LED gauge lighting, Here is the prototype DIY kit Options

[marks914]

OK,
Here is the DIY kit prototype. We may change the wiring pass-through at some point, but this was the best way to keep the costs minimum. For those of you who missed it, a couple of weeks ago I posted some info on the LED lighting.

Here is the basic kit for each gauge. It is the LED strip, which can be cut down to size, with a adhesive isolator strip (2-way tape) and the wiring harness.

(IMG:http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/42125/2381509640057582025S600x600Q85.jpg)

this is how the LEDs go in the can, just pull the tape once they are positioned and aim the LEDs away from the can sides. Shown is the speedo and tach cans, the fuel gauge strip can be cyut shorter, or left long for combo gauges.

(IMG:http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/4630/2723826740057582025S600x600Q85.jpg)

(IMG:http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/23579/2946524130057582025S600x600Q85.jpg)

This is how the back connection is wired to the stock harness. One spade goes to the stock light wire, the other to a ground.

(IMG:http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/19691/2278606970057582025S600x600Q85.jpg)

The gauges do need to be dis-assembled, trim rings and all, then the lighting is like this:
(IMG:http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/41182/2554238570057582025S600x600Q85.jpg)

(IMG:http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/40807/2643126480057582025S600x600Q85.jpg)


Pricing? If there is enough interest, they will be $65.00 per set of 3 gauges. You can leave the old bulbs in the can to seal up the back. 911 gauge prices slightly higher, the clock is the tricky one on the 911 set.

The kit includes 3 light strips with adhesive isolator, 3 harnesses with pass-through spade connectors and instructions. We have warm white, cool white, red, green and blue.

OR, now that you know how to do it, just give it a try.

Or we can install them here in our shop.

Let me know what you think. We will probably order the light strips as needed, so delivery time will be a few days.

Mark

[So.Cal.914]

Cool idea, should be a nice touch.

[pktzygt]

Cool idea, should be a nice touch.

Can they be dimmed with the factory dimmer? If so, I'm all over those.

[pktzygt]

Cool idea, should be a nice touch.

sorry, my computer froze and i hit reload.

[Cevan]

I'm thinking the factory dimmer won't work as it doesn't dim mine, which are the LED replacement bulbs. I am in if you sell those.

[FourBlades]

Very nice...Is the top photo the white and the bottom the blue?

Do you have photos of the others?

How hard is it to open the guages? I have never tried it.

I want a set, but not sure which color.

John

[nein14]

Mark, they look great!

[wertygrog]

Interested! Is that top picture the warm white or cool white?

[charliew]

I'm watching for the one that I can switch from white to red or blue so I can have some bling.

[GeorgeRud]

Generally, LEDs can't be dimmed like conventional incandescent bulbs. I believe there is some special circuitry that does allow it, but it's pretty much on or off with LEDs.

I do love the idea of having brightly illuminated guages, but I don't know if I'd feel all that comfortable removing the front bezels. I know they can be removed by carefully prying along the circumference, but it would be nice to have this done properly. I'm sure the VDO people have a special tool that is unaffordable for casual use.

Are there any electronic geeks on the list that have the specific knowledge on dimming LEDs?

[GeorgeRud]

Actually, I found a source for a LED dimmer: www.ledtronics.com/products/ProductsDetails.aspx?WP=C264K1687

Not cheap, but it probably works.

[charliew]

I think I read that Mark is also working on the dimmit deal.

[Gary]

Very nice. I'll be in for a set for 5 911-style gauges when you're up and running. I'd love to see how red looks, as I have white gauge faces.

LEDs, being current devices, drop a constant voltage, a property of the "diode" in light-emitting-diode. You can't vary the power draw or intensity with a resistor in series as with an incadescent bulb. There are jillions of PWM dimmers you can use with lots of circuits on line. May even be some you could purchase - I haven't looked really hard. If you knew the resistance range of our dimmer, you could do up a 555-based dimmer without too much fuss.

[TC 914-8]

Mark,

Looks good I installed some of the blue LED's that replace the factory lights but don't look anything like your LED strip.

I would be in for a set of 3 when you have them ready.

The big question is.... how hard is it to open and reseal the gauges?

Or how much to have you do it if we ship our gauges to you ?

My Tach is modified to accmodate the V-8, so I want to keep my same gauges.

Tony

[pktzygt]

I found this dimmer. I'm not sure if it works, but it seems to be about the same thing as the one posted above for about half the price.

[marks914]

There are a few LED dimmers out there. The autometer seems to be the best value. The stock dimmer does allow for some dimming, but once it reaches 9V the LEDs turn off. We have aslo installed a inline resistor with success to dim them down.
The next step is to write up some instructions and get some light strips in stock to show the different colors. Give us a few weeks and we can get all of this done and add to our online store.
For those who can't wait, we can start making these now, but no instructions.

To answer the question on how hard is it to take apart the gauges:
Pelican rates it as a 4 out of 10 in difficulty level. Its not that hard, it does take some paitence. I have ruined many trim rings before I found a technique that works.
We can install the LEDs for $55.00 per gauge, unless you are having other work done, then its $35.00 per gauge.

More pics and info on our website, espescially in the later pages in the gallery section:
http://www.newvintageusa.com

We also have some new products coming in a week or so:
Temperature gauge overlays, gauge modules and oil pressure extensions, NLA from VDO.

Mark

Charlie:
I can get some RGB strips, the only issue is that the leds will point inside the gauge, the emitters are on the side of the strip. maybe that is not a problem, maybe it will work fine, If someone is willing I will give it a try.

The real problem here, for me at least is time and money. We are in the midle of a major product launch, so we are leaking money like a sive, with out a whole lot coming in, plus we rare in the development stage of another product that has a high tooling charge, so it needs to be right the first time. No cash to re-do a a set of stamping dies.

[SGB]

This looks really, really good.

The only problem I have opening a gauge is getting something under the edge of the ring to get started. I just could not get a strong enough blade between the body abd the ring to start the process.

I used a very small drill bit on the back side of the trim ring in order to get a tiny screwdriver in there, then just went round and round and round slowly bending the edge back. That in itself is about a 1 beer job.

I'm hoping one of those modules in the works is a temp readout to go in place of the big red flashing brake light lke a non-console car?

[marks914]

We have more screened parts for the temp modules coming this week. Here is what the look like:
(IMG:http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/42032/2117910870057582025S500x500Q85.jpg)

(IMG:http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/42770/2604022690057582025S500x500Q85.jpg)

I have soem images of some converted 914 fuel gauges at home, I will post them when I get back. They have the lamp removed and a temp gauge installed.

Mark

[seanery]

These look cool. When you offer a turn key system with proper dimming I'm in! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

[TedK]

I would love to see the red in action. Always liked the way BMW guages were lit at night.