Audi Cars, First to Wear LED Lights

Evander Klum asked:


The Audi R8 will be the first car to wear LED headlights as an option, edmunds.com reports. The German automaker will be featuring the very first LED headlights on its new car, made in its assembly plant that also makes other quality auto parts like Audi Catalytic Converter. An LED is a semiconductor light source that emits cold light at low voltages.

Audi said, “A special permit from the EU has paved the way for incorporating front-lighting LED technology into series production ahead of schedule. This is because the corresponding EU regulation is not expected to come into force before 2008.”

The low-beam headlamps which are implemented by semiconductors consist of two LED arrays of four active elements embossed on a free-from reflector. The optical lenses are also given additional two LED chips as well as three LED arrays. LED lights are also known because of its powerful lighting effect that controls both brightness and darkness when the car needs it most.

The high beam headlights were also given four LED arrays. The LED lights can also be used during daytime and the lower edge of the new car received 24 LED array to be used during the day. The PCBs are also handling the LED chips as well as the heat sink. To keep the normal temperature of these LED lights, the car also received blower to cool them down just in case it heats up. All in all, the R8 is set to feature 54 LED lights.

The German auto maker also revealed that in the future, they are planning to combine both LED technology and the innovative semiconductor-driven headlamp technologies to improve the lighting of their cars. They will also add the swiveling headlights to the cars they are making.

The R8 is set to hit showrooms this coming 2008.

LED lights are the latest and most innovative form of headlights these days. They are also known to produce the right amount of lighting using only a few voltages. This only means that you can save more energy if your car has it.



Flexible Led Lighting – Is Better For Your Car Or Home?

Matthew Storie asked:


Flexible LED lights are great for use in homes and automobiles. These lights come in flexible strips, tubes, and ropes that can be cut down or connected together, which makes them the perfect size for any lighting application. Whether the area is big or small, these lights can accommodate the situation. No matter what your situation calls for, this lighting is available to meet any need you can have.

The colors that are available with this lighting type run a wide range across the spectrum, and these include blue, red, green, yellow, purple, and black light, to name a few. With all of these colors, customizing your home and automobile is easy and quick. No matter what your color scheme is, there is a lighting product that is a perfect match. Imagine the soft neon glow cascading through your home or car, allowing you to relax in pleasant surroundings while being amazed at how easy it is to create.

A strip that consists of numerous bulbs ensures an even spread of color and light across the entire area. Custom LED applications will benefit greatly from the flexibility of these lights, which allow for much broader applications of LED lighting than ever before. Imagine putting these lights in your bedroom, or decking out your kitchen with the fabulous glow. With the flexibility, easy use, and adaptable size, these lights can let you show your style and your flair almost anywhere.

These lighting products are also great for automotive use. With these lights, you can completely customize and accessorize your auto for your own personal tastes. Let your car reflect your style, and have the most fashionable vehicle in your area. Whether you are using the lights on your seats, dash, or anywhere else, the distinction they give your car will make it one of a kind. These lights are some of the latest in technology, and using them is convenient and hassle free. There are no long installation times or extended installation processes to follow. Car custom centers will charge an outrageous amount to trick out your car with these accessories, but they are so easy you can do it yourself with no training, just the simple instructions. Any way that you can imagine your car concerning neon lights can be made a reality with these great lights. They are a great way to customize any space that you desire simply and easily.

By using flexible LED lights and installing them yourself, you will save a lot of time, money, and aggravation for yourself. These lights are the perfect way to add the glow of neon anywhere and everywhere you can possibly imagine them. Tight spaces and small areas are not a problem, and the flexibility allows for applications that traditional neon lights just will not work for a variety of reasons. These lighting products are the perfect customizing touch to any house or car, and you can let your personality shine through everywhere you go.



Busting Traffic Light Myths – Or – Why Can’t I Get A Green Light?

Eric Scribener asked:


On December 10th in the year 1868, the first traffic signal light was placed into service. The bulky, primitive device employed colored lamps that were fueled by gas for use after dark, and semaphore arms. It required an operator to attend it at all times that it was in use. Twenty three days after that first traffic signal light went into service, it exploded – injuring the police officer who was assigned to run the lights and signals. This unfortunate event brought into question the practicality of implementing traffic signal lights.

