The post explains how the DRLs in a car may be controlled by reducing its intensity while the headlamps or the indicator lamps are being used, for enhancing its efficiency. The idea was requested by Mr. Rob. Let's learn more about this smart DRL intensity manager circuit.
The Request
Hi Swags,
I'll try and explain in more detail. I want a module which will connect to a set of aftermarket DRLs that will allow them to turn on when the cars ignition is on (ideally via direct battery connection with a voltage sensor to turn them on but if not via ignition live feed). The module needs to connect to the headlight so that when it is turned on the DRLs dim to 50%. The module also needs to dim the DRLs when the indicator is activated on that particular side of the car (right DRL dims when right indicator is turned on etc.). This aspect isn't necessary when the headlights are on as the DRLs are already dim. When the indicators turn off I would like the DRL to fade back to full brightness say over a period of 2 seconds or similar.
It is basically just like the new Audi DRLs which are built into their headlights.
I hope this is enough information for you to produce a schematic but if not I can try and give you some more information. Also, using your relay method would be best!
Thanks
Rob
The Design
The proposed smart, energy efficient DRL controller circuit could be constructed in any of the following methods. The first one is a rather crude approach which will provide the intended results but will not save any electricity for you, so the purpose could fail here.
The T1 stage is included for enabling the fade-back effect over the DRL, if this feature is not required, T1, R2, C1 may be entirely eliminated and the N/C of the relay directly joined with the junction of DRL positive and R1.
C1 decides the gradual brightening period of the DRL
The second design could be considered energy efficient due to the inclusion of a voltage regulator stage incorporating T2, R1, R2. T2 is configured as a common collector.
Here T1 and the associated parts perform the same function as above while T2 is rigged to produce 50% less voltage for the DrL when the headlights or the turn signals are switched ON.
The last circuit is also a smart way of controlling the DRL illumination. Here the T2 stage has been replaced with the LM317 current regulator stage which controls the DRL intensity by 50% during the recommended situations but unlike the second circuit it executes the operations by reducing the current instead of voltage.
Parts List for the above circuit designs
R1, R2, R3 = 10k
T1, T2 = TIP122
D1, D2 = 1N4007
D3 = also 1N4007 (optional)
Relay = 12V, 400 ohms, SPDT
Parts List for the above circuit design
R1 = 1.25/DRL amp value (less 50%
R2 = 10k 1/4 watt
C1 = 470uF/25V
T1 = TIP122
D1, D2 = 1N4007
D3 = also 1N4007 (optional)
Relay = 12V, 400 ohms, SPDT
Feed back, and suggested corrections from Mr. Rob
Hi Swags,
Thanks for doing the schematic of the DRL Indicator module. The reason we need it to dim is to make it legal in the UK to have DRLs and Indicators so close to each other. Anyway, I've ordered the parts for the schematic as I'm short on a few bits however just a query with the 12v + supply to the battery. As the battery is constantly live will this 'module' be constantly draining power when the car is not in use as the DRLs would always be on? If it were a 'ignition live' positive feed then this would only provide power to the 'module' when the ignition is turned on.
What are your thoughts on this? Do we need to look at installing another circuit which goes to the battery that has a separate trigger switch that can identify when the car is not being used/ignition off?
Thanks again
Rob
My Reply:
Hi Rob,
You are right, the +12V needs to come from the ignition feed, meaning only when the ignition is switched ON, the DRL and the associated circuitry should be triggered ON for the required operations.
So the modification will be simple, instead of connecting the +12V to the battery we can integrate it with the ignition 12V feed.
The above smart DRL circuits could be also used for high watt DRL applications, an example 50 watt modification is illustrated below:
The 12V, 20 watt series lamp could be hidden somewhere under the bonnet, it's included for dipping the DRL illumination to approximately 50% less.
The Request
Hi Swags,
I'll try and explain in more detail. I want a module which will connect to a set of aftermarket DRLs that will allow them to turn on when the cars ignition is on (ideally via direct battery connection with a voltage sensor to turn them on but if not via ignition live feed). The module needs to connect to the headlight so that when it is turned on the DRLs dim to 50%. The module also needs to dim the DRLs when the indicator is activated on that particular side of the car (right DRL dims when right indicator is turned on etc.). This aspect isn't necessary when the headlights are on as the DRLs are already dim. When the indicators turn off I would like the DRL to fade back to full brightness say over a period of 2 seconds or similar.
It is basically just like the new Audi DRLs which are built into their headlights.
I hope this is enough information for you to produce a schematic but if not I can try and give you some more information. Also, using your relay method would be best!
Thanks
Rob
The Design
The proposed smart, energy efficient DRL controller circuit could be constructed in any of the following methods. The first one is a rather crude approach which will provide the intended results but will not save any electricity for you, so the purpose could fail here.
The T1 stage is included for enabling the fade-back effect over the DRL, if this feature is not required, T1, R2, C1 may be entirely eliminated and the N/C of the relay directly joined with the junction of DRL positive and R1.
C1 decides the gradual brightening period of the DRL
The second design could be considered energy efficient due to the inclusion of a voltage regulator stage incorporating T2, R1, R2. T2 is configured as a common collector.
Here T1 and the associated parts perform the same function as above while T2 is rigged to produce 50% less voltage for the DrL when the headlights or the turn signals are switched ON.
The last circuit is also a smart way of controlling the DRL illumination. Here the T2 stage has been replaced with the LM317 current regulator stage which controls the DRL intensity by 50% during the recommended situations but unlike the second circuit it executes the operations by reducing the current instead of voltage.
R1, R2, R3 = 10k
T1, T2 = TIP122
D1, D2 = 1N4007
D3 = also 1N4007 (optional)
Relay = 12V, 400 ohms, SPDT
Parts List for the above circuit design
R1 = 1.25/DRL amp value (less 50%
R2 = 10k 1/4 watt
C1 = 470uF/25V
T1 = TIP122
D1, D2 = 1N4007
D3 = also 1N4007 (optional)
Relay = 12V, 400 ohms, SPDT
Feed back, and suggested corrections from Mr. Rob
Hi Swags,
Thanks for doing the schematic of the DRL Indicator module. The reason we need it to dim is to make it legal in the UK to have DRLs and Indicators so close to each other. Anyway, I've ordered the parts for the schematic as I'm short on a few bits however just a query with the 12v + supply to the battery. As the battery is constantly live will this 'module' be constantly draining power when the car is not in use as the DRLs would always be on? If it were a 'ignition live' positive feed then this would only provide power to the 'module' when the ignition is turned on.
What are your thoughts on this? Do we need to look at installing another circuit which goes to the battery that has a separate trigger switch that can identify when the car is not being used/ignition off?
Thanks again
Rob
My Reply:
Hi Rob,
You are right, the +12V needs to come from the ignition feed, meaning only when the ignition is switched ON, the DRL and the associated circuitry should be triggered ON for the required operations.
So the modification will be simple, instead of connecting the +12V to the battery we can integrate it with the ignition 12V feed.
The above smart DRL circuits could be also used for high watt DRL applications, an example 50 watt modification is illustrated below:
The 12V, 20 watt series lamp could be hidden somewhere under the bonnet, it's included for dipping the DRL illumination to approximately 50% less.
0 Response to "Smart Car DRL Controller Circuit"
Posting Komentar