▀▄ eas - e92 LED Angel Eye progress information

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

I was referring to ballast placement, unless you were able to tuck them inside the housings. Otherwise, the top needs to be notched slightly for the wires to exit on HID setups.

Of course, we'll try to take advantage of new technology as it is received.

are there any plans for a 20w LED replacement?


If so, that may be everyones best solution. Im seriously considering these, I am not happy with my 6000k HIDs. Too bright, the rings arent even clearly visible from a distance, its just a big blur to me! your looks good, even for sure. But 20w bulb might be what makes this product really worth $300

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by slammedm3

are there any plans for a 20w LED replacement?


If so, that may be everyones best solution. Im seriously considering these, I am not happy with my 6000k HIDs. Too bright, the rings arent even clearly visible from a distance, its just a big blur to me! your looks good, even for sure. But 20w bulb might be what makes this product really worth $300

Being as these were just released a week ago, probably not for some time until proper testing is achieved. The current version is very bright already.

[kmarei]

most 10w LEDs are about 600-700lm
OEM bulbs are 800lumens
and 20w LEDS are 1000 lumens

price of 10w LEDs on ebay (from china) $18
price of 20w LEDs on ebay (from china) $32
so i can't see the price going up too much
and that's end user price

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by kmarei

most 10w LEDs are about 600-700lm
OEM bulbs are 800lumens
and 20w LEDS are 1000 lumens

price of 10w LEDs on ebay (from china) $18
price of 20w LEDs on ebay (from china) $32
so i can't see the price going up too much
and that's end user price

do you think a 20w led can be purchased and made to work with the Aib LEDs?

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by slammedm3

do you think a 20w led can be purchased and made to work with the Aib LEDs?

based on the size of their heat sink (AiB)
and the size of the heatsinks you get with the 10w LED
i think their heatsink can easily cool the 20w LED
but will the heatsink pump out too much heat in the headlight, i don't know
maybe put a small fan on it to help improve airflow

[J08M3]

If these things were 20w you'd probably blow away all the competition. Of course you'd have some angry costumers that already bought the 10w ones.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by J08M3

If these things were 20w you'd probably blow away all the competition. Of course you'd have some angry costumers that already bought the 10w ones.

At a cost of shorter life due to an insufficient heatsink. While double the output, 20W would likely overheat rather quickly. the current units are not recommended for extended periods of time over the supplied voltage the vehicle can produce while running (14.7V) for longevity purposes.

An important point in the RDs that is quite interesting (since no one has pointed it out) is that there is no heatsink used at all. I would urge someone with a set to take light meter readings at 5min, 10min & 30min and you might be a bit surprised at the results found (as much as 40% decrease in light output). IMHO - modifying the RD units is a waste of money in the end, you will likely be disappointed in the results not only from design (uneven light output) but from overall brightness.

Some will think the heatsink used on the AiBs is a bit overkill, it's that size due to the specifications/requirements of the LEDs being used. Suggestions are welcomed, but keep in mind there are specific reasons some routes were taken.

There's a reason these weren't quickly rushed to market due to extensive testing like the other brands that were not up to par.

[ihyln]

What I find even more hilarious is that Duke Dynamics had a better setup (with actual daytime pictures to prove it) for the same cost, $300, and they got shot down due to cheapo crap like RD and GP thunders. Yes I was among the naysayers but after seeing how awful RD was I would have paid DD in an instant. It's just a shame that they will not be bringing it to market.

Not to knock your product but DD has a better setup with even rings and complete daytime visibility. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=duke+dynamics

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ihyln

What I find even more hilarious is that Duke Dynamics had a better setup (with actual daytime pictures to prove it) for the same cost, $300, and they got shot down due to cheapo crap like RD and GP thunders. Yes I was among the naysayers but after seeing how awful RD was I would have paid DD in an instant. It's just a shame that they will not be bringing it to market.

Not to knock your product but DD has a better setup with even rings and complete daytime visibility. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=duke+dynamics

Actually, the DD kit was introduced at $380 and was quickly shot down - mainly due to pricing. This kit still did not have uniform coverage of the inner ring compared to the outers as seen in that thread using 3 separate LED lightsources. However there was really no longevity testing to really prove how these kits would survive in the long run - before the project was eventually cancelled.

The kits weren't for everyone, but those that really wanted them missed out due to constant bashing from forum members. I'll agree on your other point - comparing the GP Thunders to the DD kit was pretty much like comparing a skateboard to a Lamborghini.

