DIY MOOD LIGHT / dome light LED
#21
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Maybe slight fluctuations, but when the car is off, the voltage is ~12.3, when the car is running the voltage is ~14.3. That is a huge difference to a little LED. LEDs are not like resistors, the relationship between voltage and current is not linear, it is exponential. Look at the chart in this link to see what I mean.
I still would like the specs on the LEDs. The math just doesn't add up.
If you have source voltage as 12V, take the generic LED specs I posted earlier:
12V - 3.3V - 3.3V = 5.4V left to drop after the LEDs
To obtain 20mA you would need 5.4V/.020A = 270Ω
Maybe, technically a voltage regulator isn't needed, but to do it properly, and have the LEDs last, you should use one.
I still would like the specs on the LEDs. The math just doesn't add up.
If you have source voltage as 12V, take the generic LED specs I posted earlier:
12V - 3.3V - 3.3V = 5.4V left to drop after the LEDs
To obtain 20mA you would need 5.4V/.020A = 270Ω
Maybe, technically a voltage regulator isn't needed, but to do it properly, and have the LEDs last, you should use one.
(14.5V-3.5V-3.5V)/.020A = 375Ω (a standard 360Ω is fine)
That will keep the current low enough to protect your LEDs. Also you won't notice a difference between 12.3V and 14.3V as far as brightness is concerned. Pretty negligable. Hope that helps.
#22
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How do you get the dome lights out of the headliner?
I checked my owners manual and the service guide and no instructions for removing the dome light assembly.
Mine is not working, no light in the dome lights, wanted to check the bulbs, I checked the 10A fuse already and it is OK. The visor lights are not working as well, the trunk light is working though. Thanks for any suggestions.
Mine is not working, no light in the dome lights, wanted to check the bulbs, I checked the 10A fuse already and it is OK. The visor lights are not working as well, the trunk light is working though. Thanks for any suggestions.
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#26
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Nice idea for the mood lighting. I might add them to what I've already done with my interior lights (see link below), but I'd like to find some orange LEDs so everything matches.
https://my350z.com/forum/body-interi...different.html
EDIT: Found these orange LEDs, which should work well:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...-4000-mcd/293/
And, the mounting bezel:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...ring-bc-5/300/
https://my350z.com/forum/body-interi...different.html
EDIT: Found these orange LEDs, which should work well:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...-4000-mcd/293/
And, the mounting bezel:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...ring-bc-5/300/
Last edited by dcains; 05-15-2013 at 08:07 PM.
#27
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Well, I ordered a bunch of different orange LED's, some 3mm, 5mm, bright, dim, clear, diffused, etc. They're cheap enough that I only spent around $13 on eBay, even with the shipping. So, I have lots of options to try. Then, as I was just now taking the Z out to gas it up, I was thinking that placing the LED's as the OP did might not be ideal. Seems like those LED's might be shining in my eyes at times. Not to be critical of the OP, as obviously I like his idea enough to steal it, but just thinking out loud.
I'm going to take a pair of the brighter 5mm orange LED's and mount one each behind the lens of the map lights, rather than on the surface of the housing. This should provide a softer, more diffused light, and I think more of an OEM look, which is what I've always looked for in all the mods I do on my Z. I should have the LED's middle of next week, and I'll post some pics after the install.
I'm going to take a pair of the brighter 5mm orange LED's and mount one each behind the lens of the map lights, rather than on the surface of the housing. This should provide a softer, more diffused light, and I think more of an OEM look, which is what I've always looked for in all the mods I do on my Z. I should have the LED's middle of next week, and I'll post some pics after the install.
#28
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Just got the new mood lighting LEDs installed, and I have to say I think it looks great, and very OEM. I installed one LED behind each map light lens, which creates a soft, even glow, and none of it shines directly in my eyes. The install was also incredibly simple, as the light housing already has a hole in each map light recess, which a 5mm LED fits into perfectly. Anyway, I've posted a pic below. Not great, as I just used my point and shoot camera propped up on the door edge with the window down. The mood lights look a little overexposed, so maybe next week I'll set up my DSLR on a tripod ans shoot a good manual exposure.
EDIT: Forgot to mention, these are the LEDs I used:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-mm-12-Volt-Amber-Orange-LEDs-Color-Diffused-Lens-Pack-of-5-/190844540344?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c6f3895b8
EDIT: Forgot to mention, these are the LEDs I used:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-mm-12-Volt-Amber-Orange-LEDs-Color-Diffused-Lens-Pack-of-5-/190844540344?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c6f3895b8
Last edited by dcains; 05-26-2013 at 07:28 PM.
#29
Great looking mod!. Can you post a pic or something to show where you wired them into the system for the always on power? Also some indication of where the LEDs are placed within the light well may be helpful, Or does it matter with the diffusion and all?
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