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Aug 31, 2018 22:37:13 GMT
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Problem; Blue LED main beam indicator - in roof dash so quite 'line of sight' At night the blue led is like a searchlight searing my eyeballs so it ruins my night vision. It's a std blue led - not high output. Currently using a 470ohm .5w resistor on it. I've tried the black lamp tint on it (8 coats!) but its still curse word bright. How can I get a nice blue lamp but only low output? is it possible to add more resistors to it? Can you get low output led's that I could colour blue if not? I tried experimenting with extra resistors, using 3 x 470 ohm .5w in series on a test LED did work but not enough, adding more did not seem to make any further reductions in brightness. Clever electronic people to the rescue please
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Aug 31, 2018 23:09:48 GMT
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I'm not clever electronic at all, but I've got a temporary LED wired up checking for fuel pump power following a recent breakdown that fixed itself. The LED came from work so is a 24v one (machine control system) and is visible in daylight but no distraction in the night. Just an idea, buy one made for a higher voltage.
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mk2cossie
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 3,031
Club RR Member Number: 77
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I need to dim an LED helpmk2cossie
@mk2cossie
Club Retro Rides Member 77
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Aug 31, 2018 23:41:04 GMT
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As said, a 24v one may be worth a try. My suggestion would be to mount a piece of tinted acrylic in front of it tho, if there is any way to do that/try it to see if it works
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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Put tipex over the end then paint the tint spray, I used to do it when I converted interior switches to different colours.
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1994 BMW 525i touring 2004 BMW Z4 sorn and broken 1977 Ford Escort 1982 Ford Capri getting restored 1999 Mazda B2500 daily driver.
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What range is suitable? I'm not too good with electronics. How big are they? And how do I wire them in?
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well you say 470 isnt doing it ...i dunno try a 5k and 10k ...they're only pennys
fit it same as the resistor ..cut the wire one side in other out
very small...would sit on a penny
either leave the 470 in place or remember to not turn it too low as the led would pop if zero resistance
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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That one looks viable. If 3x 470 are not enough am I looking for 1500 ohm or higher?
In terms of singe resistors is a 470ohm .5W less resistance than a 470ohm 1W?
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yeah so somewhere between say 1500 and 10k ought to dim it
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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Thanks Steve and all other replies, I'm good with electrics, but electronics I only understand a little.
Current led has 8 coats of black tint on it, blue sharpie and black nail varnish on the tip, still too bright!!!
I'll try one of the variable things and see how I get on with it.
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yeah they work a treat
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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I bought a 10kohm one - should cover it ok?
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sb
Part of things
Posts: 725
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Sept 1, 2018 10:13:33 GMT
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I would recommend going to Kitronik for LEDs of a known brightness. Ebay is cheap but they never state proper figures. www.kitronik.co.uk/components/leds-and-lamps.html?cat=118&led_colour=143They also have a resistor rating tool to make sure youre not running it too hot as that will increase the intensity and reduce the lifespan. Also be aware LEDs are focused over a few degrees, usually 25 or 60, so if you can angle it you may be able to significantly reduce the relative brightness. And if you are going to cover it don't be afraid to use opaque plastic, a decent LED will still shine through but give a much softer diffuse glow.
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Sept 1, 2018 12:16:49 GMT
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Cheers for that, ordered a couple of the blue ones from there as well - they 'appear' to be about 4 times less output!
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Sept 1, 2018 12:25:51 GMT
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If it's a standard 3.3V led then you should be using a 680Ώ resistor. My high beam indicator is very intense even behind to old ford colour plastic patch. Consider a change of colour as the 'blue' frequency does glare.
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1988 DUTTON LEGERRA MK1 - SPARES DONOR 1989 DUTTON LEGERRA MK2 - CURRENT PROJECT 1990 DUTTON LEGERRA ZS MK2 1990 DUTTON LEGERRA ZS MK2 DUTTON PHAETON S2 - Resting DUTTON PHAETON S4 - Resting DUTTON PHAETON S4 - PROJECT X DUTTON SIERRA S2 - Resting
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Sept 1, 2018 12:39:07 GMT
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Don't forget with resistors you can link them in series (end to end) if you haven't got the correct value, ive always found the blue LEDs a horrible harsh light for some reason
Just realized you did the series bit in the first post! I will go and sit somewhere dark for a bit!
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Last Edit: Sept 1, 2018 12:43:43 GMT by gtviva
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Sept 1, 2018 14:38:43 GMT
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Rebuilda - interesting, supplier recommended the 470ohm ones and the online calculator shows the same?
As you say, the blue is intense. The reds/ambers/greens/yellows that are in the same cluster are all fine.
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