Dimming interior lights? - Page 2

Andrew · 10-01-2000, 02:23 AM

This would be a cool mod...can we get the process to do it in simple terms....

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wac · 10-01-2000, 10:13 AM

Quote:

The sudden snap off (like being inside a fridge) is what I'm trying to do away with!

Okay, since you're going to be picky... Exactly how much of a dim do you want?

Option 1
Time Brightness
0 sec 100%
10 sec 100%
15 sec 0%
Where it's a slow dim from ON to OFF between 10 sec to 15 sec.

Option 2
Or were you thinking of a slow and agonizing rampdown from full ON to full OFF in 15-20 sec?

I should be able to design and make Option 1 for under $20. It could even be small enough to hide inside (or behind) the dome light assembly. Again, if you're interested, email me, or else I'll spend my time on my other toys/projects.

-WaC
Wayne

Andrew · 10-01-2000, 10:28 AM

How would you install it to the car wac? Do you need to get to the ecu to put it in or just tap a couple lines?

redwagon · 10-01-2000, 09:31 PM

Picky?, me? I think I prefer the adjective 'discerning'

Option 1 would suit me fine, enough time to find the ignition switch etc. and then a graceful dim into ambient light.

Are you (WaC) willing to make a small batch of these for members?

The device should just splice into the dome light's two wires and fit inside the light itself. I also have a light in the rear cargo space, there is more space in the gap between the body and the panel. Will the device handle the two 5W lamps, or will dim-time be affected?

Impreza Rider · 10-01-2000, 10:10 PM

Wac-

I like option #1. Did you get my e-mail?

Jim

wac · 10-02-2000, 05:27 PM

Now you guys have done it - I spent a good part of my valuable weekend throwing a circuit together. And I even picked up a 5W dome lamp from AutoZone for an authentic prototype.

It seems to work as expected, but not too fancy. I can vary the delay time through a trimpot, from almost no delay to the 20-30s range. Dimmer delay time is determined only by battery voltage and trimmer setting.

When I get around to it, I'll post a complete how-to and offer finished units for those who can't or don't want to build it. Meanwhile, in the true spirit of Vaporware...

The connections are:
1. BATT +12V. Get this from one pole of the dome lamp.
2. DOOR SWITCH. Cut the wire leading from the other pole of the dome lamp. This will be the side that goes to the door switch(es).
3. LAMP. The remaining wire (to the lamp) from step 2.
4. GND. Need to find a ground stud for this new connection - shouldn't be too difficult.

I'm also trying to keep it small. At the moment, it'll be in the 1" x 1.5" x 0.375" (25mm x 40mm x 10mm) range. In theory the circuit should be able to handle any non-inductive loads up to 25W or so. That would put fog lamps, headlights, police cruiser spotlights, and the such out of the question.

-WaC
Wayne

redwagon · 10-03-2000, 07:59 AM

Hey WaC, well done! See my PM.

SilverSuby · 10-03-2000, 08:20 AM

A how-to would be great. I'm certainly no EE, but I've thrown a couple things together.

Chin · 10-03-2000, 10:43 AM

If enough people are interested I could rewrite the code and program it into a PIC. Then all you would need to do is plug it into the circuit. Let me know if you are interested. A rough estimate would be ~$8-$10 each if I could get 10 or more people.

Christian

8Complex · 10-03-2000, 10:49 AM

Plug it into what circuit? In the ECU?

crxrocks · 10-03-2000, 05:02 PM

If someone can come up with a product with a halfway easy install, I am there.

Chris

cakagan · 10-04-2000, 09:36 AM

So does any Subaru model have a glovebox light? I'd rather have that...

-Kagan

Chuck · 10-04-2000, 10:00 AM

And what about the ash tray light.. I have a bulb and wire, but no place in the harness to plug it in.... Hmmm. '98RS

Julian · 10-04-2000, 10:32 AM

I'm in for the dimming light plug-in.

SilverSuby · 10-05-2000, 07:11 AM

Bump....

Don't mean to rush you, but are you still posting those How-to instructions and/or a parts list?

FargoRS · 10-05-2000, 12:51 PM

Red,

My 2001 Forester L has a dimming dome light. You might be able to swap the RS light with the Forester light.

Mike

crxrocks · 10-18-2000, 12:05 PM

Does anyone have an update on the progress of this?

Thanks!

Chris

david2z4 · 11-03-2000, 11:47 AM

Said he was getting on theis project soon.

wac · 11-08-2000, 09:56 PM

Whew! I finally got around to debugging this thing. Ran into a snag that took a few tries to troubleshoot, but I finally got something working, and I even polished up the how-to website. You can read about it at:
http://wac.addr.com/ee/dimmer/dimmer.html

Just remember that I'm doing this merely as a hobby, and I have other projects on the go. So you'll have to be patient with any questions you may have. It's quite a time-consuming task to build these things, so I will attempt to contact those who have expressed an interest via email.

