Date:         Mon, 17 Apr 2000 15:48:51 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@IBM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@IBM.NET>
Subject:      Re: Third brake lights (tack-free)
Comments: To: Ron 'Coyote' Lussier <coyote@MACROMEDIA.COM>
Comments: cc: "W. Silva" <wsilva@CAPECOD.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <NDBBLJMIKKPIIGCCAEOBAEFCCHAA.coyote@macromedia.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 14:54 4/17/2000, Ron 'Coyote' Lussier wrote:
>tacky, tacky, tacky!  :-(  So, what solution are people recommending for
>adding a third brake light?  I want LEDs for durability.

If there isn't an easy unit already built, I'd just build one with a bunch
of LEDs.  The bright ones will no doubt be clear instead of red plastic --
if you care could put red plastic or lithographic masking film (local print
shop might give you a sheet) in front.  Look for discount rates by buying x
many LEDs -- I think RS has a significant breakpoint at 10.  Remember you
will have to use individual resistors for each LED, you can't combine them
into one big resistor.  I'll help you with the formulas if you need
it.  Don't forget to run them conservatively, allowing for high temperatures.

Here's a site with sources of good bright LEDs -- look at the "taillight
red" entries...
http://www.misty.com/~don/led.html

Wendy and John Silva have an installation on their back shelf, check with
them...

david

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"