Driving lights voltage spike

torsteinvh · 03-19-2003, 06:56 PM

Hi all,

I recently replaced my fog lights with Hella Comet 200 driving lights, and I am quite pleased with the lights.

I have a problem/question about my wiring though.

I have wired the lights in the same way as described here:
http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/threa...hreadID=148051

I see a small, momentary, drop in battery voltage (about 0.6 volts) when going from dipped to main + driving lights, and a similar voltage increase when I go back to the dipped beam, and I would like to get rid of this voltage spike.

When switching the driving lights on and off with the fog light switch the spiking doesn't occur, at least it isn't visible.

Is it possible to use a capacitor to smooth out the spike, or a diode to block it completely?

I really should know the answer myself, as I once upon a time studied electronics, but somehow I have misplaced that knowledge...

Hope someone can help.

- Torstein

Kean · 03-19-2003, 07:25 PM

I'm curious why you would be concerned with a .6 drop in voltage. I get 2 volt variances depending on what I have turned on in my car but it will never dip below ~12.5 (completely stock). .......not looking to flame.....just curious.

Regards,
Kean

torsteinvh · 03-19-2003, 07:30 PM

Hi!

I have some electronic equipment connected to the car, and the spike is large enough to cause it to reset. At least that's my theory.

-Torstein

Kean · 03-19-2003, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by torsteinvh
Hi!

I have some electronic equipment connected to the car, and the spike is large enough to cause it to reset. At least that's my theory.

-Torstein

hmmmm.....I don't see where a draw of .6 volts would make a difference, but I'm no expert. I know there's members with far more knowledge regarding electronics than me. I'm sure they'll chime in soon. Either way I wish you luck.

Regards,
Kean

03-19-2003, 06:56 PM	#1
torsteinvh Scooby Newbie Member#: 33796 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Norway Vehicle: 00 GT Wagon Sonic Blue	Driving lights voltage spike Hi all, I recently replaced my fog lights with Hella Comet 200 driving lights, and I am quite pleased with the lights. I have a problem/question about my wiring though. I have wired the lights in the same way as described here: http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/threa...hreadID=148051 I see a small, momentary, drop in battery voltage (about 0.6 volts) when going from dipped to main + driving lights, and a similar voltage increase when I go back to the dipped beam, and I would like to get rid of this voltage spike. When switching the driving lights on and off with the fog light switch the spiking doesn't occur, at least it isn't visible. Is it possible to use a capacitor to smooth out the spike, or a diode to block it completely? I really should know the answer myself, as I once upon a time studied electronics, but somehow I have misplaced that knowledge... Hope someone can help. - Torstein

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03-19-2003, 07:25 PM	#2
Kean Scooby Guru Member#: 25187 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: So. CA Vehicle: '03 WRX Sedan MBP '08 Forester Prem TGM	I'm curious why you would be concerned with a .6 drop in voltage. I get 2 volt variances depending on what I have turned on in my car but it will never dip below ~12.5 (completely stock). .......not looking to flame.....just curious. Regards, Kean

03-19-2003, 07:30 PM	#3
torsteinvh Scooby Newbie Member#: 33796 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Norway Vehicle: 00 GT Wagon Sonic Blue	Hi! I have some electronic equipment connected to the car, and the spike is large enough to cause it to reset. At least that's my theory. -Torstein