LED

Batteries, Alternator, Wiring, Lighting, etc. (Please discuss ignition problems in the Engine category)
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peewee21
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LED

#1 Post by peewee21 » Wed Apr 15, 2015 8:46 pm

Hi All,

I was wondering on your thoughts of using brighter LED bulbs for side lights, indicators etc?

Ian
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CAR
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Re: LED

#2 Post by CAR » Wed Apr 15, 2015 8:52 pm

I have LED lamps in the fr sidelights on the estate, they work fine. I think that LED indicator lamps would need a certain type of flasher unit relay.
I have also relayed the rear tail lights on the Pi which has increased their brightness.

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Re: LED

#3 Post by Mike Stevens » Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:44 am

I've not used LEDs for any of the external lights, but I have for the instrument lights, which means that I can now see the dial readings at night!

For the same light output, LEDs will draw much less current, so as Colin says, you'll need to think about a different flasher unit if you change the indicators to LEDs.

To be honest, I'm not sure I see any advantage in changing external bulbs to LEDs. They probably shouldn't be any brighter and fitting new (ordinary) bulbs which haven't darkened with age and cleaning up the reflectors and lenses ought to give the same effect?

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Mike.
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Re: LED

#4 Post by peewee21 » Thu Apr 30, 2015 8:20 pm

cheers all
Ian Peacock
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Dave B
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Re: LED

#5 Post by Dave B » Fri May 01, 2015 12:06 am

peewee21 wrote:I was wondering on your thoughts of using brighter LED bulbs for side lights, indicators etc?
Not for me, I'm afraid. Whilst not being a stranger to extra lights on my Triumphs, (front & rear fogs, H4 headlights with relays to replace sealed beams, etc) I just don't think the ultra sharp white of LED or xenon bulbs look right on an older car. Just my opinion, obviously. :)
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Re: LED

#6 Post by david_lall » Fri May 01, 2015 7:50 am

I agree Dave B.

However, The 1100 Club's magazine, Idle Chatter, has had a couple of articles about led bulbs; every light can be replaced, coloured bulbs should be used on indicators but the alternator charge light won't work with an led!
David Lall

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Re: LED

#7 Post by wild bill » Fri May 01, 2015 7:39 pm

Dave B wrote:but the alternator charge light won't work with an led!
Yes it will,I have them in the Mini for all my "idiot"lights!
I have led bulbs for the Triumph for front side,rear tail and stop just for the sake of being more noticeable in poorer weather-keeping in mind that I still have the wheezing dynamo fitted.
Only problem is that they do not "spread light" like a normal bulb.
One avenue on our estate has had the streetlights replaced by Led heads,very bright if directly underneath,but surprisingly dark between lampposts,some properties are now not lit too well at all!
Just my halfpenny's worth!(cheaper because running leds :lol: )
Bill Young
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Re: LED

#8 Post by Mike Stevens » Tue May 05, 2015 11:42 am

The current through the ignition warning lamps (when lit!) is used to kick start the alternator. Without that current (or a missing bulb) is it quite likely that the alternator will not work at all.

Bill's experience is that the current through an LED is sufficient to get the alternator to work, but that might well depend on the alternator in question. But I see Bill has a dynamo? In which case, the indicator lamp current is probably irrelevant, so the original warning about LED indicator and alternator could well be right!

Cheers,
Mike.
(South Oxfordshire)
Register Member No 0355
1971 2.5PI Saloon Sapphire blue
1973 2.5PI Saloon rust some Honeysuckle
1973 Stag French blue
(1949 LandRover was blue should be light green!)

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Re: LED

#9 Post by wild bill » Tue May 05, 2015 6:42 pm

Hi Mike,the Triumph has the original dynamo,but the mini has a compact alternator (Denso)as fitted to a Kubota mini digger etc.-very compact and puts out 40A when needed.I have also rewired my friend's mini and have used led's in all idiot lights too.Both cars are working fine,no charging problems!
Hope all is well with You and Yours Mike,
Bill.
Bill Young
1967 MK1 2000 MSS8E
1971 minivan IUI1588
1981 minivan TDS40W Now PMY453W
1962Greeves Sports Tourer 24DC 114 GGD
1998 Honda CB750, Deep Candy Apple Red.13500 Miles R191DVR
2020 Renault Trafic crew van 12 Miles 02-11-2020 TDS40W

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Re: LED

#10 Post by Mike Stevens » Wed May 06, 2015 11:59 am

Hi Bill,

Yes, we're all well - you too I hope!

The alternator does need some current to get it going, so obviously the LED current is enough. A 2.2W bulb would draw 180mA or so, an LED bulb probably much less, 20-50mA say? Enough to start the alternator electronics anyway!

The PI is in fairly regular use here but is going to need some major TLC soon. Hopefully, later this year when I give up the day job and should have more time!

Cheers,
Mike.
(South Oxfordshire)
Register Member No 0355
1971 2.5PI Saloon Sapphire blue
1973 2.5PI Saloon rust some Honeysuckle
1973 Stag French blue
(1949 LandRover was blue should be light green!)

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