Custom 3rd Brake Light (Upd: 18th August)
- Thread starter IAmOrion
- Start date
mac27040 said:
Not bad - that's an off the shelf product though right? (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32810182987.html)
I'd bought one of those originally to do this project with, but they're only available in huge (120cm) lengths and you can't cut them down to size. Plus the LED strip isn't really flexible enough to align the LEDs properly hence why I had to re-think my idea, and went down this current path
mac27040 said:
Depends on total cost of the build - over the years I've learnt many never really want to pay what it costs (Material costs etc are higher since it's not mass production, but bespoke/"1-off" things) so not really sure yet. Hobbyist projects are often quite a bit more than off the shelf stuff, but will see
I will how ever be writing a proper HOW-TO write up, including bill of materials, my Arduino code, schematics etc etc for anyone wanting to DIY 8)
Scotland
Very impressive. But I'm sure there's some regulation or other that says turning indicators must be within a certain distance of the side of the vehicle, like with sidelights. I'd have the hazard and reversing functions though.
What does the light do if the brakes are applied when reversing?
What does the light do if the brakes are applied when reversing?
Sidewaze Samm said:
This was queried earlier in the thread
So everything is in a priority order:
1) Braking
2) Reverse
3) Left / Right / Hazards
So basically, no matter what’s happening, if you brake, the light will turn red.
Imagine this, you’re pulled over at side of road, left indicator on. So the left indicator ‘animation’ occurs. If you then put the car in reverse, the entire strip goes white and acts as reversing light. Reverse takes priority (at least, that’s how it’s currently codes) over indicators etc. Now, if you were to brake during reversing (and still indicating) the light would go red since brake light is highest priority. When you then release the brake it would go back to white since you’re still reversing. Once you’re out of reverse gear, assuming indicators are still flashing and you’re not braking then the indicator would be seen again.
As an update on this too - I’ve had about 50 messages on Facebook since I posted this into 2 Z4 groups... I’m drawing up a custom pcb which would be the “control module”.
Now, to keep it “hobbyist AND newbie” friendly - I’ve designed it so that you just solder on an Arduino Nano, then solder on a buck converter, then the headers / wires etc. Now - the downside is it makes it a larger pcb than I’d personally like - measuring about 62mm wide, 50mm tall and about 20mm-30mm high/thick once inside a case I’ll 3D design. The plus side (and main reason for doing it) is it will be easy for the average joe to DIY it. Just buy the nano and buck converter off eBay or wherever, solder it in place via header pins then just upload my pre-made code. Those who are comfortable with the Arduino IDE and writing their own code can edit it to the desire but for most the “default” code and config will be perfect.
To simplify the indicator choice, I’ve made a simple jumper point. Eg. Join the jumper via a jumper or solder bridge and the indicator will flash static/solid, without the jumper they will animate sequentially flowing. (That way those who don’t code can still choose easy enough)
Once I’ve finished designing the pcb and completed my code etc I will go over everything in what is fast becoming a comprehensive write up and how to
Yes I missed a point already mentionedJl-c said:Sidewaze Samm said:
see page 1
, which I asked as an afterthought.My main point was a query about the legality of the positioning for indicators. I don't know the requirements, but maybe it's ok as 'repeater' flashers. Perhaps someone has decent knowledge of the relevant construction & use regs?
Sidewaze Samm said:Yes I missed a point already mentioned
My main point was a query about the legality of the positioning for indicators. I don't know the requirements, but maybe it's ok as 'repeater' flashers. Perhaps someone has decent knowledge of the relevant construction & use regs?
I must admit, I never even thought to check that aspect. I mean, I know it’s fine as braking & reversing ... I’ll try and find out about indicators. In my head I didn’t think it’d matter since it’s not replacing indicators, but adding more.
I’ve seen loads of people install the cheap off the shelf strips (as someone’s mentioned earlier) without issue so I’d hope it’s not an issue
IAmOrion said:Sidewaze Samm said:Yes I missed a point already mentioned
My main point was a query about the legality of the positioning for indicators. I don't know the requirements, but maybe it's ok as 'repeater' flashers. Perhaps someone has decent knowledge of the relevant construction & use regs?
I must admit, I never even thought to check that aspect. I mean, I know it’s fine as braking & reversing ... I’ll try and find out about indicators. In my head I didn’t think it’d matter since it’s not replacing indicators, but adding more.
I’ve seen loads of people install the cheap off the shelf strips (as someone’s mentioned earlier) without issue so I’d hope it’s not an issue
Possibly an ‘off’ switch to restore just braking for Mr MOT?
Jl-c said:
That's a good idea actually! I can add a little slide switch on the PCB I'm making that enables/disables the indicator function.
I may do a Poll at some point to see how many would be interesting in my Custom PCB. I've designed it (or rather, it's evolving as I go) so that it could be used as a generic led controller - so for example, you could fit one under the bonnet and attach LED strips if you wanted some other fancy lighting somewhere. Anything vehicle related basically and has 6 custom input triggers (The trigger is a 12-14v signal (Anything less than 25v but higher than 3v)) which gives 8 custom functions.
Brake (Function 1)
Reverse (Function 2)
Left Turn (Function 3)
Right Turn (Function 4)
Left + Right Turn aka Hazards (Function 5)
Custom 1 (Function 6)
Custom 2 (Function 7)
Custom 1 + Custom 2 (Function 8 )
Obviously since it uses an Arduino Nano - and I'll be sharing my code once finished, those could all be re purposed to what ever you wanted
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