you can light up your speedo with LEDS

[CrUZida]

So the condoms are out?
This is in?

Is it worth the extra over the 50c condoms?

[wagonist]

Why didn't you figure out a way to get the Toyota symbol on your "povo pack" dash to light up while you were at it.
At least that part of the dash would've been useful then

I think you need a tacho, dude.

For the others reading this, if the dash doesn't use these wedge globes where you can get a replacement unit that already has a resistor in it, what's the best way to get LED's in there?
Use normal LED's in the original socket & solder a resistor in line on the wire to the cluster?
And if so, how do you determine the reisistance required? Is a potentiometer a possiblility?

Can you still dim the dash lights using the factory dimmer switch with LED's installed?

Isn't it funny how this would've been classed as RICE a couple of years ago...

[puzzle man]

Can you still dim the dash lights using the factory dimmer switch with LED's installed?

Isn't it funny how this would've been classed as RICE a couple of years ago...

yes and yes
i can still dim them u best ask Karl as i would not no the size k~ resistor just a big one and you can run all the LEDS with one big k~ resistor (thats what i did with my speco tacho)

I think you need a tacho, dude.

ive got one dude

[wagonist]

ive got one dude

forgot about the ricey add on one

I reckon clusters look crap when they're obviously missing something.

[The Witzl]

you cannot dim LED's PROPERLY by reducing the voltage driving them. They will dim possibly ~5-10%, and then they'll just shut down. To properly dim an LED you have to vary the current to the LED whilst maintiaining a voltage just a little higher than the forward bias voltage (usually the rated as "typical operating voltage").

To do this you need a simple transistor circuit using a very common 30c transistor and suitable resistors and a trimpot to vary current. I have done it before, but it's buried in the "celica box" somewhere....

in most cases, running your typical 3.0-4.0V operating voltage LED at around 20-50mA from your car you should use approx 570 ohm resistor.

I'll be working on this more when i get stuck back into the real car.....

[Farkurnell]

The lights in my dash have been shitting me since I've had the car. They are incredibly dim even when turned to the brightest setting and my old eyes can't see the gauges at night.
Do the LEDs come in plain old white light? Me being really smart and all, I'm guessing the one in the middle of the picture you put up is a white one Craig?





Cheers, Greg.

[The Witzl]

Greg,

I have the PERFECT solution for the RA28 instrument cluster sitting on my desk at work =) I'll try to remember to bring them to the monthly meeting.

Otherwise give me your instrument cluster, a few bucks, and ill make it light up beautiful and white!

[Farkurnell]

Sounds good Karl. Unfortunately I'm not able to make the next meeting. I'll be in Broken Hill, or some other God forsaken far west country town.

What's the solution you have on your desk?
How long would you need the cluster for?





Cheers, Greg

[The Witzl]

what i have is these nice new led strip lights... they use surface mounted LEDs on a nice flat strip which have a nice BRIGHT dispersed light, and run off 12Vdc.

basically the idea is that you put this inside the rear "light box" plastic casing on the back... and hook em up.... and BAM - shitloads more light than the bodgy 3 wedge lamps used from factory!

[Farkurnell]

Sounds like exactly what I need Karl
Where do I sign up?

[wagonist]

Pics please

[The Witzl]

they do have a small header connector somewhere on them, i think.... they're about 10mm wide, and about 3mm tall....

[Toobs]

The connectors are on the back of them and they come with a little bracket with double sided tape on them for mounting.
They are made for the computer case mod types but would probably work pretty well in the instrument cluster of older (pre pentroof combustion chamber) vehicles.

[The Witzl]

i didnt think that the 3sg heads were a pentroof design, unlike the narrow angle "F" series heads eg. 4afe, which are....??

All that aside - Greg, i'll buy some and bring them to the next few events (meeting, maybe drive ins, WSID night, Toyotafest, etc). You'll just have to turn up!!

[Farkurnell]

Thanks Karl. I'll be at the Toyotafest.




Cheers, Greg.