Despite the volatility, and ultimately disastrous results, of using the first traffic signal light, stalwart inventors and engineers pursued the idea. As more and more traffic amassed on streets and roadways, the use of stop signs and officers standing on boxes at intersections became less and less practical – and more and more dangerous.

Sometime around 1912 the first electric traffic signal was put into use. These initial units only had red and green lights, however. In 1917 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a series of traffic lights were linked together, thus ‘connecting’ six sequential intersections. This system was operated manually with a single switch.

In 1922 Garrett A. Morgan made application for a patent on a traffic signal light of his own design. The patent was granted the following year. This started the myth that Morgan was the inventor of the traffic light.

Between the time the first traffic lights were introduced, and the early 1960’s many improvements were made, and many experiments conducted. The biggest problem with traffic signals to that point was simply that they were dependent on timers only. East-west traffic would get a green light for 3-minutes, and then a timer would trigger a green light for the north-south traffic – and so on. The lengths of time could be adjusted, but these settings frequently created problems with the flow of traffic.

In the early 1960’s traffic engineers started to implement “inductive loops” to control intersection traffic flow. The loops, which could detect vehicles in specific lanes at intersections controlled the lights’ timers. The inductive loops would switch the lights to accommodate the traffic at hand, based on the time of day. No more sitting at red traffic lights for 2-3-4 or 5 minutes – even if there was no cross-traffic present. Traffic engineers basked in a deluge of praise from drivers.

In the 1970’s technological advances in metallurgy, plastics, and rubber started changing the way vehicles were manufactured – and what they were being manufactured with. No longer was everything from the dashboard to the fenders made of high-iron content steels. It was in conjunction with these advances that the myths of tripping traffic lights began. Since then, it has gotten worse every year as more alloys, plastics, and rubber are used in the construction of vehicles.

It seemed logical that the amount of weight present at an intersection is what would trigger a green light. This is a myth. It also seemed logical that the mass present at an intersection would trigger a green light. This is also a myth. Since people were unable to make traffic lights trip by adding weight, or by having more mass to their vehicles, they started to seek other answers. The last most popular myth is that there is an invisible curtain that, when broken by a vehicle, triggers a green light. It is thought that the curtains only cover a portion of the lane, and if you do not violate the curtain, you don’t get the green light. This is also a myth.

Actually, inductive loop technology is very simple. An inductive loop is nothing but a very large, very weak electromagnet. The term ‘inductive loop’ refers to electromagnets used in industry to detect iron. They are commonly used in numerous industrial applications. They are inexpensive to make, install and maintain.

Inductive loops at traffic lights are created by burying large coils of thin copper wire slightly beneath the road’s surface. The wires are covered with either black tar or rubber. A small current runs through the wire, thus making it into an electromagnet. The loop is connected to a meter which measures changes inside the loop. Magnets react to iron – not plastic or rubber or aluminum. So when enough iron is present within the loop, the traffic light cycles to green.

The vehicles that have the greatest trouble tripping lights are motorcycles and mopeds, followed by small cars and trucks, and then raised 4×4s and SUVs. Drivers of these vehicles often sit undetected at traffic lights wasting fuel, getting rained on, their engines overheating, and their irritation growing.

To positively trigger your green lights, you can drag a bowling ball-sized piece of iron around on the ground – but that won’t work if it’s inside your trunk. That’s too far from the weak sensing field of the loop. In the trunk, you’ll need two or three large iron balls. OR you can install a Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer http://signalsorcerer.com/.

Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changers use their own technology to make inductive loops detect your vehicle – no matter what size, weight, or mass it is. Simply install the Signal Sorcerer® under your vehicle, and the inductive loops that control traffic lights will detect your vehicle, and give you the green light!

Signal Sorcerer® requires no power, lasts a lifetime, is legal everywhere, installs in less than five minutes without any tools, and is completely guaranteed. Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changers have been in use around the world for years, and units are available for every application including police motorcycle divisions, security vehicles, fleet vehicles, and personal conveyances.



‘bright Youngsters’ Grab the Green Light in Gothenburg

Glady Reign asked:


Wening Pranaya and Vania Santoso, alias Bright Youngsters, won the first prize in this year’s Volvo-UNEP Adventure Award for their project Useful Waste for a Better Future. The 15-year old teenagers from Surabaya, Indonesia received an award of $10,000 in Gothenburg.