Thank you very much for your patience.

-WaC
Wayne

david2z4 · 11-08-2000, 10:45 PM

Will this cause any problems with the alarm arming since it is on the dome light.

Bankheist · 11-09-2000, 11:33 AM

Who's gonna make an easy to install kit??? I don't know jcak about wiring and circuitry, so lets make an easy install kit for the idiots like me....

Thanks guys
-Kevin

redwagon · 11-09-2000, 11:12 PM

Way to go WaC!

I spent some time practising my diagram-reading and soldering skills from the earlier schematic without coming up with a working device....but that's just my stupidity. *shrug*

Still interested in a working one, see my PM.

david2z4 · 11-10-2000, 07:06 AM

After watching the Real video if the time from full on to full off is only about 1 second with the delay adjustment only for the full on "extended" time, I dont think it will do for me. I want the delay to be about 5- to 10 second with a smoother transition.

Sorry,

Dave

redwagon · 12-10-2000, 01:04 AM

Just installed the device. It works great, awesome job with construction, totally professional. Installation is dead easy with a couple of soldered splices. Wiring diagram is really clear and simple.

Sure, the dim time could be a little longer, but it's close enough.

I highly recommend this mod to anyone who can use a screwdriver and a soldering iron.

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10-01-2000, 02:23 AM	#26
Andrew Scooby Specialist Member#: 1170 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: San Jose, CA Vehicle: 2005 STi White	This would be a cool mod...can we get the process to do it in simple terms.... * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

10-01-2000, 10:28 AM	#28
Andrew Scooby Specialist Member#: 1170 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: San Jose, CA Vehicle: 2005 STi White	How would you install it to the car wac? Do you need to get to the ecu to put it in or just tap a couple lines?

10-01-2000, 09:31 PM	#29
redwagon Scooby Specialist Member#: 2181 Join Date: Aug 2000 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: So Cal Vehicle: 2003 Forester XS	Picky?, me? I think I prefer the adjective 'discerning' Option 1 would suit me fine, enough time to find the ignition switch etc. and then a graceful dim into ambient light. Are you (WaC) willing to make a small batch of these for members? The device should just splice into the dome light's two wires and fit inside the light itself. I also have a light in the rear cargo space, there is more space in the gap between the body and the panel. Will the device handle the two 5W lamps, or will dim-time be affected?

10-01-2000, 10:10 PM	#30
Impreza Rider Scooby Specialist Member#: 756 Join Date: Jan 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Ashburn, Va Vehicle: 2003 Legacy L wagon 2009 Kawasaki C14	Wac- I like option #1. Did you get my e-mail? Jim

10-02-2000, 05:27 PM	#31
wac Scooby Specialist Member#: 689 Join Date: Dec 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Lebanon, NH, USA Vehicle: 2005 Outback 2.5 XT Champagne Gold Opal	Now you guys have done it - I spent a good part of my valuable weekend throwing a circuit together. And I even picked up a 5W dome lamp from AutoZone for an authentic prototype. It seems to work as expected, but not too fancy. I can vary the delay time through a trimpot, from almost no delay to the 20-30s range. Dimmer delay time is determined only by battery voltage and trimmer setting. When I get around to it, I'll post a complete how-to and offer finished units for those who can't or don't want to build it. Meanwhile, in the true spirit of Vaporware... The connections are: 1. BATT +12V. Get this from one pole of the dome lamp. 2. DOOR SWITCH. Cut the wire leading from the other pole of the dome lamp. This will be the side that goes to the door switch(es). 3. LAMP. The remaining wire (to the lamp) from step 2. 4. GND. Need to find a ground stud for this new connection - shouldn't be too difficult. I'm also trying to keep it small. At the moment, it'll be in the 1" x 1.5" x 0.375" (25mm x 40mm x 10mm) range. In theory the circuit should be able to handle any non-inductive loads up to 25W or so. That would put fog lamps, headlights, police cruiser spotlights, and the such out of the question. -WaC Wayne

10-03-2000, 07:59 AM	#32
redwagon Scooby Specialist Member#: 2181 Join Date: Aug 2000 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: So Cal Vehicle: 2003 Forester XS	Hey WaC, well done! See my PM.

10-03-2000, 08:20 AM	#33
SilverSuby Scooby Specialist Member#: 1599 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RS Silver	A how-to would be great. I'm certainly no EE, but I've thrown a couple things together.