Interesting enough - you'll see the reply we made in post #145 of that thread and where we are today.

Apples to Apples, Oranges to Oranges.

[MMMorish]

Originally Posted by ihyln

What I find even more hilarious is that Duke Dynamics had a better setup (with actual daytime pictures to prove it) for the same cost, $300, and they got shot down due to cheapo crap like RD and GP thunders. Yes I was among the naysayers but after seeing how awful RD was I would have paid DD in an instant. It's just a shame that they will not be bringing it to market.

Not to knock your product but DD has a better setup with even rings and complete daytime visibility.

The inside ring is still uneven in those pics

[J08M3]

Originally Posted by MMMorish

The inside ring is still uneven in those pics

agreed. The EAS kit looks much nicer than the DD one.

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by J08M3

agreed. The EAS kit looks much nicer than the DD one.

+1

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

At a cost of shorter life due to an insufficient heatsink. While double the output, 20W would likely overheat rather quickly. the current units are not recommended for extended periods of time over the supplied voltage the vehicle can produce while running (14.7V) for longevity purposes.

An important point in the RDs that is quite interesting (since no one has pointed it out) is that there is no heatsink used at all. I would urge someone with a set to take light meter readings at 5min, 10min & 30min and you might be a bit surprised at the results found (as much as 40% decrease in light output). IMHO - modifying the RD units is a waste of money in the end, you will likely be disappointed in the results not only from design (uneven light output) but from overall brightness.

Some will think the heatsink used on the AiBs is a bit overkill, it's that size due to the specifications/requirements of the LEDs being used. Suggestions are welcomed, but keep in mind there are specific reasons some routes were taken.

There's a reason these weren't quickly rushed to market due to extensive testing like the other brands that were not up to par.

all the 10w LEDs i've seen have a much smaller heatsink
assuming you are using the strongest 10w led out there
the 700lumen one
it would still not need such a huge heatsink
and if the headlights can take HID (the camaros kit) i think they can take a 20w LED

RD don't have a heatsink since they use a weaker bulb (3w i think)
so they don't generate as much heat as the 10W LED on your unit
and yes they are weaker
but then they don't point their light source away from the rings simply to get even lighting
so if anything i think their design is more efficient in that you get the most output from the bulbs

the idea i have is to replace the 2 LEDs with 5w LEDS
those will power the glasss tubes for the outer rings
and then i will stick the original 3w LEDS to the top of the 2 edges of the V (when the RD open up they look like a V not an l)
and those will light the inner rings
and since i am using 4 LEDS and they all consume about 700ma each
the total draw would be around 2.8Amps
which is right around where the OEM bulb consumes (2.9A)
so i might not need a resistor since they will have the same resistance as the OEM bulbs
i think that way i should get even lighting
and much much cheaper than your solution

i am not dissing your solution at all, i am sure a lot of work went into it
i just think that if i am paying $300 i am getting the mother of all LED solutions
and based on the pics i saw of how the light is being reflected
i think the design is inefficient and the only advantage it has is using a 10W led
which no other competitor is using as far as i know

[ihyln]

My apologies about the price. Either way, I think it will be a while till we see a proper LED angel eye replacement.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by kmarei

all the 10w LEDs i've seen have a much smaller heatsink
assuming you are using the strongest 10w led out there
the 700lumen one

700lu is not the highest rated single LED available.

Originally Posted by kmarei

it would still not need such a huge heatsink
and if the headlights can take HID (the camaros kit) i think they can take a 20w LED

You're comparing 2 very different things when it comes to heat - LEDs will never become hot enough to damage a headlamp housing nor have we seen any cases of it with HIDs at this time. The heatsink on the AiBs is sufficient to drive heat away from the LED to keep it at a safe operating temperature.

The headlamps can take a 20W LED, the heatsink cannot, especially the RD units which do not even have a one.

Originally Posted by kmarei

RD don't have a heatsink since they use a weaker bulb (3w i think) so they don't generate as much heat as the 10W LED on your unit and yes they are weaker

Unless you work for RD, you have no basis of proof this is the reason for omitting a proper heatsink. Yes, they are significantly weaker.

Originally Posted by kmarei

but then they don't point their light source away from the rings simply to get even lighting so if anything i think their design is more efficient in that you get the most output from the bulbs

I don't see your point here, even with the RDs pointing directly at the fiber sources, there still is uneven light distribution.

