Daytime running lights...

[taminga16]

Silvi,
When I have time and access to an NB, I will endeavour to design a solution. In the interim I feel that the LED's in the foglamps are close to the definitive.
Greg.

[hks_kansei]

It would be nice if they came on each time you start up and you don't have to remember to turn them off after parking ( the parkers stay on otherwise, potentially flattening the battery after a long time)

The NB8B doesn't have the annoying beeper thing like the NB8A I'm guessing?

Mine just screeches if you open the door with the lights on (and engine off)

[taminga16]

Silvi,
Does your car not have a lights on warning buzzer?
Greg.

[Silvia]

Yeah it lets you know with noise if the headlights are on when you open the door - not a bad thing .
Needs a mod that turns headlights on/off with the engine - but I've had enough of auto electricians at $200 a time

[Mr Morlock]

Silvia - with respect- the DRL thing . By all means use your headlights if you think that is the best solution but its not free- you are burning 2 headlamp bulbs and 2 rear lamp bulbs. The headlight bulbs have a service life and using them in the day will result in more frequent replacement- your choice and maybe of no consequence at all. I do think headlights on is annoying to others but again your choice. A proper quality drl now found on so many cars is a better solution. If you just add your own version of a drl ie not tested and not switching off with the headlights you can be issued with a ticket- not sure what the fine is. I do agree with Taminga the best location is the fog light position and a legal kit that fits in the apertures would be good- maybe Taminga will find one.

[Silvia]

Fair enough....personally I don't think the lady in the big 4WD in the next lane has a chance of seeing any lights in the foglight area and will still turn in on you. If you find others using headlights in the daytime annoying - well I guess it shows they do get your attention (what they are for after all )
Can't recall ever having a headlight bulb burn out on me , but obviously they do in time, though I'd say the replacement cost will be a fraction of fitting the LED driving lights. If they are fitted to my next car I'll be happy to use them...

[taminga16]

Headlamp bulbs get tired due to the amount of heat that is needed to provide light, I throw out the units in my ute and motorcycle (hard wired and on constantly) about every eighteen months and replaced the bulbs in my NC twelve months ago. LED's do not get hot to produce light and as such last longer, the tail/ stop unit on my bike is five years old and there is little change to the light output (measured). Mr M, I have given up looking for a suitable addition and have replaced the incandescent bulbs with LED's (see attachment) and intend altering the circuit to ignition on/ foglights on as per details on the US forum. The circular LED assemblies would have provided the perfect solution, neat and elegant but for the UV issue. Silvi could purchase an ignition on/ Headlight on kit from Jaycar.
Greg.

[taminga16]

Fair enough....personally I don't think the lady in the big 4WD in the next lane has a chance of seeing any lights in the foglight area and will still turn in on you. If you find others using headlights in the daytime annoying - well I guess it shows they do get your attention (what they are for after all )
Can't recall ever having a headlight bulb burn out on me , but obviously they do in time, though I'd say the replacement cost will be a fraction of fitting the LED driving lights. If they are fitted to my next car I'll be happy to use them...

If "the lady in the big 4WD in the next lane" does not see you, it is not about lights! The LED units pictured in my previous post were under $20.00 landed appear to be very well made and because they burn so much brighter than my LED parking lights I would think that one could run them so without fear of being targeted.
Greg.
EDIT, I would have liked to post an image, but for reasons unknown my 'puter is not talking to my new camera. Both girls, I think.

[taminga16]

Fair enough....personally I don't think the lady in the big 4WD in the next lane has a chance of seeing any lights in the foglight area and will still turn in on you. If you find others using headlights in the daytime annoying - well I guess it shows they do get your attention (what they are for after all )
Can't recall ever having a headlight bulb burn out on me , but obviously they do in time, though I'd say the replacement cost will be a fraction of fitting the LED driving lights. If they are fitted to my next car I'll be happy to use them...

If "the lady in the big 4WD in the next lane" does not see you, it is not about lights! The LED units pictured in my previous post were under $20.00 landed appear to be very well made and because they burn so much brighter than my LED parking lights I would think that one could run them so without fear of being targeted.
Greg.
EDIT, I would have liked to post an image, but for reasons unknown my 'puter is not talking to my new camera. Both girls, I think.

They look like this.

[Silvia]

As neat as that looks, I remain unconvinced that visibility is good other than to those directly ahead. That model headlights are good and prominent.
Took your advice and emailed Jaycar....