Useful Waste for a Better Future is a project that not only removes garbage but also recycles it into sustainable souvenirs and gifts with the extra advantage of adding value and helping overcome poverty. There were a total of 365 projects submitted from 47 countries around the globe. The second prize winner was from New Zealand and won $6,000. The third prize winner was from South Africa and took bagged $4,000 as the prize.

Theodore Oben of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is the official Volvo Adventure partner, said, “The standard goes up and up each and every year. This year Useful Waste for a Better Future is a project that works on many environmental levels including waste reduction, recycling and revenue-earning. As such, it was the outstanding project amongst 15 excellent finalists.”

Two years ago, Indonesia was given the undesirable title of the dirtiest country in the world by the World Health Organization, but the students from Surabaya have helped turn the tables by winning the prestigious Volvo Adventure World Final.

A jubilant Santoso said, “Whilst it was a stain on Indonesia’s reputation being branded the dirtiest nation in the world by WHO, it was also a wake-up call that something had to be done and in our small way, we may have helped both change perceptions and improve our local environment and economy.”

“It has been an amazing experience coming to Gothenburg and being encouraged by how many other students are as passionate about the environment as we are and it is a great honor to win, especially against so many other powerful projects,” Pranayadipta added.

“The pride and the passion all these students have for their own local environment and the wider global picture is highly encouraging and in fact they are all winners,” said Olle Axelson, the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs of Volvo Cars. “But the big winner here is the environment itself, and facing so many challenges on so many fronts, the creativity and dedication of these young people convinces me that the environment is being passed into safe and responsible hands.”

For the first time in the history of the Volvo Adventure, all three podium places went to all-female teams. “I don’t think we can read too much into that, other than to celebrate the diversity and equality evident on the Volvo Adventure and to note that the winning projects all adopted a holistic approach to environmental sustainability,” stressed Siw Persson of WWF, a jury member.

“Projects are already underway all round the world for the seventh annual Volvo Adventure and the closing date for entries is 31st January 2008. Such has been the response that we are changing the age range for entries to 13 to 16-years-old and introducing a fun-based environment education initiative for kids on 12 and under,” said Kikki Hugestrand, the Volvo Adventure Project Manager.

She added, “The Volvo Adventure has become a fixture in the environmental calendar and a key component in expressing Volvo’s passion for and commitment to the environment, whilst for the students, it is an educational, environmental and cultural experience that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”

Like the luminous Volvo tail lights, the activity is aimed at illuminating the world about the value of clean environment and the need for people to take measures to help attain the goal.



Custom Tail Lights Showcase Fiery Rear Style

Timothy J. Hands asked:


Once a feature of European and upscale domestic models, LED and Euro tail lights (or taillights) have fast become a modifying staple for many different types of drivers. While these upgrades aren’t exactly “new”, they have, however, picked up considerable steam as of late. Some point to the speedy nature in which they can be installed, as more and more car owners have grown tired of long-term customizing projects. Others talk about the vividly contrasted luminance that upgraded tail lights often display, especially in comparison with original factory designs. But as with anything else custom-related, it all comes down to personal choice. And if one thing has risen out of all this, it is that custom tail lights are a relentlessly compelling aftermarket addition that benefits vehicles in more ways than one.

Why Custom Tail Lights?

The easy answer is “why not?” Of course, all drivers need to be armed with as much background information as possible, so it is best to look at custom tail lights with a bit more depth. Since the birth of the contemporary automobile, creative-thinking drivers have been finding ways to outdo the factory’s presentation of rear lighting. They’d visit salvage yards to mix and match pieces, weld together home-made bezels, or even use the casings from bicycle reflectors to construct their own fixtures. Though times have evolved, the spirit remains. You give a driver who loves their ride enough time, and they’ll find something to improve upon. Tail lights are almost inevitably at the top of that list.

Tail lights are oft noticed identifiers. You are always in contact with them; you just might not recognize such unless a vehicle in front of you at a red light is sporting a brazen pair of LED tail lights that are glimmering directly towards your retinas. But taillights are frequently intertwined with your ride, whether you realize it or not. It is for that very reason why so many choose a set that better represents their own interpretation of what automotive artistic value is all about.

