(Without an electronics degree). I want to convert my motorcycle signals to LED for better visibility. I’ve seen direct-replacement bulbs, but I want to gut the lens and put in an array that fills it up. I’m paranoid about some goof slamming into me at a stop sign.
Is there a kit to make LED panels any size I want? Is there a book that can take me through it step-by-step if I buy all the parts?
Thanks, Lee
No reason you can’t, but it’s not an easy 1-2-3 process.
The LEDs typically take between 1.5 and 6V depending, they’re polarity sensitive (won’t work if the polarity is wrong) and overvolting them will burn 'em out in short order. Also make sure you get the new style “bright” LEDs, and not the old, typical indicator light Radio Shack types.
Besides which, you’ll need to build something to hold the tiny things in a usable array (I wouldn’t use less than six or seven very bright ones in place of a normal 1157 bulb) and wire them properly (series or paralell, and that matters when selecting a resistor to knock the voltage down.)
Second, you’ll have to wire the array so that you have both the “dim” running light emulation as well as the “bright” brakelight. More wiring and another resistor most likely.
The easiest thing is to just buy a drop-in bulb replacement. It’ll probably be cheaper than buying the miscellaneous pieces seperately, and definitely be less of a headache. If you’re worried about getting hit due to a dim light, and you’re not experienced at wiring and soldering, it seems that your homebrew might be less reliable than a factory piece.
Wow. That makes a lot of sense. I think I’ll go with LED replacement bulbs.