Stereo & Electronics - Modifying Factory Camaro for Sequential Tail lights with LED's

I posted this at the camaroz28 forum and nobody commented so I thought I'd post it here. I've been working on modifying my 94 Z28 lights so they are brighter and better lit with LED's . I also wanted sequential tail lights that looked better than the 3 bulb modification.

I inserted 16 vertical banks of 6 led's in the factory housing and wired them to an atmel microcontroller which can make them light up any way I want via programming. They are very bright and show up well thru the VHT nightshade. Below is a link to a video of them in action. I have to do the other tail light next and finish the program to interface to the car, but so far they seem to work well. They look much better in person, the video camera can't capture the brightness like your eye. In person they are ruby red looking, not as white-bright contrasty


http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2#!i=1835350981&k=ksCzSxN&lb=1&s=L


http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-ksCzSxN/0/L/taillights-L.jpg

Wow man that looks cool when they slide from the inside to the outside. I am going to subscribe for updates!

Those look awesome. How complicated is the programming?

Cool!

That looks awesome!! I recently bought a replacement set for my car so I could try something like this out. I'd love more details on it.

sick!

The programming is pretty easy. Interfaced with the atmel chip is a TI TLC5940 chip which drivers up to 16 LED Channels per chip and you can series them, so 2 chips will do both sides of the car. The atmel chip is a microprocessor and basically you send the TLC chip commands in C in the format of

Tlc.set (channel#0-15, brightness value 0-4095)
Tlc.Update

so

Tlc.set (0, 4095)
Tlc.set (8, 2000)
Tlc.update

would light up the first bar on the left side of the tail light at full brightness and about halfway across another bar at half brightness


The Atmel chip (or you can use an arduino) has inputs that can watch the brake wire, turnsignal wire, parking lights wire, and run the appropriate routine for that input condition.

When I'm done I'll post the code.

The hard part so far is drilling the 96 holes in the housing and fitting the leds. I'll post some pics soon.

dude this is very, very cool. What would it cost for me to send you my tail lights for you to outfit them?

I would want a basic setup, just LED's with a sequential effect for the turn signal, plain 1-2-3 or the cool gradual blend would be cool too!

If you would want to do that let me know, otherwise props on a unique and sweet idea!

I'd like to know how much for my lights as well. PM if you'd like. This is really cool.

thats cool

I always wanted seq. tails on my WS6.

Looks good !!

wow. thats amazazing

Those are pretty damn cool.

What sucks, is that there's a company on Ebay that's selling them for 2nd gen firebirds. I wish someone would make them for 4th gens as well.

So cool! This gives me some inspiration to do my own like this. Looking forward to more info and pictures.

where did you get the modules?

wont this do the same thing
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sequential-LED-Tail-Light-Module-Kit-Sequentially-Blinks-3-LED-Tail-Lamps-/140733518578?hash=item20c45f12f2&item=140733518578&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_100&vxp=mtr

idk how much you paid. here is a 3 bar type. it looks like you have alot more than 3 though

and that does lookcool

great idea. I like it

I got both lights done except for the weatherproofing, car doesn't see any water except washing, I'll get to that when I know it's bullet proof. Here is a pic of the back of the housings

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-hZ88zFw/0/L/tail-lights-back-L.jpg

This is different from the ebay item because it controls at least 16 channels of lights per tail light and you can control each channel individually to create any effect you want. I didn't buy it, I'm making it from scratch. When its done I'll post the details to build it, parts list, LED's used, and instructions to install. The LED's cost 30 cents each so 204 x .30 ~ $70.00, the chips and electric components cost about $15.00, and the computer chip (Arduino) costs between $23 and $50.00 depending on which one I have to use for all functionality.

Here's another video of them mounted, the lighting is better so you can see the color, they are still just running a programmed sequence. I'm writing the code to handle their operation. It's more complicated than just brake, turn signal, parking lights, hazzard. The computer has to monitor all those inputs and figure out what to display and what priority. I should have it figured out by the end of the weekend. This is also gonna grow with a small front mount controller to do special effects and will display what they are doing, and it will provide outputs to control the front turn and park lights to eliminate the factory flasher and maybe possibly they will become LED too.

Click picture to launch video:
http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-DTSD48g/0/M/tailights2-M.jpg (http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2#!i=1849608449&k=DTSD48g&lb=1&s=A)


This is a Video of the Ebay 3 Light Sequential controller which can't compare for brightness or effect: (It also Melted my housings because the Outer bulb is replace with an 1157 which is too close once mounted and the heat of being lit up melted the outside lens)

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-NqtnPT2/0/M/Untitled-M.jpg (http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2#!i=1849645800&k=NqtnPT2&lb=1&s=A)


Here is a link to my Camaro Gallery:
http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2

this is sweet. subscribed! i always wanted to do the LED turn signal on my taillights where the LED makes the arrow as the signal is on. see it on alot of ambulances. would like a set of these done on my 00 SS let me know!