LED Tail Lights – Tech Style, Tech Quality

Even in 2008, Light Emitting Diode technology is still considered advanced, and that’s not by mistake. LED power is currently the most potent option for tail lights. And there is not a fair comparison between LED tail lights and OEM halogen bulbs. LED tail lights disperse a far more effectual tone of colorful radiance that is vivid and unmistakable. Because of this truth, LED tail lights are a highly-discernible safety upgrade in conjunction with being reputable fashion accessories. Sure, they elicit sweltering style. But it doesn’t hurt that they are easily noticed by a big rig behind you in the midst of some apocalyptic rain storm in the dead of night, either.

LED tail lights also have two other factors going for them. First off, they come in a virtual kaleidoscope of design patterns. Due to the versatile and efficient nature of LED lights, tail lights can be patterned in different formats, styles, and colors. This is due to the vast array of shapes and sizes that LED lights are available to be housed and arranged in. And obviously, this presents a gamut of choices for manufacturers to work around, providing consistently fresh finishes for drivers to take a swing at. Secondly, LED technology is famous for going the distance. LED taillights last. They don’t burn out for no good reason or dim to a futile, bland beam. LED tail lights are so widely used partially for this very reason, and are a dominant presence on the market.

Now armed with fiber optics, LED taillights are poised to break through even more. Even though “regular” LED tail lights will always be en vogue due to their cosmic appeal, fiber optics push the envelope even further. Fiber optic LED tail lights are featured inside the fixture as strips, delivering an added exotic element that will undoubtedly become the proverbial “next big thing.” The grade of lighting is the same, if not improved in these sets, while the look is absolutely overwhelming when inserted into the right vehicle.

The Euro Invasion

Auto manufacturers abroad have traditionally managed to do just enough to offer a tangible aesthetic difference between their models and their competitors from around the globe. While overall body designs and shapes were never too far removed from anyone else’s, the same cannot be said for other details on the exterior. Many foreign models incorporated different molding patterns, door handle placement, and of course – tail lights. Tail lights on certain BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Toyota and Lexus models were often “rounder” or shaped in a more animated fashion (referred to as “Altezza lights”). For many, it was a visually stimulating and exotic image that had to be duplicated, somehow and some way. When the Asian tuner underground rose up into the mainstream two decades ago, aftermarket “Euro” tail lights quickly found a home with custom-loving drivers around the world. And for the most part, that has remained unchanged.

Euro tail lights are available in multiple dozens of designs, and many times are LED-powered. What sets Euro tail lights apart from standard Western lamps? Many times, Euro tail lights are “clustered” together inside the housing, and often feature circular lenses, but there are a host of other spirited options. If a set of Euro tail lights are LED, then the designs are near limitless. Boasting many housing selections, the spectrum is exponentially more expansive. The housing on both LED and Euro tail lights can be shaded several colors, providing a sportier and more eclectic backdrop for the lenses. This dynamic approach is what has set Euro taillights apart most drastically from usual American factory tail lights that come stocked in the majority of domestic models. It is also why along with LED tail lights, they are a near-requirement for those active in the aftermarket automotive culture.

What To Do When You Want In

The good news straight away is that LED taillights and Euro taillights are available for most models around, eliminating a good brunt of guesswork that can be associated with searching for aftermarket fashion. The first thing you want to do is make sure that your model is a candidate. Although it is a safe bet, do your due diligence. Just by utilizing an internet search engine, simply type in your model’s name and year with the words “LED tail lights” or “Euro tail lights.” Undoubtedly, the page will fill up with a swoon of ads. But don’t go crazy yet, just pointing and clicking your way to exotic freedom. Instead, take notes of the various sites that you visit, ensuring that in fact the tail lights in question are available for your vehicle. Compare prices, shipping details, and everything else that goes with being a good consumer.

For the most part, installation of LED or Euro tail lights is a snap. Depending on the type of vehicle and so forth, all it really entails is popping off the original (or unscrewing) and simply wiring in the new fixture. Of course, any pair you order should come complete with directions. But I am fairly confident that even the less automotive-inclined could figure it out even without instructions if so pressed. Most sets are basic “wire-&-go” operations that take minutes to complete. In other words, it is fast and it is easy.

