243 replies to this topic

[Serge]

For those that are not aware, most white LEDs are actually blue LEDs that have a phosphor coating that absorbs the blue light and converts it to another color. Depending on the phosphor coating, it will change the color of the LED. Most white LEDs on the market are cool white, which have very little phosphor and appear to have a blue tinge to them. Quality white LEDs (such as those using in LCD TV backlights) are a white that is closer to being natural/neutral.

What about Lexus license plate lights? Well, those are not LEDs. Those are actually CCFL tubes, which is why trying to recreate that color with drop-in LEDs is so difficult. It turns out too blue.

Best solution? Use what LCD TVs use in place of CCFL tubes: pure/natural/neutral white LEDs.

NOTE: "Warm white" is not the same as natural/neutral white. Warm white is designed to mimic the yellow color of incandescent bulbs.

Compare. Left is my custom natural white LED board vs. a drop in "white" LED on the right.


Stock 194 incandescent bulb on left, drop in "white" LED on the right.



Start out with two protoboards cut about 40mm x 10mm.


Extra step: dip in liquid tin to tin the copper, makes it easier to solder and prevents them from oxidizing.


Solder OSRAM PLCC-2 white LEDs in series, sets of 3. Two sets in parallel. 12V--(>|)---(>|)---(>|)--Ground--(|<)---(|<)---(|<)--12V


POWER!


Wired up. Not pictured is a 194 connector at the end.


Comparison. Incandescent bulb, natural white board, high power cool white LED board.


A word on mounting. The board will simply sit behind the lens of the license plate light. There is enough of a gap where it will sit normally. Use a dab of hot glue to help secure it, then replace the lens as you normally would.

PS: If anyone wants, I can order 40 of these in bulk. Using different brand LEDs, but more of them and will run in the $5/each range.

Edited by Serge, 29 December 2011 - 07:14 PM.

[boosted_brick]

this is pretty cool. that one you put together looks real good.

i still prefer the drop in kind, they're just easier to mess with.

[Serge]

The drop-ins are much easer, of course. And the spread from the 3-die single LED drop in is very nice. If they only had them in natural white, I'd just throw that in.

They have pre-made boards like these with 12 natural white LEDs, but they are a bit too big. I'm looking for a supplier that can make them smaller; maybe order a few samples.

[boosted_brick]

i bought give 24 led panels ( i guess you can call 'em that) thinking i could use them all in the car and make the thing brighter. turns out a custom made light for the sides and front would be a better way to go since nothing i have fits.

if only i knew how to solder and make things...

[Keaton85]

Looks good! Ironicly, I was just working on this the other day but with blue PLCC2. I need to order some of the nice natural ones....

[Serge]

Looks good! Ironicly, I was just working on this the other day but with blue PLCC2. I need to order some of the nice natural ones....

you can grab these: http://www.ebay.com/...9#ht_1248wt_943

They should do the trick. Be sure to check specs, since OSRAM also has some really blue ones (7500K).

I bought these http://www.ebay.com/...=item2a079e3758 -- they are the LW T6SC bins. 5600K, 120 deg. T2 brightness group, so that puts them in 355-450mcd. The former one I linked claims 1800mcd at the same width, so those might be a better bet.

Edited by Serge, 30 December 2011 - 11:33 PM.

[rmorse]

Let me know if you end up making more for sale....I'll buy them for two cars

[Timbo Slice]

Is this posted to the Review's or Modifications sections on the site? If not it should be. Great writeup Serge!

[MikeS60NJ]

Let me know if you end up making more for sale....I'll buy them for two cars

I'm really interested aswell !

[Serge]

I'm checking with my suppliers, asking them to have them made with natural white LEDs.

[BtownVolvo]

If you're making these, I'm game. Shiiii gimme your PP and you'll have moneh.

[boxpin]

i am in too

[Jesus]

I'd buy a set.

[greekone]

I'd be in for 2 sets.

[corivus]

I'd buy a set too to save myself time

[Serge]

Surprised to see so much interest!

Basically, I'm going to contact a couple of suppliers I use for HID products and have them put these together. They'll be using Chinese-branded LEDs, but if they are anything like the cool white LEDs, they've lasted me for 4 years with DRLs on.

They will possibly look something like this:

[Jazzy_J]

Id buy a set. when you gonna start taking orders?

do you think it could fit a 240 or a 780?

[Serge]

Depends if they use194 / T10 bulbs for the rear plates. If they do, will work. I'll see about getting them in. A universal board, but that is dependent on production requirements (some have a minimum order quantity of 1000 units, so I need to make sure the costs are low). I'll be selling these on eBay as well, most likely. I will give everyone on VS a deal, though.

Waiting to hear back from my suppliers. Lead time is usually a few days after everything is settled and payment is received. From there it takes DHL a few days to get here.

Edited by Serge, 12 January 2012 - 10:11 PM.

[MikeS60NJ]

Id buy a set. when you gonna start taking orders?

do you think it could fit a 240 or a 780?

If they would fit my 03 S60 I'd buy a set for sure or even 2 !

[flyfishing3]

in for GB.