there are too many variables in external light to trust a photocell to dim at a certain level of "oncoming" light.
You're right. Photocells are a primitive, crude, not very effective way to do the job. You need a scanner or a camera to do it right.
there are too many variables in external light to trust a photocell to dim at a certain level of "oncoming" light.
Based on my experience living here for many years, I'd say "it's just you," but I've yet to drive the roads and highways of PA for basis of comparison.I don't know if I am just being sensitive but here in PA seems like no body cares if they blind you or not, but when I go down south they are much more polite overall in driving, is this just me?
Sounds impressive. Probably a Good Thing for distracted drivers or those who don't have an highly developed "dimming reflex." I still put the human brain ahead of the sensor. When I'm approaching the long climbing right hand curve to the Bennettville Bridge on a dark morning and I can look over the river and see headlight coming onto the bridge from the right, I know I'll be dimming just before meeting a vehicle in the curve. A sensor wouldn't spot that; the other guy's headlights will be pointed at the outside of the curve, not at me. But I know mine will hit his windshield and driver's side window from close range. I think the sensor helps, but doesn't do it all.
And I have had auto-dimming rear view mirrors. But I guess I'm still a "manual control" guy at heart.
You are the problem people we've been complaining about.My new low beam policy is "you first". As soon as the oncoming vehicle dims his lights I do as well. If they want to play high beam headlight chicken I'm game.
Thanks for posting this reply.That is a very immature attitude and practice. It's also illegal, and Rule 11 of this board prohibits advocating illegal activity, so you'll need to please stop it now. Somebody else's unlawful use of lights does not justify your own.
Anyway, it's worth getting used to vehicle- rather than driver-centric control of the light beam distribution; they are doing some really cool stuff in Europe with camera-driven dynamic always-on high beams that shadow other road users' eyes out of the beam pattern while leaving everything else fully lit up: high beam seeing with low beam glare. US regs don't permit this kind of system (yet?).
It could pretty much track a vehicle moving toward you, and keep the light beam out of that driver's eyes precisely yet still deliver impressive light.