Synopsis

As we continue to find out, there are not too many types of people on the planet who are more creative than a customizing driver who is motivated. From rocker panels to spoilers and interior dome lights, there are layers and layers of available options to always explore when looking for an excuse to upgrade a vehicle. And most of the time, these decisions are good ones. But whenever it is a part of the ride that needs no explanation of where or what it is, then chances are it needs a stylish imprint. Automakers care about providing only the minimal amount required to make sure they sell enough units. And no one is complaining about that. Ultimately, it is up to us to find ways to get our cars or trucks to say more about who we are. And LED tail lights or Euro tail lights get it. They throw pizzazz, color, technology, and increased driving safety to the back-end in a way that not other addition can. It is certainly more than worth exploring a little deeper when you feel it’s time for that molten exterior makeover!



LED Truck Lights: Catching The Trend

Matthew A. Barr asked:


In automotive lighting technology, trucks have been catching up on custom cars. The big, bad machines are more popular as consumers prefer spacious interior and huge bodies. Trucks are now the new breed of customization from tire mags, replaceable bumpers, and LED lighting.

The use of LED technology

The range of LED light products for trucks is just as numerous as the products offered for cars. The products include LED light colors that reach 2.1 million shades, different light bars and running board lights, tailgate lights, replaceable strobe lights, and the usual headlights and brake lights. Thanks to LED technology, light bulbs that are small relative to the size of the truck can illuminate at far distances. LED lights are heavily used not only in truck and automobile lighting, but also in home, office, and theater lighting because of their cost efficiency, low power consumption, and low heat radiation. Their bulbs help the designers create flexible lighting strips that can go well in different places and spaces. LED lights have the right balance of absolute brightness and safe glare that helps radiate light with a glowing charm.

Led Lighting Products

One of the more all around LED lighting products for trucks are the six tube underbody LED lights. The LED light tubes can be fitted not only in trucks but also in SUV’s and large passenger cars. This kit can be digitally controlled after easy installation and comes in different colors that scans, strobes, fades, and pulses through music. The undercar truck lights are a sure fire solution to get your truck noticed on night road trips.

The newest product in LED truck lighting is the 2.1 million tube color kit. The number of colors these lighting kits can hold brings body lighting on a different level. The underbody lighting kit can cycle through every color shade while you have a choice to stick to one of the seven house colors. The digital control box features 14 control modes that can make your light dance through music. Although they are heavily used for trucks, the LED tubes are only one inch in diameter making it a valuable product in a tiny package.

The staple items for custom trucks started with simple LED bar lights. The LED tail light running strips are placed in the rear of the car that can serve as a multipurpose rear light and can do different lighting tasks that brake lights and signal lights do. These strips can be installed without needing to drill holes on your truck body as you can mount them neatly with a self stick tape.

The white LED lights can also be used as reverse lights. Due to the durability of LED bulbs, most light strips for trucks come with a lifetime warranty. Truck bars come in 48 inch length while the longer strips can go up to 60 inches. LED running board lights are very useful for safety and visibility of the steps as you get in the car. LED running board lights can be placed strategically to illuminate the ground for aesthetic value.

Trend of LED Lighting

LED lighting has been more popular in model trucks than cars. This is attributed to the safety provided by bright lights that can scope to a longer range. Although trucks never took neon lighting as a customization medium, trucks have purposefully embraced LED lighting as it provides more visibility, less hassle, and better value for money. LED lights are also gaining ground on halogen and xenon lighting although it remains to be seen what lighting technology will win out as they are seem the same to the average consumer.

In developed countries the great demand for sport trucks, SUV’s and large passenger vehicles give LED lighting a higher consumer base. As more truck drivers look to improve on their vanilla trucks, lighting is starting to get higher in the priority list of things that needs to be upgraded or changed. LED lighting provides an infinite glow that transforms sports trucks as racing cars. Thus, the balance of ergonomic design, sport design, safety, and practicality put LED lights in the forefront of vehicle performance lighting.

So when you are looking for way to customize your truck, you can start with lighting it up. With these affordable light kits, the added glow is very distinguishable; more than any other upgrade that you can make with your truck. Remember that purchasing LED lights for your trucks is a way to get ahead of the trend that LED lighting has started in cars. As LED lighting will continue to grow in the next ten years, expects to see the truck market to adapt more LED bulbs in their vehicles while the automotive market makes positive steps in finding ways to integrate LED lights to your trucks.




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