Originally Posted by kmarei

the idea i have is to replace the 2 LEDs with 5w LEDS
those will power the glasss tubes for the outer rings
and then i will stick the original 3w LEDS to the top of the 2 edges of the V (when the RD open up they look like a V not an l)
and those will light the inner rings
and since i am using 4 LEDS and they all consume about 700ma
the total draw would be around 2.8Amps
which is right around where the OEM bulb consumes (2.9A)
so i might not need a resistor since they will have the same resistance as the OEM bulbs
i think that way i should get even lighting
and much much cheaper than your solution

Best of luck with your project, please report your findings in your own separate thread as we would prefer to let this remain on topic and AiB specific.

Originally Posted by kmarei

i am not dissing your solution at all, i am sure a lot of work went into it
i just think that if i am paying $300 i am getting the mother of all LED solutions and based on the pics i saw of how the light is being reflected
i think the design is inefficient and the only advantage it has is using a 10W led which no other competitor is using as far as i know

As stated before, wait until someone in your area has a set you can see in person so you can make a valid judgment from seeing both in person - it's only a matter of time before someone in your area has a set of their own.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

700lu is not the highest rated single LED available...

Unless you work for RD, you have no basis of proof this is the reason for omitting a proper heatsink. Yes, they are significantly weaker. ..

I don't see your point here, even with the RDs pointing directly at the fiber sources, there still is uneven light distribution.

What is the lumen rating of the 10W LED you are using if you don't mind sharing?

i don't need to work for RD to know that 2x3W LEDs produce less heat than 1 10W LED
(i think there is agreement they use 3w LED not 5w or 10w)
and you keep saying the RD don't have a heatsink
they do have a heatsink , but it is part of the assemebly
that's why its made of aluminium



with the RD solution
all the light from the LED is being directed into the glass rods
with your solution the light is not pointed at the inner ring nor the glass rods (outer ring)
its being reflected into the glass rods and towards the rear center of the inner ring
i think anyone can tell you that reflected light is never as strong as direct light

but i am looking forward to seeing them in person
you had to go and open on the weat coast?

[M3 996]

I am another happy customer with this mod. The pictures really can't do justice, as the lighting is about perfect IMHO. From my perspective, EAS delivered good value for my $300. As someone who converted over from the Porsche camp, $300 doesn't seem excessive... eiher that, or my thinking is now skewed...

In any case, if you want to spend $25 on LED's or HID's, buy a Honda Civic.

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by M3 996

In any case, if you want to spend $25 on LED's or HID's, buy a Honda Civic.

so if I buy these LEDs for my civic I only have to pay $25? What kind of logic is this? stuff shouldn't be more expensive just because it is going on an M3 a la AC SCHNITZER.

[J08M3]

Kameri,

Innovation is always welcome on this forum. Please develop your product as you described and I'm sure people will be happy and buy it if it works as planned. Just as EAS did. I love to see competition, it forces everyone to be more creative and keeps prices in check for all of us.

[ad78]

here is my alternative $129
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250649

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by M3 996

I am another happy customer with this mod. The pictures really can't do justice, as the lighting is about perfect IMHO. From my perspective, EAS delivered good value for my $300. As someone who converted over from the Porsche camp, $300 doesn't seem excessive... eiher that, or my thinking is now skewed...

In any case, if you want to spend $25 on LED's or HID's, buy a Honda Civic.

in that case i have a very special LED kit for you
$580
i mean if you have an M3 then you must always get the best right?
and i'd like to know where to purchase HIDs for $25
or is that for porsches only

[M3 996]

Originally Posted by Big Windy

so if I buy these LEDs for my civic I only have to pay $25? What kind of logic is this? stuff shouldn't be more expensive just because it is going on an M3 a la AC SCHNITZER.

Guess what, you own a $70k car. Stuff IS going to be more expensive. Here is the logic: R&D time might be the same to develop a part for a Civic as it is for an M3, so the sunk cost might be the same. However, you also have a smaller "tuner" market to sell your product across with BMW's than you do for Hondas. So in order to cover your costs and make the same profit, you have to sell at a higher price per unit.

It is hard to expect "mass market" component pricing when we own "low volume" automobile. I don't enjoy paying more for parts that I know are half the price on a mass market car, but I also understand the economics that drive the pricing decisions from various vendors.

I just get tired of seeing people whine about paying $300 for a part on a $70k automobile.