Mac's Project #3: Footwell Lights with Digital Controller

Yeah yeah, I know, it isn't the "Project #3" that I originally said it would be, but THAT "Project #3" is still in the works, just pushed back a while longer. And yes, Project #2 (instrument cluster upgrade) is still in the works, so don't fret. So much of THIS project's code will go into #2, it seemed logical to make THIS project a reality first.

So what, exactly, IS this project? Well, read the title! The S2000 footwells are notoriously dark during the evening hours, even with the maplight on, so in my neverending quest for personal automotive "bling bling" I decided to do something about it (and annoy those who hate "bling bling" in the process ). The result is a compact, yet highly functional illumination package to place just about anywhere you wish (although it was originally intended for the footwells).

In typical MacGyver fashion you can expect a reasonably high score on the "bling" scale. Multi-color LEDs are a given, of course, but I'll be using different LEDs on this project than the ones I used for the windscreens (actually, the same ones I plan to use for the instrument cluster upgrade). There will be no neon tubes to break, no dangerous high-voltage transformers, and hopefully a very small package to hide. Since I'm going digital this time there'll be no need for a screwdriver to adjust the color, and if I can finish the code in time you can expect a demo mode for those car show hounds.




So, let's talk turkey...uh, I mean technical. The LEDs I'm using for this project are amazingly bright. They can withstand 2.5 times the current of the windscreen LEDs! To truly understand it you have to see it in person, but the difference in light output between the two LEDs is like early morning dawn and noonday sun Of course, this doesn't come without a penalty...they're also 2.5 times the price But wanna hear the REAL kicker? I'm using the dim version for the prototyping stage For the same price I can (and probably will) use the next model up the ladder which is nearly 20% brighter for the production model With the windscreen LEDs I could look straight into one at full power for a second or two and see a spot for several seconds...with these, I'm temporarily blind for several seconds if it just passes within my field of vision (and trust me, I'm NOT trying to look at it, I just forget and look over at the breadboard ).

I'm thinking a 4-button interface should be enough to select and set the color as well as enter/exit the demo mode. I'm hoping to make the ENTIRE setup surface mount with the idea that the control board shouldn't be much larger than the 4 buttons needed to control it and the connectors for the cables.

My plan is to offer dual- and quad-zone controllers. The dual-zone will come with a controller and 2 sets of LED strings (each string will consist of 2 LEDs attached by a flexible cable to allow angling for full coverage of large areas)...this will be perfect for the person interested in lighting up their footwells and nothing else. I haven't yet decided if I want to make each zone independantly adjustable, but if I do you will be able to set the color in one zone and immediately set the second zone to the same color with a simple button press. The quad-zone is perfect for those interested in lighting up their winter beater or some other vehicle with a backseat...or if you'd really like to get the "bling bling" goin', have your MajorHavoc headrest windblockers etched and light up those in the same fashion I light up etched windscreens

This is still in the prototyping stage, and I just started working with the board house to determine if my specs can be met on this one. A lot of work still needs to be done with the code, but I'm starting to get a big grin on my face No specific roll out date has been set for the production models, but I'm tentatively looking at something in the mid- to late-October time frame. Pricing has not been set, either, so I would highly appreciate any links you guys come across for similar products (be it neon, LEDs, or anything else)...as always, I want to beat the competition in features, price, or both at once.

And again, as always, your comments/suggestions/tips/tricks/hints/etc. are always welcome

 

count me in again - I've been waiting for this one longer than the windscreen (btw i have to send mine down dont i??)

 

Sounds pretty cool. What would be REALLY cool would be if this would tie into the dash project. That way, whatever color the dash is, the footwells would be the same color.

Now as I recall you had some issues color matching the LEDs for the windscreen, so LEDs bought months apart might be pretty tricky. However, that would be some serious Bling for the Buck for those at shows. Also, it could freak out passengers if you do the color fade option and your footwells glow from say: Blue --> green --> yellow --> orange --> red as the car is screaming it's head off!

 

Thats an awsome idea. To have the footwell lights change as you speed up. Wonderful

 

The board house gave me a thumbs up, so I'm a happy camper (I was sweating it there for a while).



Pete, When it comes time to lay out the controller board I'll consider leaving in a header for such a connection. I won't guarantee that the necessary code will be in the controller once shipped, but I'll try to make the hardware available. That way if the option seems reasonable in the future, you can send the control box back to me for reprogramming with the upgraded code.

 

Mac -- you mention a string of LED's... are you considering other options like the LED's mounted to a single small panel that could be hidden away? that would provide for some nice point source lighting.


i'm very interested in this as well - but don't put me down just yet... i still need to get the windscreen done and the wife's hours have been cut back at work...

 

Not allowed! You're taking all the fun out of us neon-in-the-footwells owners!

 

How cool would it be to get the 4 zone unit, and mount one under the hood as a work light.

PJK is thinking again. In fact I like his other idea too. I need to find a wife who works to pay for my mods. (j/k man.)

 

PJ, The string is merely 2 LEDs connected with a short, flexible line so you can cover a wider area, if necessary. I may put it all together and decide one is more than enough, but we'll see. The viewing angle on these is pretty much 180 degrees...if it's in front of the LED, it's going to be lit. Just so you know, these LEDs are NOt designed for point source, they're designed for flooding. You could put a small cylinder in front of it, like a slice of a brass pipe like those found in hobby stores (I can provide some upon request, if it comes to that), to collimate the beam for more of a point source, but in most cases that may seem out of place (although now that I think about it, having a red LED point light for map reading or pointing at the stereo might be kinda cool).



Tep, You think it's bad now, just wait until I release the version for underbody lighting It will have...uh..."extra" functionality

 

awesome idea about having on section under the hood