My backup LED light project

[M52 POWER!]

I own a 05 BMW M3 and one of the cool things about it is the rear lights are all LED's except for the reverse lights! I thought it would be cool and fun to make some LED backup lights so everything would be LED

I found a site selling LED bulbs and ordered them. Once I got them I was disappointed with their output and quality. Shortly after I discovered DX and then CPF forums. I read and read and set out to make a PROPER LED backup light

I ordered some XP-G R5 drop in P60 pills and converted them to the car style plug in adapter and the result is awesome!

Left aftermarket "cluster" LED, Right XP-G

Below is comparison of the XP-G and the aftermarket LED bulb! I think you can guess which is which

And both together!!

Quite a dramatic difference! :thumbsup: I'll have night time shots later tonight.

Also I measured amperage draw of the XP-G and at 12 volts it was pulling around 500ma. So that should be 6 watts right? How do I calculate current at the emitter after the board?

I think the next step is to get a proper buck driver that will run the XP-G's @ 1400-1500ma.

-Chris

 

[JohnR66]

How is the current limited in the current config?

12v at 500ma means 6 watts dissipated in the light unit. It is going to get hot. Don't leave it in reverse for more than a minute. Keep in mind that when the engine is running the voltage can be as high as 14.5.

I wouldn't go 1500 ma unless heat sinking is better or you don't use reverse for more than 30 sec at a time.

This thread is probably better fitted for the automotive section.

 

[M52 POWER!]

How is the current limited in the current config?

12v at 500ma means 6 watts dissipated in the light unit. It is going to get hot. Don't leave it in reverse for more than a minute. Keep in mind that when the engine is running the voltage can be as high as 14.5.

I wouldn't go 1500 ma unless heat sinking is better or you don't use reverse for more than 30 sec at a time.

This thread is probably better fitted for the automotive section.

There is a buck/boost driver limiting voltage, capable up to 18V so I am safe.

 

[12Johnny]

It looks AWESOME!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

One question: How did you attach the drop in pill to the bulb socket? It looks rock solid!!!

 

[nein166]

That is brilliant! Aside from the heatsinking problem, but who drives in reverse for more than a minute anyway.

A better picture of the socket connection to the drop-in would be great

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Also I measured amperage draw of the XP-G and at 12 volts it was pulling around 500ma. So that should be 6 watts right? How do I calculate current at the emitter after the board?

I think the next step is to get a proper buck driver that will run the XP-G's @ 1400-1500ma.

-Chris

without knowing the efficiency of the driver you could only guess.. perhaps 4-5watts to the LED or about 60-80 percent efficiency. From what I have seen (stats) buck circuits tend to be more efficient when the voltage difference is small between the LED and input.

 

[natna]

without knowing the efficiency of the driver you could only guess.. perhaps 4-5watts to the LED or about 60-80 percent efficiency. From what I have seen (stats) buck circuits tend to be more efficient when the voltage difference is small between the LED and input.

I think the only way to be sure about the led driving current is measuring directly on the led. Voltage and current! I don't think that a cheap drop-in could use more than 1amp on the led...

 

[M52 POWER!]

The socket is connected to the pill by solder. I sanded the edges of the socket and then ran a thin bead of soder onto it. Then I joined the 2 together using solder. It worked better than I had even hoped

 

[daf3m]

Installing high watt leds in your reverse lights without diffusing the outcoming beam isn't that brilliant idea.It is very annoying for every vehicle/driver that is behind you and i am sure you are aware of it.

 

[kingofwylietx]

I like it & would also like more reverse lighting.

I don't see the 'bright reverse lights' being too much of an annoyance to other drivers. It sure seems rare that I go backwards when somebody is behind me. Also, if you watch people drive, you will see that nobody pays attention anyways....so it's even less likely to be a bother.

 

[daf3m]

I suppose different countries define different attitude on this matter ..
Plus driving an SUV(generally speaking) makes difficult to understand what a low-height car driver feels. Further more ,here where i live ,reverse parking procedure is common (if not the only way) on the street - no garages.

 

[kingofwylietx]

I suppose different countries define different attitude on this matter ..
Plus driving an SUV(generally speaking) makes difficult to understand what a low-height car driver feels. Further more ,here where i live ,reverse parking procedure is common (if not the only way) on the street - no garages.

There you go, two different perspectives based on differing circumstances. This allows us both to be right for our particular situations.

 

[M52 POWER!]

I experimented with different reflectors and even no reflector. Surprisingly WITH the stock drop in reflector produced the best spread/focus out the back. They actually have a decent cutoff which shouldn't blind people.

 

[12Johnny]

The socket is connected to the pill by solder. I sanded the edges of the socket and then ran a thin bead of soder onto it. Then I joined the 2 together using solder. It worked better than I had even hoped

Thanks for the information, and again, let me tell you that it looks absolutely incredible!!!

 

[lawman520]

Thanks for the information, and again, let me tell you that it looks absolutely incredible!!!

can't seeing anything.....

 

[deadrx7conv]

Its not like we drive around in reverse all day. And the lens diffuse/block enough of the light. Annoying is good since they'll pay attention and not crash into me! Backing out of the driveway and parking spots is now safer!

I have high-powered LED backup lights from Vleds. They are the 8-watt 921 sized. Still couldn't see in reverse at nighttime. Now, the VLED 18watt license plate frame is awesome and makes backing down a 200 yard pitch black driveway a piece of cake! Had to use the 8-watt 921 replacements to 'source' power to power the license plate frames. Normal 921's incan's are 18 watts. So, from 36 watt incan to 24-watts of LEDs on same circuit. Less power,more light, ands its pretty much stealth vs. using bolt on rear fog lights!

A LED/driver mounted to the license plate(great heatsink) is something I am considering on my other car. Waiting for my P7's and drivers to come in for my outdoor yard flood light. Wonder if anyone will notice an LED sticking out a hole drilled into the license plate.

 

[12Johnny]

I have high-powered LED backup lights from Vleds. They are the 8-watt 921 sized.

It sounds great, and we would LOVE to see some pics of your setup!

Wonder if anyone will notice an LED sticking out a hole drilled into the license plate.

I am sure that nobody would pay attention to it, except by night, when you back up! The problem would arise when it rains, as it would not be waterproof? :naughty: