LED Taillights, Custom Made for the 914 Options

[gothspeed]

I am in for LEDs, will they replace the entire assemblies or plug into the existing bulb sockets?

I have tried those plug in LED bulbs from FLAPS and the brake light is barely noticeable. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

So I am thinking these custom versions would be better, right (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ?

[Spoke]

Very nice.

What kind of software are you working with?

Thanks. I'm using Altium. It's pretty powerful as you can do schematic capture and go right to PCB layout. Change in the schematic? No problem, just reload the schematic and parts removed disappear and new parts appear on the PCB.

[Spoke]

I am in for LEDs, will they replace the entire assemblies or plug into the existing bulb sockets?

I have tried those plug in LED bulbs from FLAPS and the brake light is barely noticeable. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

So I am thinking these custom versions would be better, right (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ?

These will fit in the existing enclosure with the original lens. It will replace the reflectors/bulb sockets. The goal is to not have to cut any plastic or change flashers to install.

[JmuRiz]

Cool stuff, there is a company that does something similar for 356s...but that's the only model they build them for.
It never hurts to have brighter lights these days

[d914]

interested

[Chris H.]

Very interested..

[no1uno]

interested

[A&PGirl]

Very nice.

What kind of software are you working with?

Thanks. I'm using Altium. It's pretty powerful as you can do schematic capture and go right to PCB layout. Change in the schematic? No problem, just reload the schematic and parts removed disappear and new parts appear on the PCB.

Your welcome. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'm always impressed by creative solutions to an existing problem. The software sounds like a very good setup and I'm glad it works well for you. I know how expensive CAD software can get. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I can definitely help with installation instructions and/or the hardware to install the buckets if you need me to.

[monkeyboy]

Lots of those drop in LED "bulbs" are very directional. They end up being less visible on a car as low as ours.

I like this idea. Using good LED's with a wide pattern would work great.

I would be in for a set for sure.

[DEC]

Lots of those drop in LED "bulbs" are very directional. They end up being less visible on a car as low as ours.

I like this idea. Using good LED's with a wide pattern would work great.

I would be in for a set for sure.

I think it is a bit more difficult as it shows......

There are lot of different LED's so you havs the choice and the
challenge to find the one which matches the requrirements.

For the back driving light and fllasherlight I use the bulbs like Mark
shows.
For brake light and rear light I use a Spider LED like this
Spider LED
These are mutch brighter and makes a huge different between back and brake light

[ruby914]

Interested!

[AndyB]

My car isn't ready yet, so,

Maybe I can get a local volunteer to try them.

Scotty-In-NH Where are you?

I have installed LED bulbs in my car. I have also added cheesy chrome tape to replace my fading backing. I have a LED third brake light that is only noticeable when I step on the brakes. I agree the more LED's you have on each bulb the better I went with a company that sells them and I don't regret it. Those that went to Hershey last year have seen my brake lights.

[lagunero]

Paul (smrz914) made them. I don't know how many. I funded the project and received the prototype. TonyAKAVW (electro wizard) has it now. I don't think they will be any cheaper to make but IIRC, Tony did say they are nice.

[zymurgist]

Fascinating. I would be in for a set if this comes to fruition.

[Nürburg Nomad]

If you're upgrading to LED's (or not, they work with regular bulbs too), you might consider a "back off light" or "taillight flasher". I know many people are concerned with getting rear-ended and protecting their precious teeners. This is usually one of the first mods I do to any motorcycle I ride regularly. The manufacturers advertise something like a 40% reduction in rear end accidents on motorcycles. Also, many newer ambulances feature a similar technology for safety reasons. If anybody wants more info on these I have a large variety of models I can order from at a decent discount as well.

This video is one of the better examples I can find. Most videos look wrong because of frame rates on the cameras. Some modules allow you to fine tune the flash rate, number of flashes, and even integrate turn signals.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e368R4ttjCE

Agreed, I can vouch for the effectiveness of the "Back-Off XP" which I installed on my 914 shortly after I obtained the car a few years ago. Vehicles give me a measurable increase in following distance under braking, which started as soon as I wired in the weather proof module inside the car behind the center of the backpad. If I understand correctly the "Back-Off XP" is the original/best unit that most motorcyclists use? My LED 3rd brake light will utilize the 5-flashes before steady illumination function too once I have it installed. The flashing is certainly more effective with LED taillights so I look forward to see what sort of 914-specific LED taillights develop in the coming year?

Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Signal-Dynamics-Brak...4/dp/B001F85OUM

[Jgilliam914]

If you build them we will buy!!

Every time I find myself behind a newer car with LED's I find myself staring at them. I feel they are one of the best new safety features on any new vehicle

[Spoke]

Paul (smrz914) made them. I don't know how many. I funded the project and received the prototype. TonyAKAVW (electro wizard) has it now. I don't think they will be any cheaper to make but IIRC, Tony did say they are nice.

Do you have any information on which LEDs were used or how they were powered?

I have no pride WRT copying something that works or improving on a previous idea.

PM sent.

[tscrihfield]

Spoke let me know if you need any help on this. I deal with these everyday and I have very good connections with all of my Board suppliers. If the order is small enough, I can probably have these boards ran for free or nearly free. I buy close to 5 million in bare boards each year and have good reputations with PCB houses. I would love to help you get the cost down as I am interested in these as well.

I can probably get the LEDs at cost as well. I can run them through a personal PO to Avnet, Digikey or TTI. Whichever has a better deal...

Thomas

[Spoke]

Spoke let me know if you need any help on this. I deal with these everyday and I have very good connections with all of my Board suppliers. If the order is small enough, I can probably have these boards ran for free or nearly free. I buy close to 5 million in bare boards each year and have good reputations with PCB houses. I would love to help you get the cost down as I am interested in these as well.

I can probably get the LEDs at cost as well. I can run them through a personal PO to Avnet, Digikey or TTI. Whichever has a better deal...

Thomas

Thanks Thomas, I'll keep that in mind.

The main issue right now is to find an LED which is efficient enough to give the brightness I'm looking for and somewhat affordable.

Any suggestions of an LED would be appreciated.

The first one I tried didn't give the output I was looking for. Here's the info at Digikey:

Cree LED

I found an OSRAM LED with twice as much output. I'll get some samples of this one and give it a try.

OSRAM LED

[charliew]

I am also interested in these lights. I have a radiance tail light on my harley and it had the sequential turn leds with the flashing brake and it was bright.