I've always wanted brighter LED turn signals, but most I've tried are either cheap and dim or a bit too pricey. So I decided try my hand at making my own.
I started with some cheap aluminum housing Chinese turn signals. Ordered a voltage regulator with suitably sized resistor, a handful of 3W LEDs, and some thin aluminum.
Before, the listed as "3W" leds only draw around 1/2 a watt of power. After my modification, the circuit as a whole draws 450ma @ 12V, so right under 6W (about 4-5W of LED power) (LM317T with 2ohm resistor). I do not have a picture of the stock turn signal output, but I can confidently say that they are only slightly brighter than the modified unit. I can probably size the resistor even smaller for more output, but I'm happy with it. I sanded the clear cover slightly for a hazed look and will be applying some Nightshades for the smoked look.
Comparison side by side:
Before:
After: (Same aperture, shutter speed, etc)
I started with some cheap aluminum housing Chinese turn signals. Ordered a voltage regulator with suitably sized resistor, a handful of 3W LEDs, and some thin aluminum.
Before, the listed as "3W" leds only draw around 1/2 a watt of power. After my modification, the circuit as a whole draws 450ma @ 12V, so right under 6W (about 4-5W of LED power) (LM317T with 2ohm resistor). I do not have a picture of the stock turn signal output, but I can confidently say that they are only slightly brighter than the modified unit. I can probably size the resistor even smaller for more output, but I'm happy with it. I sanded the clear cover slightly for a hazed look and will be applying some Nightshades for the smoked look.
Comparison side by side:
Before:
After: (Same aperture, shutter speed, etc)
