dieselquattro

<center><img src="http://superlumination.com/images/auto_bulbs/protector_wm.jpg"></center><p>Gotten a bit sick of changing rear light bulbs and am going to change to LED bulbs.
I came across these LED Protectors on autolumination's website - anyone any thoughts?
I know MC Hammmer has made a circuit comprising resistor, voltage regulator and the provision for a diode for additional protection. However, these protectors are only $1.99 each and saves a bit of hassle.

Merkin

you can make that yourself for like 75 cents

quattrothatcould

It was a package of like 20 for $1.99 at Radioshack.

dieselquattro

The blue thing is just a splicing connector, not the LED protector.

dieselquattro

The advantage of the LED protector over MC Hammer's voltage regulator plus diode seems to be size. The smaller the final product, the easier it will be to fit behind the rear lamp cluster, remembering that each bulb will need one each.I don't have any knowledge of electronics, unfortunately, so I cannot say what components are required to make the protector.

MC Hammered

AFAIK, and from everything I could test anyway, the only way to protect an LED from failure is to eliminate any current and voltage spikes from getting to the bulb. Everything they have stated in their common causes points to this as well.

You can DIY for my circuit as I listed the parts you need to make the regulator unit.

I really don't want to come across as selling my product but from the 100+ regulator kits I have shipped out not one person has complained about LED failure.

The 12V zener diode is a much more elegant solution but it isn't as robust as a voltage regulator so I don't know how much punishment it can take before failure.

Also keep in mind that you would still need a load equalizer to keep the LED from blinking and not to get a code on your ECU display.<ul><li><a href="http://www.rpelectronics.com/Default.asp?Main=/English/OnlineCat.asp?Menu=/English/Content/Categories/CatM_65.asp%26Detail=/English/Content/Items/1N4742A-5.asp">12V zener diode</a></li></ul>

quattrothatcould

Oh ok

dieselquattro

I am familiar with your circuit - in fact, I have already bought some components to build me a couple for my front blinkers (I'm based in the UK, so it isn't feasible to source them from you). My Bellof LED bulbs that I use for the citylights comes with an extra box of circuitry (the manaufacturer calls it "ballast" - I'm sure it is not the same as those attached to my HID bulbs!) wired in series with the bulb - I'll hazard a guess it does a similar job to your voltage regulator.
The LED protectors from autolumination seems to be small enough to be placed within the housing itself. I can easily cut the metal tracks within the light housing and solder these in. If they work well, I'll just source more zener diodes.