Using LEDs for Turn Signal Running Lites

[R111S]

I made some Running Lites for my rear turn signal bodies using LEDs from Digikey.com.

I ordered two two Red LED Bulbs (SunBrite P/N SSP-13MB156U12G - Type 1156) for my BMW's Rear Turn Signals from Digi-Key Corp. (www.digikey.com). Cost was $5.21 each excluding shipping. Each "Type 1156" Bayonet (BA-15) Lamp has 13 Red LEDs in it. Brightness rating: 55,500 mcd. I removed the LED PC Board from the Bayonet housing and integrated it into the inside of each Turn Signal Body as a Red Running Lamp Unit. Amazingly, the LEDs shine a bright, intense Red light through the clear 1156 Bulb and out through the Yellow Turn Signal Lens. They are powered from the same circuit that runs the Taillight circuit. This means that when the Taillight is ON, the LEDs are ON too.

[R111S]

Here's another pic...

[wswartzwel]

Very Nice!!!

[R111S]

You'll note that I added one just under the Lic. Plate too.

[R111S]

I used 2 yellow units on each front body (4 Yellow total)...

[R111S]

[dammitjim]

can you still see the blinkers blinking with the LEDs on behind them?

[JonyRR]

I'll tell you where to send the royalty check *grin*. I did that for my front sigs about 6 months ago and my taillight has been multiple 1156 and 1157 units for about 2 years now.
I like everything about LEDs; longevity, color, wattage draw decrease, durability. the incandescant lightbulb is a 19th century device.

[Ole Bike]

Can't figure out how to light my license plate with LEDs. Using just two white high-intensity LEDs, their light is bright enough but too narrowly focused, given that I want to have the bulbs just an inch out form the plate and level with the top?

[R111S]

Originally posted by dammitjim
can you still see the blinkers blinking with the LEDs on behind them?

Hi dammitjim,

Yes, the Clear Incandescent Bulbs are so much brighter that they "overpower" the red light from the LEDs such that the Yellow Lens Cover is blinking bright yellow with a lesser brightness red showing in between each blink...this may not work if you have clear lenses.

[R111S]

Originally posted by JonyRR
I'll tell you where to send the royalty check *grin*. I did that for my front sigs about 6 months ago and my taillight has been multiple 1156 and 1157 units for about 2 years now.
I like everything about LEDs; longevity, color, wattage draw decrease, durability. the incandescant lightbulb is a 19th century device.

Hi JonyRR,

I did something silimal but used the guts out of two 4" round LED Tractor Trailer Taillamps (14 LEDs each) from the local Tractor Supply Store.

I used a bansaw to cut around each 4-pin LED off from the PC Board (basically destroyed the PC Board) and then glued each LED to a piece of clear plexiglas that is cut to the taillight reflector housing profile so that is is vertical facing reaward. I also used the resistors to re-create the circuit.

Its as you say...way better than one little o'le 1157 Bulb!

Lastly, I have a 555 Timer circuit in place that blinks my Brake Lamp function on/off at a rate of 1/3 Second ON and 1/12 Second OFF. It hopefully draws attention to itself...there's no termination of the blinking after a few blinks...it blinks as long as the brake is ON.

Being seens from the rear is an important strategy to have and anything that will enhance it is better IMO.

[R111S]

Originally posted by Ole Bike
Can't figure out how to light my license plate with LEDs. Using just two white high-intensity LEDs, their light is bright enough but too narrowly focused, given that I want to have the bulbs just an inch out form the plate and level with the top?

You might try one of those Forehead Mounted LED Lights from the local Camping Store...