

 

[00tec-saTX]

Using the PWM allows you to run higher than nominal amperage without cooking the LED correct? If so, why not compensate for the brightness by allowing more power to the LED's? For example, with these, the nominal amperage is 40ma, but if you use a pulsed current you can use 100ma. I know the superflux are pretty resilient and can take a little abuse.

 

[HoustinoJillian]

i don't think you understand me. the PWM is supposed to DIM the LEDs, by pulsing them on and off rapidly rather than running them at 100%, this allows you to use the same LEDs for brake and running lights, running lights dimmed by the PWM, brake at full duty. there's absolutely no need to abuse or overdrive the LEDs because they're super bright at 70mA. overdriving them will only make them fail faster

 

[HoustinoJillian]

no luck as of yet getting my hands on one of those flashers, OTTs has not returned any emails or calls. anyone else know a different source?

ryder fleet products carries them but since i'm not part of ryder i can't purchase them.

pepboys couldnt get it and i'm unable to find it on napa's site

 

[00tec-saTX]

i don't think you understand me. the PWM is supposed to DIM the LEDs, by pulsing them on and off rapidly rather than running them at 100%, this allows you to use the same LEDs for brake and running lights, running lights dimmed by the PWM, brake at full duty. there's absolutely no need to abuse or overdrive the LEDs because they're super bright at 70mA. overdriving them will only make them fail faster

Ah, I see now.

 

[ManySHOs]

no luck as of yet getting my hands on one of those flashers, OTTs has not returned any emails or calls. anyone else know a different source?

ryder fleet products carries them but since i'm not part of ryder i can't purchase them.

pepboys couldnt get it and i'm unable to find it on napa's site

Try this email:

[email protected]

Ian

 

[HoustinoJillian]

thats the original person i emailed, no response. strangely, i just got a response 20 min after posting last.

 

[HoustinoJillian]

updates: tails finished and sealed, waiting on the flasher module to install them in the car.

WARNING VIDEO IS 39.6 Mb!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjFYJ-7W1Hw

 

[hawkeye18]

seeing that made my day, man. That looks awesome.

 

[DDakRT]

Everything looks great Justin, wiring, assembly, and final product all look quality.

 

[1993MTXSHO]

awesome looks great, and damn those suckers look bright, I think you have to tint your tails now

 

[USHOMEISHOU]

Schweet!

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

That looks awesome

 

[SHO92]

They look great! You've inspired me to finish my install of the round truck modules I started 2 years ago!

 

[n8rsk8r]

I REALLY like them! I will be doing this to my ride when I have it back, excellent job my friend!

 

[kzoosho]

Well Congrats man.

 

[NWGRN94MTX]

Ott's is right down the road from me. Want me to stop in? PM me what your looking for. The Grott's flasher?

 

[Geek SHO]

Did those LEDs come in an array like that when you bought them? Any chance of manufacturing some, or maybe a writeup? They look great by the way.

Maybe I can get kzoosho to make some LED tails if you're not interested in manufacturing. Are you still doing those kzoo?

If not, I may be able to make my own set, assuming you can buy the LEDs already laid out like that. I'm no electronics expert, but I learned how to solder back in junior year of high school.

 

[zerg1024]

yea if u made some i would deff. buy them

 

[ACV1081]

Here's to praying you don't get rearended! Great job! Love the look... it's one of my favorite features on my new ride (of course it came that way, as I am not gifted enough to fab them in )