Interior Lights

[MH3.0R]

Jp928,

Ok, I am with you now. I have the beige leather and get a reasonable reflection spread through the cabin, but still dim in the front as you say. The dark intertior would make this worse, I agree.

I will go back into the detail of the mod to see if it can be done safely. One of the immediate risks is the total load current on the Body Control Unit as you join three circuits of of 8 watts (1 x dome, and 2 x map) to demand a total load of 2 amps as opposed to a single dome light load of 0.7 amps. This is part of my hesitation in undertaking the mod. If the BCU is only designed for a dome light load, then tripling the load may be too much.

I guess we could design a relay and switch that bypasses the BCU, but then you lose the progressive dimming during switch off feature.

Alternatively, if you change your map lights and dome lights to LED arrays, you will reduce the power consumption considerably and then the mod to connect the dome and map lights all to the same BCU circuit may work.

I will try to investigate further and let you know.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[smythie]

[quote="MH3.0R"]I guess we could design a relay and switch that bypasses the BCU, but then you lose the progressive dimming during switch off feature.[quote]

What about a small transformer to convert the BCU output to the required load? Do they even make transformers that small?

-edit- nevermind. brain explosion and I forgot transformers has the same power at both input and output, whereas you are looking at different input and output powers

[MH3.0R]

I did some rough calcs and with both Map Lights converted to 3x4LED array and the Dome Light converted to 2 x 4x3LED array, the total load is 8 watts, so it may be safe to do the joining after the LED conversion.

But, you can never go back to the original bulbs!

ANother beaut feature of the LED arrays is that if you do accidently apply the incorrect voltage polarity, they remain open circuit (don't work) and should protect the BCU at the same time.

So I am inclined to re check the procedure previously posted (on the Legacy GT forum) and see if it can be done safely with the LED arrays.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[smythie]

I guess we could design a relay and switch that bypasses the BCU, but then you lose the progressive dimming during switch off feature.

What about a small transformer to convert the BCU output to the required load? Do they even make transformers that small?

-edit- nevermind. brain explosion and I forgot a transformer has the same power at both input and output, whereas you are looking at different input and output powers

[MH3.0R]

What about a small transformer to convert the BCU output to the required load? Do they even make transformers that small?

I think the BCU switches body earth or zero volts and at DC (direct current), so a transformer by itself will not work as it needs AC or alternating current to work. Not really sure until I do some testing at the Dome Light itself. Maybe on the weekend.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[jp928]

Dont really care about the fade out,but equally I dont want to get involved in ripping upholstery around and stuff like that....an auto elec who knows his business and Subys would be my preference here....
thanks,
jp08 gtb 6mt wagon

[MH3.0R]

Got carried away with the 12 LED array and replaced the Boot Light with one as well. Can't wait for tonight so I can see the impact.





I have used the wedge connector that came in the kit (see previous post) and the longer lead allowed me to place the LED light more centrally in the boot and fastened to the parcel shelf with the double sided foam that also came as part of the kit.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[MH3.0R]

Dont really care about the fade out,but equally I dont want to get involved in ripping upholstery around and stuff like that....an auto elec who knows his business and Subys would be my preference here....
thanks,
jp08 gtb 6mt wagon

JP928,

I tend to agree with you. But, by my estimates and examination of the wiring ciruit diagrams from a GenIV Service Manual and examining the details in another post on the Legacy GT forum (US), I think we can nut out a safe solution, providing you do the LED conversions first up. I do not think there is a safe solution that works with the original bulbs due to their higher power requirements.

I will get back to this post if I find the solution.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[jp928]

Mark,
Thanks, will look forward to something. I will start looking for led conversions for the dome and map lights, but if a solution for more front lighting requires a relay, I dont have a problem with that. EG, if access to the dome light signal could be found that would enable something of low drain to be triggered so I could fit a led high on the side of the console that would illuminate the front seat and floor, or even in the glove box, I would be well satisfied.

thanks,
jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

[MH3.0R]

Anyone interested in buying their own 4x3 LED Arrays for the Map and Dome (or any others), you can find the web site at:

http://www.brightlightautoparts.com/LED ... lobes.html

They take online orders and will post them out to you.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[Arith]

Good post, Mark. I've also been running a similar setup for a while now, and it's handy to have a well lit boot when you're poking around looking for something.

I used two 10-LED array panels, and spliced both arrays into the same wedge connector.


This allowed me to position them one on each side, distributing the light more evenly than the poor location Subaru put it in.

[MH3.0R]

Arith,

I agree with the initial poor location, and I too ended up with 2 of the 4x3 LED Arrays, positioned one either side of the stop light.



Much better light now, but not completely happy as on hot days, the double sided foam tends to let go and I find them hanging!

I will eventually install them properly and find a slightly wider offset between them to give a more even distribution of the light.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

[Mano™]

Nice an bright!

[jdm rsk]

Arith,

I agree with the initial poor location, and I too ended up with 2 of the 4x3 LED Arrays, positioned one either side of the stop light.



Much better light now, but not completely happy as on hot days, the double sided foam tends to let go and I find them hanging!

I will eventually install them properly and find a slightly wider offset between them to give a more even distribution of the light.

Kind Regards,

Mark.

silicon

[MH3.0R]

Legacy RSK,

Silicon will probably do the job nicely, thanks for the tip.

Kind Regards,

Mark.