Modded blue LED dials

[madcowz]

I have finally modded my Mk1 dials (speedo & petrol) with blue LEDs.

Took a few attempts as I required more LEDs than I first thought due to them having quite a narrow viewing angle.

In the end I wired 6, in 2 batches of 3 from each of the 2 bulb holders.

Here is what they look like now:

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/2136/dials.jpg

As usual, the photo really doesnt do them justice.

Way better than the stock orange.

Next on to the heater panel and clock...

/Mad

 

[coolspot007007]

Looks good, Ill have to get hold of some spare 16v dials to play round with.

 

[Loki]

i want blue dials in my dynamique

 

[Mole]

got any pics showing how u did it, would be handy for a how-to guide, id definately want to change my RT1.4 dials as i hate the orangy colour, but id try and get a red LED to try and light up the needle

 

[madcowz]

Mole,

I have loads of photos showing a step by step guide with wiring diagrams, resistor values and the formula to work out the values. I will get this into a guide as soon as possible.

I still need to work on the petrol gauge as it is still a bit faint, whatever you do, get diffused LEDs not clear as the clear ones are just too directional, like mini spot lights and are a pain to get right.

/Mad

 

[Mole]

yea, well gives me something to get from work, being an electronics engineer, working for an electronics company does have its good points, free electronic components

 

[madcowz]

Heres a better photo with 4 LEDs on the speedo and 2 on the petrol gauge:

http://img5.exs.cx/img5/3117/dials.gif


/Mad

 

[coolspot007007]

Quote: Originally posted by madcowz on 14 August 2004

Mole,

I have loads of photos showing a step by step guide with wiring diagrams, resistor values and the formula to work out the values. I will get this into a guide as soon as possible.

Are any of the dash bulbs on ultraleds (or whatever the sites called) a direct swap for the Renault ones? As they have the resistors built in. Being Reanult Im guessing it couldnt be that simple.

 

[madcowz]

Yes,

"A single resistor to convert any of my Leds to work on a 12v System

This will make your 3.5V Leds glow much brighter but a slight decrease in the life of the Led -"

But... One LED replacing one bulb was not enough for my dials, I had to put in 3 LEDs in series per bulb holder.

You can work ou what you require by

Resistance = (Source Voltage - LED forward voltage)/current.

In my case this was R = (12-(3x3.4)/30

As I had 3 LEDs at 3.4V each in series, making a value of R = 60 ohms. the nearest resistor to this is a 62ohm.

/Mad

 

[madcowz]

Ok,

next stage nearly complete.

I have been working on the heater dials. This was a little more involved.

What I have done is:

1) Removed unit from dash
2) Removed dials
3) Heated plastic front sheet with hairdryer and peeled off
4) Cut out all of the heater dial symbols with a craft knife (tedious, they are tiny)
5) Glued greaseproof paper to the back (took a while to find some environment-unfriendly bleached white paper) to diffuse the light
6) Wired in 3 LEDs and am in the process of gluing them in position.

Tested last night and it looks brilliant.

Again, will post pictures when complete.


/Mad

 

[^SarahRT^]

Great work fella!! Will have to do this to my car too! Looks spot on!

Step by step guide would be ideal too! lol

 

[XTR2000]

This maybe some use to yas........



http://www.coupe-club.co.uk/viewtech.php?id=28http://www.coupe-club.co.uk/viewtech.php?id=28



its for a megane coupe.... but the dials are all similar id imagine.....