LEDs For Front Turnsignal Bucket Options

[mikesmith]

Rather than bend the leads, just increase the drill size so that the LED sits naturally in the hole at the right angle. Build a jig to hold the board tilted so the LEDs flop over.

This would be a nuisance to set up if you were wave soldering (you'd want a different jig that secured the LEDs at the correct angle), but assuming you're still assembling these by hand (you masochist) it should be simple.

With this layout, the low side of the LED should be touching the board, so a generous coating of conformal will bind the LEDs to the board, giving you the mechanical strength you wanted.

Also, +1 for a set of the Euros.

[Steve]

Depending on cost, I will take a set of Euro LED's.

[euro911]

EURO

please... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Wow, just saw this tonight (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif)

Nice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)



Wouldn't it be more like this though, Rob ?

E
U
R
O



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)


... and I'm in for a pair of EURO units of course (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[CptTripps]

If you're worried about vibration, you could always use a rubber grommet at the mount points.

These look awesome, and I'd love a set to match my tail lights too.

[Spoke]

Thanks all for ideas on mounting the LEDs. We've been discussing this at work for a while and have come up with several solutions.

Here's one that we've kicked around. This would have a spacer jig to keep the LEDs a uniform distance off the board when soldering. The production jig would encompass all the LEDs at once.

This test piece is simply 2 layers of protoboard glued together. I did one LED row and it worked well. Just bent the LEDs until they contact the board.

[kid914]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) in for a US set. I still have to order the rears. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[john77]

In for a set to go with my rears.

[eric9144]

In for a US set... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Spoke]

Built up the first prototype; except for 3 white LEDs; need to order more. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

The jig to bend leads worked well although the angle was slightly too great so the top of the board needs to be deeper than the bottom. Need to adjust the jig so the board can sit flush in the bucket.

[euro911]

Jerry, if the upper end of the board sits further down in the bucket, why not just supply a stand-off and a long screw for the upper end? ... or am I missing something ?

[Harpo]

Looks awesome Jerry +1 euro

David

[speed metal army]

Yep! In for a set of fronts and rears as soon as the fronts are sorted. (euro fronts,rears)
Nice work. You have wayyy more patience than I do. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Spoke]

Took a couple of videos of the front LEDs. This is the Euro version.

First the turnsignals; then just the running light. For the turnsignal, the US lens is on. For the running light, the lens is removed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Go4DQY5T3U


Now both the running light and the turnsignal with the US lens off.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y2HTTtBjG8

[JmuRiz]

Is there anyway to turn the running light off when the turn signal is flashing?
The Audis do that, and it makes it easier to notice the flashing signal.

Either way, great progress.

[euro911]

In both video clips, are the driver side lamps the stock incandescent bulbs?

I notice a lag to full illumination, whereas the passenger side are a lot quicker and precise (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


As far as I'm concerned, the same safety factor applies to the fronts. If they are brighter and easier to see by opposing traffic, they are definitively worth the $ (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Chris H.]

Yep that's what it looks like. I just updated my original post...going US spec. When do you think these will be ready?

[IanS]

Those look amazing! I think I already replied in this thread but if not I definitely want a set. I have a US amber front light and no side markers so I guess I would want the non-euro light but I really like the running lights feature.

[CptTripps]

You know me...I'm in.

[Spoke]

Jerry, if the upper end of the board sits further down in the bucket, why not just supply a stand-off and a long screw for the upper end? ... or am I missing something ?

I'm planning to mount these with brass sheet material like I started on the rear lights. I want to use the existing 2 screws for the lens cover to secure the board. As with the rears, the goal is to make no modifications, drilling, or wire changes to the bucket or lens.

I wanted the board to be flush with the bucket angle. This first pair will sit lower in the rear but will work just fine. Just doesn't look as nice as I would like it to. I need to make a jig that is slightly thinner than the one I used for the first board.

[Spoke]

In both video clips, are the driver side lamps the stock incandescent bulbs?

I notice a lag to full illumination, whereas the passenger side are a lot quicker and precise (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


As far as I'm concerned, the same safety factor applies to the fronts. If they are brighter and easier to see by opposing traffic, they are definitively worth the $ (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Yes, the driver side bulb is a standard 1157 bulb. When looking at the flashing of the bulb, when the bulb turns off, its illumination dies quite slowly such that it is almost off by the time the flasher turns back on. The LED is just ON-OFF, no slow turn on or lagging illumination.