Replacing tail standard bulbs with leds

[alexandervf]

Hi all,

I've been thinking for a while now to replace the standard bulbs with led, and this is what i came up with.








This is how the tail unit looks when i finished.....





And this is how the tail lights run.....

Cruising mode


...and stop lights on...


I know it's not perfect, it's the best i could do. It is also not properly seated (that is for the last 2 pics) on bike because it was a brief test i did so that i could see how it runs...so, when the unit goes back on the tail i think it will look better.

There are also a few things i must test. One, due to the large number of leds there is also an equivalent number of resistors...which they produce heat...and with this configuration the heat is gooood, so the first test is about heat durability in all kind of weather conditions (mostly the hot summer days). The second test will show if the whole construction can withstand vibrations

In a few days i will be testing it on the road.

Any comments are welcome.

[hardnutdvd]

how much would you charge for one unit?

[alexandervf]

Hmmm....don't know (do you mean that?)

[amorti]

Not bad. How bright is it "in real life"?

Why did you use so many resistors? If your LEDs have 2.5v max for each LED a string of 6 in series comes out at 15v max, which your bike should never exceed 14.8v. Then you don't need any resistors, so you get much less heat.

That said, have you ever tried to hold onto a 21w bulb that's been on a while, I doubt you'll have a problem.

Here's an attempt I made years ago, the insides weren't nearly as nice as yours though!

[alexandervf]

Thanks amorti,

In real life, if my judgment is good, they come close to the standard bulbs, only a little brighter, because now there is more coverage of light due to the locating of the leds. (Excuse my writing).

Yes, you are correct, i could use a smaller amount of resistors. I just wanted to make sure that if a resistor went bad, the whole tail light would not go out. (If i get it right, i am not very familiar with some technical terms in english).

No, to be honest i haven't , though i know they produce a lot of heat.

Very nice, the outcome is very good!

[hardnutdvd]

Hmmm....don't know (do you mean that?)

i meant price...

[alexandervf]

Yes, i know that you meant price . I just wasn't sure if you do want me to do this for you... Anyway, if you do want me to make your tail light like mine...I would be glad to do it for you, but there are certain issues that we must discuss first along with the price (the price for me is a secondary matter).

So, tell me which way you prefer to discuss this (email would be best for me), and i can tell you about anything you ask.