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Topic: Hi beam and Lo beam question (Read 7650 times) previous topic - next topic

Hi beam and Lo beam question

Reply #135 –
the one and only thing i can think of that is plusable is the magnetic field built by the relay coil while in "auto lamp" mode is weaker as its sourced from the light sensor, this might cause a weaker contact surface area closure or "presure" so to speak... and add increased resistance / voltage drop across the relay contacts.

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Hi beam and Lo beam question

Reply #136 –
I've got that, too, and I think I have a simpler explanation.  The K2 relay diode is cutting current down.  This matters because all the current for the IP lights get pulled through that diode.  It's not that noticeable for me, because I don't really ever use the manual mode.  When I do, I notice it, but I attribute it to current loss through the diode. I've read elsewhere that a diode can be used as a current limiting resistor this way.  Maybe a different diode.  Did you use the same diodes I used? I only used the ones I used for their convenient packaging.
Anyway, that's my take on it, hope it helps.

Hi beam and Lo beam question

Reply #137 –
there is no diode in series with the instrumentation illumination or headlamps main power feed on this mod... only on the relay coils side.

I used 1n4148 diodes which are silicone.
silicone diodes offer .6 volts drop/loss, Germainium offer .3v drop / loss
yes they can be used a clr, i do this almost on every project with respect to enviromental alarms of a facility going to something like a Quest Controls or a Falcon monitoring system.
the less expensive germainium diodes are better as a CLR because they are approx 300ohms (half of the silicone type)



"IF" while in auto lamp mode i turn the manual headlamp switch on, the instrumentation illumnation problem goes away.,, thats why im thinking the relay coils magetic field is being restricted by the light sensor and the diodes,,,,,,,,,,,,,, The only problem with this theory is that it was like this before this mod as well.
Before the mod i had the same illumination difference and ill bet you recall the same,, and,,, ill bet someone else can chime in to confirm a "non-modified" car.
 

Hi beam and Lo beam question

Reply #138 –
You're missing it. In autolamp mode, IP lamps get their power from the same place as K2 coil. Under autolamp, IP light power is drawn through the diode K2 from relay K1. In manual mode, that backfeed is fed internally to the headlamp switch but in auto the power for it comes back through diode K2.