Date: Mon, 28 Jun 1999 14:12:39 -0400
Reply-To: Robert Rountree <rountree@PLANETEER.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Rountree <rountree@PLANETEER.COM>
Organization: Rountree R&D
Subject: Re: Halogen Back-up bulb
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Mike....>My
> fear is that the backup light lens and reflector would go into meltdown.
David...>which had melted and warped considerably
Bill.....>you refer to the bulb as the 'regular one' not the 3156.... can
you give us
the number of the one you are recommending?
The bulb I'm talking about just comes in 2 sizes... one size fits, 3156,
3057, or 3157......the size I bought, fits 1156, 199, 1073, 1141, 1156, 3497
or 7506...... basically a single contact on bottom, bayonet mount, 2 pins
at 180 degree's to each other on the sides, ..... NOW the mount, between the
metal bayonet base and holding the actual bulb, about 3/4's of an inch off &
out away from the metal base is a full size ceramic base, that looks like
those space shuttle tiles, ..... So it's APPEARS to be made so it will not
transfer as much heat from the glass to the metal socket...... I share your
melting worries.. thanks to everyone for bring this up..... I've just come
in from leaving the back-up lights on for about 6 minutes (in reverse
without the motor running but with the ignition on).... went back into the
studio got my light meter and measured the output...... 1 & a half stop
difference between the back-up lights... after that 6 minute period, I felt
the lens, and it seems to be warmer on the halogen side (only 1 halogen
bulb, drivers side only)..... It didn't feel it was too hot, or enough to do
any damage.... so...Let me restate my revised opinion... For my use this
seems a nice, safer improvement... my use, being the regular occasion of
backing into my tight carport or parking in dark places.... the advantages
to me are... I don't have to add any more lights, weight or complexity to my
van (even though there are some pretty cool prejectzo type fog & driving
light out there), I don't have to drill any holes in my bumper, I don't have
to run wires fore & aft & thru where ever, no relays are needed, no extra
switches to mount somewhere on my dash. I'm using the wires there, the lens
is there, the switch works automatically (I'm stupid enough not to remember
to turn on my back up lights or turn them off after using them for that
matter :^).... for my occasional, short interval use, I think the one bulb
will work fine (and was VERY easy to install, 4 screws, 2 mins).... now if
you are planning on doing any serious beach (or bush) parties or backing up
for hours in blinding snow storms... get some REAL lights...these are not
flood or deer jumping spot lights.... but for occasional (read everyday)
use, they will improve your visibility, & safety backing up at night....
I'll let you know as so as my lens melts... but please don't hold your
breath.. .just out of interest this company also makes... Back-up
Alert...1157 Halogen stop/turn signal light bulb.... AutoCommand Remote car
starter.... Daytime Running Lights....
Smart Entry Keyless entry...Smart Alarm Vehicle Security System.... and they
Have a 1-800-337-4468 number....Plus they can send me any free products they
feel like (^;) cause so far, I've had to pay.
Rob
87 Westy SyncroGL.....Cynosure 88k km
Moonstone Ont.
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