Yeah I have a sequential kit for my car (kit is for the TA's but can be easily modified for Camaro's) but haven't hooked it up yet. Got my kit for under $100, let me see if I can dig up the vendor name...

subscribed :corn:

yes please vendor name..

Well I got the programming done and it works great. I'm waiting for delivery of connectors so the circuit board can be unplugged and not permanently soldered. I don't know how many people are gonna wanna do this because it does require rewiring some of the car, specifically at the minimum the brake wire has to be separated from the turn signal circuit. I'm modifying it more because I'm also adding a 3 flash/blink turn signal module that I made like the german cars have (tap the turn signal for less than 1/2 a second and the turn signal goes for 3 blink cycles.... great for changing lanes). I already modified my 2011 ford fusion with this and I can't drive without it, I originally experienced it in my wifes audi and it's pretty cool, so I made it for the ford.



93Z383 wrote:

"Yeah I have a sequential kit for my car (kit is for the TA's but can be easily modified for Camaro's) but haven't hooked it up yet. Got my kit for under $100, let me see if I can dig up the vendor name..."

How many lights does your kit control? Do you have a link? Thanks.

Ive got some sequential LED's coming in for my 87 TA GTA...Ill post his info here..

northwestmustang@comcast.net
Larry Bush, Owner
ClassicLEDs
NorthWestMustang
541.463.7623

Try webelectricproducts.com for a kit that is custom designed for 4th generation Firebirds. It eliminates the need to experiment with different flashers to get the speed right since it adjusts speed automatically. I installed one of their earlier (non-automatic) kits almost 10 years ago and it is still working flawlessly.

Finally got the board finished and the inputs hooked up to the cars wiring. All I have left to do is hook up the front turn signals, I'm waiting for some transistors to handle the load. Here is a picture of the board.

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-6vB3xPs/0/L/Circuit-Board-Final-L.jpg

Here is the latest video of it working including the reverse lights. I might want to tweak the way the lights work or the speed/smoothness of the turn signals, but for now the program is pretty good. It also seems there is a dark spot on the right side, I might have to tweak the LEDS in that housing.


http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-wLmR889/0/L/lights-L.jpg (http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2#!i=1872408287&k=wLmR889&lb=1&s=A)


Link to my camaro picture gallery:
http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2

This is really awesome! I've been wishing we had sequential tail options, but I don't think I'd be very good with programming all that stuff.

I kind of just want to do the LEDs only but it still looks like a lot of work. OP, can you message me a link of the LEDs you used?

Well I got the programming done and it works great. I'm waiting for delivery of connectors so the circuit board can be unplugged and not permanently soldered. I don't know how many people are gonna wanna do this because it does require rewiring some of the car, specifically at the minimum the brake wire has to be separated from the turn signal circuit. I'm modifying it more because I'm also adding a 3 flash/blink turn signal module that I made like the german cars have (tap the turn signal for less than 1/2 a second and the turn signal goes for 3 blink cycles.... great for changing lanes). I already modified my 2011 ford fusion with this and I can't drive without it, I originally experienced it in my wifes audi and it's pretty cool, so I made it for the ford.



93Z383 wrote:

"Yeah I have a sequential kit for my car (kit is for the TA's but can be easily modified for Camaro's) but haven't hooked it up yet. Got my kit for under $100, let me see if I can dig up the vendor name..."

How many lights does your kit control? Do you have a link? Thanks.

Mines the webelectronics kit mentioned in a later post, it works with the factory light setup, all you need to change is a socket I believe for the middle bulb. It makes your camaro tail lights sequential, like the Mustang lights - 1 -2 -3 > > >

UPDATE: 5/12/2013 dont use these**The red LED's are mouser.com part number 630-HLMP-EG22-UX000.

These LED's have been replaced with part # HLMP-EG2A-XYODD. They are now 20% brighter.

Nice job Wayneg. They look amazing. This is a project I am very interested in taking on. Already started drilling my housings and ordered those led's. I googled and youtubed Arduino uno and there's some really cool stuff people build out there.

16 channels of 6 for each side, not including reverse? The arduino uno looks like it only has 14 input/outputs.?

The arduino controls the other chips on the board that handle the LED's (TexasInstruments) TLC5940. Each chip has 16 ouputs to drive one side of the car. I screwed up when I put the LED's in and have 17 channels on each side. So I had to use a 3rd TLC5940 to drive the 2 extra channels. With a hair more spacing between the LED's 16 would work out fine and only need 2 chips.

5 of the ouputs from the arduino connect to the driver chips. 5 inputs on the arduino monitor the brake, turnsignals(2), parking lights, hazzard lights, I also use a 6th input to call the special effects the lights can do from a push button. There are also 6 analog inputs that can be used. I was going to use 2 of the extra's to drive the front turn signals. For now I put a $12 flasher from pepboys that still flashes regardless of reduced load (4 less bulbs). It flashes the fronts and the pulses on the rear wires trigger the arduino fine.

