$14 L.E.D. Headlamps

[redpoint5]

There is a lot of talk about safety, but no data to back the claims. Shall we continue with inapplicable metaphors? Running an HID system is like removing your tires altogether and just running on the rims! See the parallel of light and traction???

I anxiously await the data that shows how dangerous aftermarket HIDs are, even if it includes the most inconsiderate of implementations. Of course this info would have to be juxtaposed with the info showing how the improved lighting helped to avoid certain catastrophe.

While I don't believe concerns of non computer-aided HID designs are unfounded, I do believe they are blown out of proportion. To use my own inapplicable metaphor; the hysteria is reaching global warming proportions!

In all seriousness though, why the vilification of HID but not the same espoused hatred for LED? They are both illegal, and both have very strong potential to be implemented poorly. Further, I find it perplexing that this is the hotbutton religious topic of the forum. There are those who propose building entire vehicles from the ground up, without nary an eyelash batted. We are talking tons of metal barreling down the highway with tremendous potential destructive energy. Still we are more concerned with headlight
implementation than the design of an entire murder waggon? Of course I'm being a bit facetious, but perhaps I have an incorrect perspective?

I'll end by conveying my condolences to the many here who have lost loved ones due to incorrectly focused purple-hued lights.

[mcrews]

Well, this is an easy one....
first, back to your snarky statement about the invention of the lamp prior to the computer.
DUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
How about the invention of the engine before computers........
besides how completely 'thoughtless' you comment is, the fact remains that NOW, today, and for the last 15 years, with the advent of the COMPUTER DESIGNED non sealed lamps (that would go along with all the other COMPUTER DESIGNED car parts....geeezzzzz( like talking to first graders), when you alter the point where the hot spot sits you alter the reflection.
Don't believe me, shine some 'hid in a halogen reflector' lamp on a wall.
THen call me.
This may surprise you, part of the computer design of the headlamp is not just about the brightest light the farthest, but about the 'suitability'(for lack of a better word) of the light in front for the human eye. There is a science to making sure that when the human eye is looking down a dark road it is not being strained by looking into a light pattern that is insuffcient or too bright.


Maybe 100 people in the free world are self producing cars, that are driven MAYBE 4000 miles a yr. (and are aware of what they are doing, btw)
as opposed to 100,000s who are buying plug n play hid kits (and have no idea that it is bad)

And the vilification of "hid in reflectors" is as justified as 'turbonators' in your intake steam.
THe reason leds get a pass is because only in the last couple of years (thank you audi) have leds been of a high enough quality to be maid into driving lights.
(DUHHGHHHHHHHHH)
google led headlamps.......
google hid headlamps.......

There is a great forum, hidplanets.com that is all about hid and PROPER installation of hid systems.

While I appreciate a good intulectual give and take of ideas, you need to try working thru the questions before hand.
I bet not 1 of those 'death machines' would even consider running hid in a halogen lamp. THey are to focused on the correct technology.
Ricers do not think in those terms......they think about color! Or don't think at all.

Finally, show me one picture where someone did the install and took a picture on the wall before and after. They always take the picture of the front of the car!!!!
and it's 'brighter' because of the glare!!!! not because the light goes farther or better.
also, unlike the 'turbonator' which is in your car and has NO effect on my life, my safty or my driving.........the hid in reflectors DOES effect me......and since I know the facts......I realize that you have no idea what you are doing!
(not you - you neseccarily, but the generic 'you' )

[mans]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

There is a lot of talk about safety, but no data to back the claims. Shall we continue with inapplicable metaphors? Running an HID system is like removing your tires altogether and just running on the rims! See the parallel of light and traction???

I anxiously await the data that shows how dangerous aftermarket HIDs are, even if it includes the most inconsiderate of implementations. Of course this info would have to be juxtaposed with the info showing how the improved lighting helped to avoid certain catastrophe.

While I don't believe concerns of non computer-aided HID designs are unfounded, I do believe they are blown out of proportion. To use my own inapplicable metaphor; the hysteria is reaching global warming proportions!

In all seriousness though, why the vilification of HID but not the same espoused hatred for LED? They are both illegal, and both have very strong potential to be implemented poorly. Further, I find it perplexing that this is the hotbutton religious topic of the forum. There are those who propose building entire vehicles from the ground up, without nary an eyelash batted. We are talking tons of metal barreling down the highway with tremendous potential destructive energy. Still we are more concerned with headlight
implementation than the design of an entire murder waggon? Of course I'm being a bit facetious, but perhaps I have an incorrect perspective?

