Another Blue Led Thread

[Cal3thousand]

For those of you who have done the mod or are thinking about it:

I've got 75% of the switches done... incomplete are (window switches, AC/Heat, Emergency Flash Switch, and the Shift Gate)

I need input on how to do the AC unit...

Option 1: replace the #74 bulbs with 3-led #74s -- http://autolumination.com/74.htm -- first one.

-- Pro: Easily swapped

-- Con: Will it be evenly spread across all the lettering? Will those bulbs get too hot in the AC/Heat unit?

Option 2: Gut the unit and use the left over 3mm LEDs (in series) to do several (3 or 4) groups of LEDs that illuminate each number

-- Pro: lighting will be adjustable, so that could mean more even lighting.

-- Con: This could take forever to get right and would require a robust setup if it's gonna last. prolly need to make a circuit board with the LEDs on there, instead of just stringing them in place]

For the experts: (eg LiquidKernal, SDSUpaintball, [anyone else with electrical knowledge] etc...)

I want to replace the two LEDs that are above the REC and A/C switches and have some concerns. First, they are soldered onto a board that has 12V running through it.

What kind of LED should I get... (ie voltage, viewable angle, mcd...) do I need a resistor? (Initially thinking that a weak (300mcd) with a wide angle with a Vf of 3-4v and a .3 to .4 Ohm resistor)

Sorry abou the long post..... now, Let's hear it!

[Aequitas_Veritas]

Im still doing option 2, but it still needs work. I used around 30 leds and wired sets of 3-4 in series, took forever. Because of varying tints on the numbers plan on a lot of adjusting to make it look right. On the plus side if you are doing blue LEDs you can use some red LEDs for the red heat window on the tops of the temp controls, looks a little more trick. Instead of circuit boards I ended up making a kind of angel eyes for the backs of each ring. I bent clear tubing in circles and used a drill press to drill holes in it that I glued the LEDs in and spray painted the backs of them silver. Lots of work, but if you want it to look right its the only way to do it.

[stick70]

Im still doing option 2, but it still needs work. I used around 30 leds and wired sets of 3-4 in series, took forever. Because of varying tints on the numbers plan on a lot of adjusting to make it look right. On the plus side if you are doing blue LEDs you can use some red LEDs for the red heat window on the tops of the temp controls, looks a little more trick. Instead of circuit boards I ended up making a kind of angel eyes for the backs of each ring. I bent clear tubing in circles and used a drill press to drill holes in it that I glued the LEDs in and spray painted the backs of them silver. Lots of work, but if you want it to look right its the only way to do it.

How did you make them all get power? I tried but could only get 4 to run in a series

[(_8*(l)Homer]

I used 6 left over LEDs. I did all my switches and gauges. I also did the switches by the front dope lights.

[Cal3thousand]

Im still doing option 2, but it still needs work. I used around 30 leds and wired sets of 3-4 in series, took forever. Because of varying tints on the numbers plan on a lot of adjusting to make it look right. On the plus side if you are doing blue LEDs you can use some red LEDs for the red heat window on the tops of the temp controls, looks a little more trick. Instead of circuit boards I ended up making a kind of angel eyes for the backs of each ring. I bent clear tubing in circles and used a drill press to drill holes in it that I glued the LEDs in and spray painted the backs of them silver. Lots of work, but if you want it to look right its the only way to do it.

I was thinking of something like that too... The RED for the heat is sick tho... gonna have to bite that one maybe have white in the middle too, hmm....

as for the ring, I'm gonna fashion something for it... this is gonna have to last.

What about Resistors! one on each series I would assume?

thanks,

[Cal3thousand]

I used 6 left over LEDs. I did all my switches and gauges. I also did the switches by the front dope lights.

That looks pretty sweet ... what do you mean by "front dope lights?"

And what wires did you power to get your unit to light up for testing?

[PsychoBeano]

This may sound stupid, but how do you even get the unit out of the car? All I need to finish is this and Im pretty sure Im gonna go with bulbs as I dont want another headache with doing LEDs.

[stick70]

This may sound stupid, but how do you even get the unit out of the car? All I need to finish is this and Im pretty sure Im gonna go with bulbs as I dont want another headache with doing LEDs.

if you have auto cc take the radio out and just push the unit from behind, it just pops out, if you have manual you need to pull the knobs off and take the screws out behind them

[Cal3thousand]

This may sound stupid, but how do you even get the unit out of the car? All I need to finish is this and Im pretty sure Im gonna go with bulbs as I dont want another headache with doing LEDs.

there's a few ways... basically, it needs to get push out from behind or pulled from the front. If you take off the temp knobs, you can pull it out by hooking something inside the opening. OR you can take the radio out, then push with your hand from the back... should pop right out.... Then, theres like 10 phillips screws in the unit to remove.

EDIT:

any one else with some advice? or care to share ideas on my original Post? much ppreciate

[stick70]

there's a few ways... basically, it needs to get push out from behind or pulled from the front. If you take off the temp knobs, you can pull it out by hooking something inside the opening. OR you can take the radio out, then push with your hand from the back... should pop right out.... Then, theres like 10 phillips screws in the unit to remove.

EDIT:

any one else with some advice? or care to share ideas on my original Post? much ppreciate

I did the CC unit with a ring of 5mm leds on pc board, i just couldnt figure out how to get power to so many

SDSU how did you power yours?

[Aequitas_Veritas]

I hooked all my LEDs in series and tied them all back to two points, one for ground and one for power. Then I just used the stock wires with some connectors on them so i could remove it easily.

[Cal3thousand]

Please refer to this topic: http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=71712

Anybody get tint to work? I have some taillight tint leftover and might try this for the Climate Control.

Anyone?... please?