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I was not satisfied with my previous attempt at DRLs using LED strips. So this time around, I tried using bigger and brighter LEDs.
(This mod took place in the latter part of August 2012.)
I found these "Eagle Eye" LEDs on eBay. Each LED consumes 1.5 watts and puts out 70 lumens (as compared to a 5050 type LED that consumes .24 watts and puts out up between 12-20 lumens). The "Eagle Eye" LED is available in a stick-on style, or a bolt-on style. I bought 12 bolt-on LEDs for about $30 shipped.
(picture from eBay auction)
(picture from eBay auction)
Here are the 12 Eagle Eyes with a US quarter for size comparison. The body is aluminum with a semigloss black finish, and the electrical wire is 2 individual wires (red and black) inside a black plastic outer sheath. The thread is metric (I did not confirm the exact size but thread is about 9mm outer diameter and I used a 17mm wrench to tighten the nut).
Since the Eagle Eyes are bigger than the 5050 LED strip was wide, I had to modify my front vents again. I removed the 10 plastic "bridges" previously installed and replaced them with 6 wider ones. After securing the new bridges in place with Krazy Glue and craft glue (from a hot glue gun), I drilled 3/8" diameter mounting holes.
(Before)
(After)
I found that a SAE washer sized for a 5/16" fastener is about the same as the outside diameter of an Eagle Eye, however the hole is too small. So I enlarged the holes in the washers using a 3/8" drill bit, then I hot glued the modified washers on the back side of the vent. Lastly, I bolted the Eagle Eyes in place using the supplied nuts. I wrapped the wires with electrical tape and used a molex connector for a quick disconnect. I painted the backside with black spray paint prior to installation.
Passenger side done.
Comparison, full sun
Comparison, back lit
Comparison, DRLs off
Close-up, DRLs off
Both sides done.
In full sun
Back lit
Night shot *, parking lights on but no headlights,
DRLs dimmed via PWM dimmer
(green spots are lens flares)
Night shot *, headlights and parking lights on,
DRLs dimmed via PWM dimmer
(green spot is lens flare)
* Keep in mind, at night the camera is automatically trying to gather as much light as possible, so the lights look brighter and more dazzling in these pictures than they do in person.
The "column of stars" look I originally wanted is more obvious. The DRLs are now more easily seen in the daytime, and still look great without too much glare at night (thanks to the PWM dimmer). It was worth it!
Revised LED count for Light Frenzy 2: 192 - 12 = 180, plus 24 from revised fender vent mounts in August 2013 = 204.
As a result of my car being rear ended, I replaced the 21 rear underglow LEDs with 63 LEDs. So now the LED count for Light Frenzy 2 is 234, minus 12 for the Improved DRLs = 222, plus 24 for the Revised Fender Vent Mounts = 246.
Total LED count is now 170 from Light Frenzy + 246 from Light Frenzy 2, Improved DRLs, and Revised Fender Vents + 10 from Front Lights upgrade = 426 LEDs
Next: Front Speakers Upgrade
You can send your questions or comments to BrickPig2011xb@gmail.com
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