The reverse lights are not part of the computer control they just hook up to the reverse wire with a resistor. I used six - 1 watt white LEDS off ebay..

Yeah man your lights are the coolest lights I've ever seen for sure. Really nice job man.

It seems like a shit load of work though, from your photo album it looked like a huge board a lot of complicated chips and a LOAD of wiring. I envy you for being skilled enough to do all the custom electronics man, I wish I knew what you knew! I know enough to do my HID sealed beam conversion I just did on my 97, car audio, electric water pump, heated 02 conversion, ect but only basic-mid level stuff. It would be cool to learn how to do this!

You should make a write up to get stickied on here man, I think a lot of people are really interested in what you did here. Great job man :)

By the way, if you decide to make that sticky that would be great, but if you don't, could you provide some details on what you've got here? What was your total cost, labor time invested, part numbers, ect?

I've got 2 sets of extra Camaro tails and would really like to make this a project.

It took about 3 hours to install the LED's into each housing and solder them together. They are in groups of 6 in series. Positive 12V goes to the top of each group that are all connected together. The Bottom of each group connects to a wire that comes back to the circuit board. A few more wires 3 or 4 are run to the reverse lights which are different white 1 Watt led's

I finally finished the boards and all the functionallity, thanks to ls1king on here for getting me interested in finishing the boards and the programming. My protoype board has been functioning fine for the last year.

Here is how they came out:

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-PS8szcz/3/L/TLC%205940%20Sequential%20Board-L.jpg

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-NRkWsjQ/0/L/_R121929-L.jpg

Also a new electronic flasher module for the front lights, speed adjustable, Doesn't care about load, so LED friendly.
http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-pX8TkJx/5/L/Camaro%20Flasher%20Board-L.jpg

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-9MgCHfk/0/L/_R121913-L.jpg


Hazzard Light Video: Click to play

http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/i-cbd32tT/0/M/20130413205316-M.jpg (http://wayneg.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro/9438600_K59Md2#!i=2455644445&k=cbd32tT&lb=1&s=A)

Thanks you Wayne for all your help in getting my tail lights going. They ROCK and for me this was a really fun project.

Really cool looking. Looks like a lot of time went into this. Very cool.

i would give my left nut for seq lights on my bird.......that "other" vendor wont make a LED friendly kit and I dont want to give up my no heat and brighter LEDs to put in that kit

got a bird friendly kit with stock style LEDs????

there is $$$$$ to made here if you have the time :)

i would give my left nut for seq lights on my bird.......that "other" vendor wont make a LED friendly kit and I dont want to give up my no heat and brighter LEDs to put in that kit

got a bird friendly kit with stock style LEDs????

there is $$$$$ to made here if you have the time :)

X2 - on a bird would be awesome looking.

i would give my left nut for seq lights on my bird.......that "other" vendor wont make a LED friendly kit and I dont want to give up my no heat and brighter LEDs to put in that kit

got a bird friendly kit with stock style LEDs????

there is $$$$$ to made here if you have the time :)Just get one of the kits from webelectricproducts.com. Their STS-3TA kit will work the factory wiring setup even if you replaced the stock incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. The universal kit will work if you have redesigned the tail lights to use custom LED modules.

I have bought several of their products and all are well built and work for years without trouble. They do seem to have a fondness for wire nuts to simplify wiring connections (something I would never use in a car) but you can easily solder and heat shrink or even use butt crimp connectors.

^^^ has the bird kit changed? last time i email them they said you have to use at least 1 ( the end ones...........194s? ) regular bulb to make the kit work

The end "peanut" bulb (168/194) gets replaced with a 3157. I put all LED bulbs in mine with the sequential kit and it worked fine. You just have to add a load resistor on each side (same as doing LED bulbs without the sequential kit).

i dont have any resistors with my LEDs ........bad?

to put in a 3157 you changed out the socket?

The load resistors are used to simulate the resistance of an incandescent bulb so that the signals will still flash. Other options include buying LED bulbs with the resistor built in or replacing the flasher with an electronic one specifically designed for no-load LED use.

The plug-and-play sequential kits include the replacement socket for the outer bulb position or you can use the universal kit and just buy a 3157-style socket at your local auto parts store.

i believed i asked him ( webelectronics ) about making it work with a total LED replacement.....he did not mention resistors

i already have fully electronic flashers ( not those EL12s ) ( both of em ) in my setup......so for me the kit would be plug n play?

I'm not sure because I don't know what kind of switching circuitry they use in their module. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work - it's entirely electronic without any thermo-mechanical switching like the factory flasher so it should not be dependent on the resistance of the bulbs.

It's easy enough to try it. If it doesn't flash properly, adding a couple of 6-ohm resistors is really cheap and easy. I know it works with the resistors in the circuit.