My LED license lamp solution

[Under_rated]

You know you can buy LEDs with the 1K ohm resistance in them alrady... I would suggest them cause of the tight space and you can add more LEDs as well...

[CaysE]

I've used the LED festoon bulbs available through superbrightleds.com, and they both flickered and died within weeks.

[covert1]

I am back. But right now, my first priority is to address everyone who left PM's from yesterday all the way back to August. Sadly, I won't have anything readied before the gift-giving holiday, but those that waited patiently shall receive a wonderful deal

[CaysE]

He lives! Huzzah!

[nick]

yay i need a set desperatly! I flicked the pass side bulb and it came back on lol so ill be safe for a little while.

[shadyninja]

pm replied to
will go well with the 3 other leds I have back there too

[boostedzx3]

This post is so old xerofall replied to it.

[covert1]

A status report for those who have been waiting patiently (thank you, by the way, for your understanding). I hope to be able to get to new orders by the new year, but it depends on how well this batch turns out. So far, knock on wood, no catastrophies.

I spent maybe 5 hours today preparing my new lamps and wanted to share some pics of the development so you all could get a hint of what to expect:

First off, here's to my original LEDs, still kicking, even though they're so terribly unrefined it's not even funny.



Take a look at these beauty queens: (This same dirt/grime is what leads to the rapid deterioration of regular lamps) In my case, these lamps are nearly 2 years old and I'm actually surprised that the copper contacts aren't more corroded.




Now, out with the old, and in with the new revision. This one's much simpler to construct. Two larger LEDs instead of a board with 4, which is so much easier to rig up. The light output, while still pretty close to pure white, is a little bit influenced by the fact that the epoxy slightly yellowed, but this still presents a pleasing, yet distinct light. I also share the opinion of a few who believed my original lamps might have been a tad too bright, so this design takes that into consideration. Either way, these lamps are plenty functional and much more robust and reliable.



As you can see, there's a slight bit of aura hanging around below the car, but it's not as pronounced as before:



And here's a slightly underexposed image to make obvious the two-led design:



Right now, I've gotten about half of 20 or so pairs assembled; Once all are at least glued down, then I have to apply the sealant, but that should be straight forward. After a few days of curing, I can start shipping, finally!

[shadyninja]

nice work!

[njsvtdude]

yay cant wait to see where i am on the waiting list lol

[screwdiver]

Are you using high flux leds now?

[covert1]

This time around, I decided to make use of a stockpile of 10mm standard (bullet-style) LEDs.

The superflux LEDs are great but their slightly larger square footprint compromises the effectiveness of my designs.

For instance, on my dome lamp modules, I stuff 24 standard 5mm LEDs, whereas I can only fit 12 superflux. The latter are more ideal for this application because the light has a much greater viewing angle, but practically speaking, most people prefer the greater intensity of the 24 standard LEDs.

With multi-chip LEDs becoming more available, the style (package) of LED probably won't matter that much. These LEDs make one MEAN dome lamp module.

[screwdiver]

How much would it be for you to custom me a triple superflux licenseplate lamp?

[covert1]

screwdiver: PM.

A moment of silence please...

(Note: I got a BAD cold for Christmas and experienced probably the WORST sleep I've had in my memory)

On Tuesday, Dec 26th, I set off for work without realizing that I had left my original License Lamps on the bumper where I had left them during the last nighttime photo shoot. Yes, I was foolish for leaving the lamps out over the weekend, but I figured I'd notice this before driving anywhere. Wrong!!

R.I.P. (Rest In Pieces) my original labor of LEDs:


On my way back home, I saw no sign of the lamps, anywhere, pieces or not. All that lives on, now, are the pictures.

That being said, not only am I the president, but I'm also a client. I have no choice now but to use a pair of lamps from the latest batch!

Also, I'd like to say, "Hi," to the people at the GolfMKV forums, who keep linking to the pictures posted in the beginning of this thread.

Anyway, I have my sense of smell and taste back, so I feel somewhat healthy enough to go to the store to get shipping envelopes. Those who have been in contact with me, I'll PM you after I've sent your lamps off via the Post Office.

[njsvtdude]

Originally Posted by covert1

Also, I'd like to say, "Hi," to the people at the GolfMKV forums, who keep linking to the pictures posted in the beginning of this thread.

lol is this your way of saying, stop linking my pics?

[covert1]

I have plenty of bandwidth; just wondering if someone would notice

[njsvtdude]

hahah ok, gotcha, so did my lights ship yet? both of mine went out now, so i am glad i ordered yours

[covert1]

Yes, your lights are sent; in fact, I have to take this opportunity to report that I am completely out of license lamps again! All 12 pairs! Thanks to everyone that contacted me and expressed interest.

[nick]

got mine today and installed them they look great! Thanks again!

[njsvtdude]

just curious, how did you ship them? i hope mine are there today

[covert1]

Awesome, nick!

njsvtdude, this time I chose 6x9" bubble-padded envelope mailers, with the lamps also wrapped again so that they don't bounce around, freely. They all went out first class, but sometimes the time in transit defies expectations. The people in the first wave got their items in really damn fast, considering that the govt was closed on Monday and Tuesday. Oddly, my stuff got to CA before FL!

That being said, with things getting back to 'normal' at the post office, I hope your goods arrive by Saturday, since NJ is not really that far from me in MD.

[njsvtdude]

Well i got mine today, and hooked em up, they look awsome. Thanks so much, both of mine were soooo coroded.

I think i have a water leak, where the wiper arm goes into the glas, the one emptied water when i took it out. gotta check that out

[CrUziN4L]

hey covert, just wanted to stop in and say i will definitely buy again once mine burn out.

Still running the experimental set you gave me, wayyyy over a year now...you are the man!

-chris

[orionlion82]

Covert1! ive read so much, and thought you might never return!

so excited. ive seen the drop in replacements- but all of yours look custom and beefy and proper.

i will someday this year be getting into lighting my focus properly, and ill eventually PM you about the finer points of the dome lights, Licence plate lights, and trunk light (unless I do dual 12" ccfl whites). i look forward to dealing with you, and thanks for the hard work.

btw, as i recall GE made some TINY ccfl night lights about the size of licence plate lights...interesting, huh?
and how does hot glue work as a replacememt for sillicone? (they make all different colors)

[Dorito]

hey man, can you send me a PM about how to pay for a set of these sweet lights? I am sure there is a huge line up but i wanna get my name in for a set of these puppies too!!!!