Hi . Do you have a device that turns on headlights when engine runs and off again when switching engine off?
I would like to use headlights as day driving lights.
The car is a 2002 Mazda MX5 with a stalk to turn headlights on and off. If lights are left on when leaving car or removing the key, a warning sounds.
It would be best if the fitting was affordable and able to be self fitted easily.
Regards

[taminga16]

Hi Silvi,
Have you searched the big forum, those Americans have a lot of time on their hands (and there are more of them).
Greg.

[Mr Morlock]

Silvia and anyone else interested. A drl is only meant to give a vehicle visibility head on -thats its purpose. A drl has no side visibility- proof - look at any vehicle fitted with drls ( plenty now) and soon as the car get near level side on then the drls are no longer visible. My car is easily visible head on or to any driver looking in their rear vision mirror.

Insofar as light life on headlamp bulbs I can quote figures but these can be looked up. Many people rarely replace headlamp bulbs because they do not use the car much at night but using the same headlamp bulbs during the day is a different thing. Rear lamp bulbs ie 21/5W etc is a non event- there are so cheap though they do fail and use ie heat into a filament can lead to annoying failures- just note how many cars have a bulb or bulbs out in the rear.

DRL kits- approved ones at least have a module that controls the operation. If you have to pay an auto elec to fit or modify your vehicle expect to pay for it. Taminga is comfortable in doing diy and knowledge on electrics.

[Silvia]

From Jaycar search....

CAT. NO. KC5524
RRP $59.95

Automatic Headlights Kit for Cars

CLICK TO ENLARGE


Automatic Headlights Kit for Cars

Refer: Silicon Chip Magazine October 2013
Like modern cars, this kit will turn your car headlights on automatically if you forget to turn the lights on when it gets dark. It can also turn the lights off when you park to avoid a flat battery.

Features:
• Works with incandescent or halogen lights (May work with other types of light with daytime running lights disabled but this has not been tested)
• Suits majority of vehicles made in the last 25 years without automatic lights (lights switched on high side)
• Optional daytime running lights
• Adjustable light sensitivity
• Adjustable switch-off delay
• Adjustable daytime running brightness from zero up to nearly full brightness
• Under-voltage cut-out, to prevent battery over-discharge and to allow engine starting in cold weather/with a weak battery
• 25kHz PWM drive with EMI filtering to minimize radio interference
• Optional `leaving home' feature turns lights on for 30 seconds (adjustable) after doors unlocked (requires central locking)
• Optional `coming home' feature leaves lights on for 30 seconds (adjustable) after ignition is switched off
• Warning buzzer to indicate if lights have been left on (optional - buzzer included)
• Virtually no battery drain with lights and ignition off
• Protected against load dumps and other voltage spikes
• Can drive external relay for separately wired tail or instrument lamps

Specifications:
• Operating voltage: 11.5-15V DC
• Operating current: approximately 30mA
• Quiescent current: typically Total light power: 1-12A, 12-150W nominal (up to 175W @ 14.4V)
• Voltage drop: typically Dissipation: typically
• Kit supplied with double sided, solder-masked and screen-printed PCB, die-cast case (111 x 60 x 30mm), buzzer and electronic components. Cabling not included.

Note: Some SMD soldering required.

QTY
1+ $59.95
5+ $53.95
Enter Quantity

[Silvia]

CAT. NO. KC5273
RRP $39.95

Turn your car into a Volvo! "Kit Back Catalogue"

CLICK TO ENLARGE


Turn your car into a Volvo! "Kit Back Catalogue"

Kit Back Catalogue

Also found this simpler device from Jaycar to "Turn your car into a Volvo"

Please note: This item is only available for purchase on our website. It is not available in stores.

Refer Silicon Chip 1999
Daytime running light for cars. This kit turns your car's headlights on during the day, so it's more visible to other road users. To reduce glare, it efficiently operates the globes at 80% brightness. It will switch to full brightness in low light conditions and can handle up to 200W loads.
- Kit supplied with weatherproof diecast box, PCB & all electronic components.
- Limited quantity available

Please note: This item is only available for purchase on our website. It is not available in stores.

QTY
1+ $39.95
5+ $35.90

I realise others are turned on to fitting LED's but I maintain this is an easier answer to the visibility issue and until recently was a much praised safety measure

[hks_kansei]

People aren't arguing that LEDs are a safer option, the difference between an LED or Incandescent bulb used the the same manner are likely very low (assuming you use two bulbs of similar light output)

The benefit of the LED is that it can do the same job for a longer period, generating less heat, and using less power.



I personally use my headlights still, because I dislike how LED lighting looks on cars older than about 5 years or so.
But, I accept that I will be changing bulbs more often.


That, and I've already got enough wiring issues with the foglamps, I don't need more