MacGyver's Project #1 -- Windscreen Light Controller

Although it began as a mod meant just for a few guys in the NES2kO group over a year ago, I've been inundated with emails ever since I posted my thoughts/ideas on a windscreen light. Sooooo, I might as well put one together, but I'd like some feedback from those interested (if you're NOT interested, then DO NOT POST how "ricey" this mod is...find another thread to spread your testosterone in).

The possible colors will include pretty much all colors of the spectrum (those within the limits of the LED's capabilities), and are fully adjustable at any time (without having to crack open the windscreen). The only visible addition will be (up to) a 4-wire connection, which I will place near the hinge to allow a stealth install (you could tun the wire through the hinge and into the secret compartment, barely any wires will be visible).

The multi-color will be standard, but there are two options which I would like to know your level of interest. Please rate the following two options on a scale of 1-5, 1=you could care less and 5=it's a must-have:

1) Brake light - When the brake is hit, the screen jumps to full brightness on the red LEDs.
2) Reverse light - When the car is placed into reverse, the screen lights up white.

Option 1 is a lot easier to implement than 2, but still has issues. I haven't yet decided if I should disable power to the other LEDs when the brake is hit. Let's say the color you've chosen already has red at it's max...then hitting the brake will show no change in screen color unless I turn off the other LEDs.

Option 2 can be done 2 ways...I could either turn on all LEDs and hope for a decent white, or install separate white LEDs just for this purpose. The first method may not look perfectly white and requires some more wiring in an already cramped space, the second method takes more wiring and LEDs in an already cramped space and is more expensive (white LEDs at $3/piece, needing several).

Personally, I would prefer if everyone said Option 1 was fine, but they could do without Option2.

Pricing will depend on what method I need to choose, so don't ask that question just yet. I also have no real interest in dealing with cutting patterns into your screen at the moment, but if I find someone local willing to do the work at a decent turn-around time and price, I may change my mind.

Keywords: Hi-Tec Designs Lighted Windscreen

 

Option 1 for me. I have been think about this mod since I saw the post pic posted.

 

Jeff,

Any suggestions on the issue with Option 1? For instance, if the chosen color uses half-intensity blue, no green, and full-intensity red for a reddish-purple effect, the color won't change in the screen during braking if I don't disable the other colors.

I could limit the intensity of the red for color options and use full-intensity for braking, but then that limits the possible color shades.

If I choose to disable the other colors, the requisite components necessitate moving at least some of the hardware to outside the windscreen (and more than likely increasing the number of wires in the connector to the screen).

For those of you who have never seen the inside of the windscreen, space is at a MAJOR premium. Some parts are on order and should be here by mid-week, at which time I will put together a prototype for pics.



Oh, and I forgot to mention...at least one person has requested ultraviolet light. You can paint the screen with neon colors and they will glow. This is another option that I can offer, although I'm not sure how many will be interested...it should make for some interesting displays, though.

 

I am also considering this mod, but is it possible to have an on/off switch of some type? I would also prefer if it was not affected by braking, can that be done?

-Pete

 

Oops, forgot to mention that...an on/off switch will be standard (it's so easy to add). If you don't wish to use the brake light, it's as simple as not connecting anything to the brake wire...same with the reverse wire (if I add it in).

 

i like....

 

I think that the primary color should be on the users choice and some how programmable (dip switches?). The secondary color could be set the same way and only be active when 12+ is sensed on the secondary lead. If you wanted to add a third input source (reverse lite). So now the total wire count is up to 4. Ground, Primary +12, Seconary +12 and so on.

 

4-wire connection...power, ground, brake, and reverse. The color is chosen through 3 mini-potentiometers inside the screen casing. Three small holes in the bottom of the windscreen (you have to tilt the screen down to access them) allow a screwdriver to reach each pot. Each color is independantly adjustable, so you can have a full spectrum of colors. I haven't decided where I'm going to put the on/off switch...maybe underneath as well, countersunk.

If you start moving into the realm of multiple color selection with the flip of a switch, the wiring either gets really convoluted, or you have to move to a microcontroller, something I think is avoidable here (unless you guys REALLY want it).

 

I would buy this no doubt. I agree, it should be kept simple, for the sake of mechanical retards such as myself. The easier to install, the better the sales.

 

Is there a link to this pic? I'd like to see it.