Maximum illumination for Wings of Gold

[ArthurKnowles]

I bought a spare set of wings for my LT to experiment with some illumination enhancements for my Wings of Gold kit. I started by sanding the endges to enhance the illumination, but didn't really see much difference. So, I decided to frost the entire wing with 320 grit sandpaper. I'll probably hiy it with some finer grits to see how that changes the look and illumination, but thought some others may want to see what it looks like as well. The picture is using a 12 LED UV (blacklight/purple) bulb.

Out of the two I have, one is a bit too yellowed for me to use. So, I'll need to buy another set, or modify my originals (I'm loath to do that as I always like to have the ability to return to stock). If I do it again though, I was thinking of having them bead blasted to frost them instead of using sandpaper. Unless someone knows anothe way to do it uniformly.

[cfell]

Bright idea... (doh...!!!!)

Do you have another frequency of LED? I'm thinking the "UV" band may not spread as you expect.

Try a standard "flashlight" with tape around the edges of the light to keep the "spread" from messing up your evaluation.

[ArthurKnowles]

Yeah, I have other LEDs. I started with blue but found out that using a blue light is not a good idea as you can get pulled over for it. Blue & red can only be used by official vehicles. I had amber in them for a while because I used them as turn signals too, but didn't like the effect so went to purple/UV. They are pretty bright. They illuminate about 2/3 of the wing and quite a bit more direcly below the light (i.e. straight down the shaft of light). It's a bit different actually mounted on the motorycle as you don't see the top exposed part.

If you want to see the difference between the frosted and regular wings I can take a picture of the pair I have mounted on the motorcycle now.

[cfell]

I think the "dispersion" you are seeking would improve with "crossed beams" of light...

Instead of messing with these wings, do you have access to any Lucite or Plexiglas? I've seen the stuff at real "glass" stores, (not Homeless Despot).. a MC "windshield" may also serve for quick experimentation.

For instance, angling the lamp may allow more "interior reflection" of the light... visualize aiming the UV led toward the wide flat side of the wing...

Another "option" may be to drill a small hole through the wing aligned with the light beam... may help dispersion.

[ArthurKnowles]

Ah, I thik you misunderstand. I'm not unhappy with the current effect. It lights up well without being too blatent. The idea is to aid visibility by motorist looking at the side of the vehicle. Even if it is a "what the heck is that ..." type of reaction.

I need to work with what I have so far as materials go. I'm not interested in trying to build a new wing from alternative materials. Way too much work for too little gain. I appreciate the thoughts though.

As for agling the beam, been there done that. In fact in the picture the weight of the wires does just that. On the motorycle the LED is pointed straight down. With standard wings, you don't even see as much of the frontal area. Here's a picture from a slightly llower to upward view (I had to crouch to take the picture). This LED (on the motorcycle) is a 15 blulb LED. You can see that the frosted wing greatly aids in the dispersion (i.e. visibility) of the light. But it is only in the path of the bulb. The outer 1/3 is just about completely hidden.

[TikTak]

What is the Mcd ( Luminous Intensity) of each LED your using?

12 leds in one wing?

I ask because i am in the process of putting LED's in my wings.
I plan on putting 3 total 1 red,1 blue and 1 green (primary colors) in the wing so i can change color at will.

i might need more.

John

[billd]

What is the Mcd ( Luminous Intensity) of each LED your using?

12 leds in one wing?

I ask because i am in the process of putting LED's in my wings.
I plan on putting 3 total 1 red,1 blue and 1 green (primary colors) in the wing so i can change color at will.

i might need more.

John
If you are interested in a ready made kit with LED's try Cycle Gadgets, they sell many neat items including Cycle Creations lights.. I use their "Wings of Gold" and like the result! As indicated in this thread, you will want to sand the edges and perhaps the entire wing to really get more light to show.
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RV

[dandiver]

If you are interested in a ready made kit with LED's try Cycle Gadgets, they sell many neat items including Cycle Creations lights.. I use their "Wings of Gold" and like the result! As indicated in this thread, you will want to sand the edges and perhaps the entire wing to really get more light to show.
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RV

How difficult was the Wings of Gold installation?

[TikTak]

I have seen the kits but I want to change colors at will. I have ordered LEDs but only 3 for each side 1 green 1 blue and 1 red this should let me choose 3 diff solid colors and any mix of the three.

Just wondering if 1 LED of each color is enough?

John

[meese]

I plan on putting 3 total 1 red,1 blue and 1 green (primary colors) in the wing so i can change color at will.Careful, as you will get popped with red or blue LEDs in there. Green may be OK, but really Amber is the only legal color to use.

Although I'd love to have one red wing and one blue wing to help catch the attention of clueless left turners and fast lane hogs. :D

[TikTak]

Yea here in CT even green is not legal.

Parked effect and the when I'm feeling a little rebellious switch on the red then blue at speed ")```


John

[ArthurKnowles]

I purchased my Wings of Gold from CycleGadjets.Com. They are worth the money just for the ease os installation, although you can do it yourself for about hlf the cost if you are so inclined. I preferred to buy the kit and tweak it.

Installation is easy. Pop the mirrors. More for clearance - ease of installation - than requirement. Pull the current wings 3 torx screws. Remove the top (2 screws) of the wing. INstall the repalcement top with bulb and screw it back on. Remove the turn signal (1 screw). Feed the wires from the WoG to the turn signal. Crimp wires. That's about it.

The MCD varies depending on the type. For my UV bulbs they are 800 per LED for 9600 per bulb. They go a lot higher.

I would not recommend installing individual LEDs. Better to buy a RBG LED/bulb from SuperBrightLEds.Com and then a RGB controller. Then you can get any color you want out of millions of possibilities.

Here's the specs on the wedge bulbs I am using currently ...

http://superbrightleds.com/specs/T13_specs.htm

They sell individual LEDs, bul;bs, strips, etc.

[cfell]

Careful, as you will get popped with red or blue LEDs in there. Green may be OK, but really Amber is the only legal color to use.

Although I'd love to have one red wing and one blue wing to help catch the attention of clueless left turners and fast lane hogs. :D

Hey, Ken.. install yellow plus your "scare" colors... and a switch to control...

[TikTak]

Spec look just about the same as my LEDs. But my wing seems to be fully illuminated with one single LED. Also the LEDs i use must be much larger for i could never fit 12 in the space maybe 5 or 6 if i was lucky. Makes be believe the spec on your is for the whole bulb?

The RGB LEDs i have seen change color at preset times?

What is this controller you speak of?


John

[ArthurKnowles]

They have a couple RGB controllers here ...

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=BARS

and I think some in the hobby section and you can query them for more specific applications.

[TikTak]

That would be nifty (the LED wheels are turning) might have to check that out.

Thanks for the link.

I will post some pictures and update when i get my wings(might send wings to get engraved with Red Sox logo) mounted and wired.
Please post a follow up on how you make out.




John