Why no LED fogs or headlights??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 979
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville Florida
Why no LED fogs or headlights??
I know there are tons of LED threads going around. My question is why are there no aftermarket fogs or headlights with LED technology? I've heard people say that the LEDs can't throw a powerful enough beam to be affective in a headlight application, however I have several high end flash lights with LED bulbs including a LED Maglight upgrade. All these flashlights are extreamly bright and have a great beam. I don't see why with the proper reflector and bulb a LED fog light can't be made? Comments??
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
LEDs are brighter than similar size incandecent bulbs because the incandecent filimant is so small. If you wanted an LED that could compete in output with say a 3157 bulb, you'd need an LED with an electrode of similar size as te 3157 filimant (about 1/4" in length) Such an LED would be expensive as all crapola. HID bulbs are the closest in design to what you seek.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
I disagree. Take the Maglight Mini. The LED conversation kit offered has to have 3 LEDs to make up that brightness. and the LEDs are significantly larger than the standard maglight bulb.
For a similar size comparison: compare a Regular (non SMT/high flux) LED 194 bulb to a incandescent 194 bulb. You'll find that the incandescent 194 puts out more light. The SMT models do give them a run for their money in output but really are cool because of their coolness and low amperage draw.
For a similar size comparison: compare a Regular (non SMT/high flux) LED 194 bulb to a incandescent 194 bulb. You'll find that the incandescent 194 puts out more light. The SMT models do give them a run for their money in output but really are cool because of their coolness and low amperage draw.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 4,564
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
the lexus LS hybrid uses LED headlamps.
http://www.lexus.com/models/LSh/feat..._lighting.html
The LS 600h L is the world’s first vehicle to be equipped with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps for low-beam use. Not only are these headlamps more efficient, they last longer than conventional bulbs. Each headlamp is fitted with five LED lights, which have a subtle blue tint, giving this LS a more modern appearance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 2
From: Auburn Michigan
Emergency light bars have them now
Our fire department just bought a few lightbars with LED units and the cop cars have them too. They are brighter than any regular bulb bar and draw very little current.
They are coming,It is just a matter of getting the price down.
The LED lightbars are 3-4 times more money than the regular bulb lightbars.
Have a good one
Fireman591
They are coming,It is just a matter of getting the price down.
The LED lightbars are 3-4 times more money than the regular bulb lightbars.
Have a good one
Fireman591
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Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 4,564
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
i can't wait till the price comes down so i can have some of these hanging in my garage:
T8 LED 48 in. Tubes
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LED8-PL48-120-15-300-SW
15 Watt - 120 Volt
G13 Medium Bi-Pin Base
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Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
LED strobes are awesome simply because they have that "instant on" which allows for strobe style pattern. Most LEDs have a narrow viewing pattern which on emergency light is further focused by highly polished reflectors. I use them myself with strobe flashers for show and as an axillary turn signal/brake light.
If you're good with electronics, you can make your own interior LED strobes. It's weather proofing for exterior mounts that's challenging.
If you're good with electronics, you can make your own interior LED strobes. It's weather proofing for exterior mounts that's challenging.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
I had the understanding that LEDS are bright but do not project their light that well. Thinking that way (which may be wrong) then LED headlights would let other people see you coming but would not light up the road in front of you very well. ??? 
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
This is true. Most LEDs have a rather narrow viewing angles. Even the brightest LEDs I've seen will only project light about 10 feet without fading. The solution to this is focal optics similar to projector headlights. The good thing though is that In theory, More of an LEDs light output could be focused and it would require less mirror reflections which reduce output efficiency.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 3
From: Florida
One of the catches with LED headlights is the cost. The LED headlights require multiple LED bulbs which are expensive (but they do last longer.) I have also read that if any one bulb in the group goes out, the entire headlight will go out (in the interest of safety.)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,401
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From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Just install a couple os aircraft landing lights made by Ecko. They are made for a 24 volt system, but can be adapted to 12 v and at 24 volt produce 943,000 lumens and half that at 12 volts. Guaranteed to light up the road ahead of you and take the paint off of the car in front of you.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Just install a couple os aircraft landing lights made by Ecko. They are made for a 24 volt system, but can be adapted to 12 v and at 24 volt produce 943,000 lumens and half that at 12 volts. Guaranteed to light up the road ahead of you and take the paint off of the car in front of you.