10-03-2000, 10:43 AM	#34
Chin Scooby Specialist Member#: 632 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Savage, MN Vehicle: '12 Cayman R '17 Macan GTS	If enough people are interested I could rewrite the code and program it into a PIC. Then all you would need to do is plug it into the circuit. Let me know if you are interested. A rough estimate would be ~$8-$10 each if I could get 10 or more people. Christian

10-03-2000, 10:49 AM	#35
8Complex Moderator Member#: 922 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Schaumburg, IL Vehicle: 16 WRX (white) 04 FXT (red)	Plug it into what circuit? In the ECU?

10-03-2000, 05:02 PM	#36
crxrocks Scooby Newbie Member#: 682 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Thornton, CO Vehicle: 2000 Impreza 2.5RS Sedona Red Pearl	If someone can come up with a product with a halfway easy install, I am there. Chris

10-04-2000, 09:36 AM	#37
cakagan Scooby Newbie Member#: 251 Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Chicago, IL Vehicle: 1998 Impreza 2.5 RS Black	So does any Subaru model have a glovebox light? I'd rather have that... -Kagan

10-04-2000, 10:00 AM	#38
Chuck Scooby Specialist Member#: 791 Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Danbury, CT 06810 Vehicle: 1998 Impreza RS Brilliant Red	And what about the ash tray light.. I have a bulb and wire, but no place in the harness to plug it in.... Hmmm. '98RS

10-04-2000, 10:32 AM	#39
Julian Scooby Specialist Member#: 1182 Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Ventura, CA Vehicle: MY00 RS BRP	I'm in for the dimming light plug-in.

10-05-2000, 07:11 AM	#40
SilverSuby Scooby Specialist Member#: 1599 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RS Silver	Bump.... Don't mean to rush you, but are you still posting those How-to instructions and/or a parts list?

10-05-2000, 12:51 PM	#41
FargoRS Scooby Newbie Member#: 419 Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Fargo, ND, USA Vehicle: 2002 WRX	Red, My 2001 Forester L has a dimming dome light. You might be able to swap the RS light with the Forester light. Mike

10-18-2000, 12:05 PM	#42
crxrocks Scooby Newbie Member#: 682 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Thornton, CO Vehicle: 2000 Impreza 2.5RS Sedona Red Pearl	Does anyone have an update on the progress of this? Thanks! Chris

11-03-2000, 11:47 AM	#43
david2z4 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1838 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RS BRP Vishnu Turbo/Tec3	Said he was getting on theis project soon.

11-08-2000, 09:56 PM	#44
wac Scooby Specialist Member#: 689 Join Date: Dec 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Lebanon, NH, USA Vehicle: 2005 Outback 2.5 XT Champagne Gold Opal	Whew! I finally got around to debugging this thing. Ran into a snag that took a few tries to troubleshoot, but I finally got something working, and I even polished up the how-to website. You can read about it at: http://wac.addr.com/ee/dimmer/dimmer.html Just remember that I'm doing this merely as a hobby, and I have other projects on the go. So you'll have to be patient with any questions you may have. It's quite a time-consuming task to build these things, so I will attempt to contact those who have expressed an interest via email. Thank you very much for your patience. -WaC Wayne

11-08-2000, 10:45 PM	#45
david2z4 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1838 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RS BRP Vishnu Turbo/Tec3	Will this cause any problems with the alarm arming since it is on the dome light.

11-09-2000, 11:33 AM	#46
Bankheist Scooby Guru Member#: 2237 Join Date: Aug 2000 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: DFW Vehicle: 2000 GC8 STi 2015 Ford Mustang GT	Who's gonna make an easy to install kit??? I don't know jcak about wiring and circuitry, so lets make an easy install kit for the idiots like me.... Thanks guys -Kevin

11-09-2000, 11:12 PM	#47
redwagon Scooby Specialist Member#: 2181 Join Date: Aug 2000 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: So Cal Vehicle: 2003 Forester XS	Way to go WaC! I spent some time practising my diagram-reading and soldering skills from the earlier schematic without coming up with a working device....but that's just my stupidity. shrug Still interested in a working one, see my PM.

11-10-2000, 07:06 AM	#48
david2z4 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1838 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RS BRP Vishnu Turbo/Tec3	After watching the Real video if the time from full on to full off is only about 1 second with the delay adjustment only for the full on "extended" time, I dont think it will do for me. I want the delay to be about 5- to 10 second with a smoother transition. Sorry, Dave

12-10-2000, 01:04 AM	#49
redwagon Scooby Specialist Member#: 2181 Join Date: Aug 2000 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: So Cal Vehicle: 2003 Forester XS	Just installed the device. It works great, awesome job with construction, totally professional. Installation is dead easy with a couple of soldered splices. Wiring diagram is really clear and simple. Sure, the dim time could be a little longer, but it's close enough. I highly recommend this mod to anyone who can use a screwdriver and a soldering iron.