I'll end by conveying my condolences to the many here who have lost loved ones due to incorrectly focused purple-hued lights.

If I may submit my humble opinion, I think you are bang-on.

there is a little room for concern, but its being blown out of proportion

Bang-on.

[mans]

"HID's are Illegal and Unsafe".

on the "unsafe" part we need to take a more careful look and determine Y/N.

On the "Illegal" many laws aren't the smartest....check out the link below

In Ohio its illegal to catch mice without a hunting license.
In P.A. all fire hydrants must be checked before all fires.

Dumb laws | stupid laws

what state do you live in? Check out the link I provided above for all the laws in your state.

[mcrews]

How about we focus on the topic "illegal to alter headlamps"

Who gives a fxxx about you distracting the conversation with another topic.

while you are being frivolous, look up the headlamp laws.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by mcrews

Well, this is an easy one....
first, back to your snarky statement about the invention of the lamp prior to the computer.
DUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHH...

I can appreciate snarky comments being repaid in kind.

This may surprise you, part of the computer design of the headlamp is not just about the brightest light the farthest, but about the 'suitability'(for lack of a better word) of the light in front for the human eye. There is a science to making sure that when the human eye is looking down a dark road it is not being strained by looking into a light pattern that is insuffcient or too bright...

Agreed, and quoted because this is important for people to know.

...THe reason leds get a pass is because only in the last couple of years (thank you audi) have leds been of a high enough quality to be maid into driving lights.
(DUHHGHHHHHHHHH)

To clarify, we are not concerned with improper use of LEDs in headlights because they haven't been around very long?

There is a great forum, hidplanets.com that is all about hid and PROPER installation of hid systems.

Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

While I appreciate a good intulectual give and take of ideas, you need to try working thru the questions before hand...

As do I. Even if we don't agree at the end of the day, I do appreciate having my ideas challenged.

Finally, show me one picture where someone did the install and took a picture on the wall before and after. They always take the picture of the front of the car!!!!

Good suggestion. If I remember, I will take before/after pics of my motorcycle and open myself up to criticism.

Back to the topic, I would be very interested to see LED headlights in action using the photo method described by mcrews.

[mcrews]

To clarify, we are not concerned with improper use of LEDs in headlights because they haven't been around very long?

No, you missed my point.
If you google each, you will se there are not hundreds of 'plug n play' kits. also the technolog isnt 'quite' there yet.

But it all falls under the same issue (clearly) moving the hot point. Maybe that doesn't seem clear to you but that's the point of the conversation.

Frankly, op wasnt going to be able to 'create' a suitable alternative w/led. But he could drop $40 on your recommendation and think he did a 'good' thing.

[mans]

Originally Posted by mcrews

hot spots are in dirrent location.
hid runs in projector lens not reflector lens
all the light is glare when you put hid in halogen lamp.
That is why REAL hid lamps have a cut off line

it;s a shied built into the lamp.

yes it was nice seeing this picture.


the plan was to purchase appropriate-power LED's like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5-HEAD-LIG...item415f577bc2


and install them inside a PVC tube of several inches diameter and 5-8 inches length. should the light spread too much in all directions I would back the light up inside the tube as necessary until the beam is narrower as the tube would cut away more of the spillage.

A shield could also be built in so there would be no light spillage at all above a predetermined height like in the picture here.

finally, I would take a pic of the beam against a wall exactly like you said,and see if it produces results that are satisfactory in terms of safety to others.

the bulb in the link I've just provided takes 1.8 watt and is a 60 watt equivelant, here's a quote from the description which you can see yourself by clicking on the like I've just provided...unless the listing is incorrect/in error
"- Power consumption: 1.8W (Equal to 60W bulbs) "


again this picture was much appreciated.

[mcrews]

I wish you the best of luck with the led lamp.

the second question is how the led lamp throws the light.
Park a know distance on a dark street that has a stop sign at the end (or some reflective sign) turn on your lights. The sign should 'light up".

My lower projectors (above pics) are good for 1/2 a mile.
you should do that also w/ your stock lens still in place on one side.

[mcrews]

Here are two pictures of a hid projector that has a hi & low beam function.

Most hid are low beam only(shield is permantly in place). but about 30% have a sileniod that moves the cut-off shield.

You can see the intensity of the high beam function: