Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: moose on 17 February 2010, 17:29:55

Title: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: moose on 17 February 2010, 17:29:55
hi everyone i have seen some blue led lights on ebay to change my dash from boring orange,has anyone done this before and is it an easy job to do ?  regards...moose.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Welung666 on 17 February 2010, 17:34:01
Easy peasy to do but gay ;)

Cue TB ;D ;D
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 17 February 2010, 17:37:19
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Easy peasy to do but gay ;)

Cue TB ;D ;D



not gay !! iv got them, they look cool  8-) :y
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Welung666 on 17 February 2010, 17:40:51
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Quote
Easy peasy to do but gay ;)

Cue TB ;D ;D



not gay !! iv got them, they look cool  8-) :y

I'm sure a senior Admin will be along shortly with his opinion ;)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: TheBoy on 17 February 2010, 19:19:01
*SIGH*

Forgetting my personal opinion that you'd have to be a woman (inc woman in a man's body) to want to, LEDs do not work well in Omega.

*terribly sorry old boy, I am a little tired*
whole dash designed for lightguides, lightguides dont work well with leds due to narrow angle. End result - unsatisfactory.

Blue ones - the gay ones - are worse, as they are ultrabrites, thus even narrower angle

*bored/terribly sorry old boy, I am a little tired*
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 17 February 2010, 19:29:35
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*SIGH*

Forgetting my personal opinion that you'd have to be a woman (inc woman in a man's body) to want to, LEDs do not work well in Omega.

*terribly sorry old boy, I am a little tired*
whole dash designed for lightguides, lightguides dont work well with leds due to narrow angle. End result - unsatisfactory.

Blue ones - the gay ones - are worse, as they are ultrabrites, thus even narrower angle

*bored/terribly sorry old boy, I am a little tired*




well i like them so there lol  :D :D
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: rustym95 on 17 February 2010, 20:28:24
you can get neon bulb paint dose 1000+ bulbs, blue, red, yellow, green, cheaper and dont have to change bulbs.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 17 February 2010, 20:36:14
Keeping out of it.........
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Iain on 17 February 2010, 20:43:57
Na dont like tbh

Hey up Pedro! long time no see matey,how's the Louts?
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 17 February 2010, 20:53:47
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Na dont like tbh

Hey up Pedro! long time no see matey,how's the Louts?

Now mate how you doing?
The Louts - still my moneypit..........
 ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: moose on 17 February 2010, 20:58:50
thanks guys i think i will stick to the origional ones.....
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 17 February 2010, 21:02:14
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thanks guys i think i will stick to the origional ones.....

Don't let them bully you matey!!! ;D ;D ;D

OOPS - I was keeping out of it, wasn't I!
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: TheBoy on 17 February 2010, 21:13:56
If you want to change colour, you're best off using coloured bulbs, rather than LEDs for the lightguide issue I mentioned earlier.  I fully accept that some people like gay blue LEDs, even if I don't understand...
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Dave DND on 17 February 2010, 22:48:02
Why not go one stage further and stick in some variable colour leds along with a controller, and that way you can have Blue when you want it, and change the colour to something less gay, say pink, for when TB is around, and you can then set up the varying colour sweep which is so distracting to drive with that you WILL crash the car!

Seen a couple of Chavmobiles with these fitted now, and the colur change setting is absolutetly mesmorising

 :o
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 17 February 2010, 23:42:17
I went through all this with blue LEDs. They last 6 months max. Although I'd like to change mine to white this time :D but like I said they wont last longer than 6 months. Normal bulbs lasted in my omega 9 years. I have to replace one or three to have the same color.

BTW, I can't remember what type is in there. 501 or 504? Anyone?
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Dave DND on 18 February 2010, 08:03:23
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I went through all this with blue LEDs. They last 6 months max. Although I'd like to change mine to white this time :D but like I said they wont last longer than 6 months. Normal bulbs lasted in my omega 9 years. I have to replace one or three to have the same color.

BTW, I can't remember what type is in there. 501 or 504? Anyone?

LED`s will only burn out over a short space of time if you have the wrong value dropper resistor fitted - many of the China supplied resistors are too low in value to make the LED run brighter than it should.

Connected to a correct value, the LED should outlast the car.

 ;)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 18 February 2010, 17:21:52
I am going to take the risk and buy something like this:
http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/light-strips-cool-white-lumen-p-1991.html

do you think that will last long? and would I be able to dim it?
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 18 February 2010, 19:10:32
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I went through all this with blue LEDs. They last 6 months max. Although I'd like to change mine to white this time :D but like I said they wont last longer than 6 months. Normal bulbs lasted in my omega 9 years. I have to replace one or three to have the same color.

BTW, I can't remember what type is in there. 501 or 504? Anyone?

The size is 501 or T10.

You must have had some cheapshit Chinese LEDs for them to last only 6 months!!!
Did they all die together? If so, there must have been a direct short in their circuit somewhere.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 18 February 2010, 19:13:26
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I am going to take the risk and buy something like this:
http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/light-strips-cool-white-lumen-p-1991.html

From that seller, they should be fine and outlast your car.

Quote
  and would I be able to dim it?

Not usually, but some people have said theirs do. Dunno if in an Omega though.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 18 February 2010, 20:52:49
It's quite possible it was chinese.. and no, the went off one by one within a month. I could dim them though.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Dave DND on 18 February 2010, 21:12:50
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I am going to take the risk and buy something like this:
http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/light-strips-cool-white-lumen-p-1991.html

do you think that will last long? and would I be able to dim it?

No, the resistors on those strips are generally too low in value, the leds burn very bright and burn out quite quickly.

If you wanted to experiment with a slightly different value resistor to dim them, you would need to change the surface mount resistor for every 3 leds with the way the strips are currently set up.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: tunnie on 18 February 2010, 21:19:55
can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 18 February 2010, 21:45:10
Not blue, WHITE :P

I'm quite happy to make something myself. Does any1 know of any online shop with these things? I mean resistors, leds etc.

Dave DND I can see you know what you're talking about. Would you tell me what resistors would I have to use?
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 18 February 2010, 21:54:04
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can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)

But why berate people who do like them? :-/

Personally, I don't understand people who like everything as it came out of the factory - exactly the same as everyone else's..............and these people tend to buy cars that are silver, grey or dark grey.
But that's fine by me - each to their own and let them get on with it!


Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: tunnie on 18 February 2010, 21:58:09
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Quote
can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)

But why berate people who do like them? :-/



Last time i checked, this is a forum with different opinions.  :)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 18 February 2010, 22:03:47
...and this topic is not about peoples opinion, but requested information :P
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 18 February 2010, 22:05:16
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Quote
Quote
can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)

But why berate people who do like them? :-/



Last time i checked, this is a forum with different opinions.  :)

Aye - but it seems to me that if those opinions differ from 'Der Management' (in a Hale & Pace stylee), then they get berated.
 ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 18 February 2010, 22:14:51
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can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)

every light in mine is blue,window lights,electric sunroof lights, ALL lights, i like them  and im not GAY

Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 18 February 2010, 22:16:26
I thought PINK is gay color :>
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 18 February 2010, 22:22:32
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I thought PINK is gay color :>[/qu


No apperently its blue and im a woman so who am i to argue !! :D
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 18 February 2010, 22:26:30
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Quote
I thought PINK is gay color :>


No apperently its blue and im a woman so who am i to argue !! :D

oops! my avatar is pink-ish
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 18 February 2010, 22:27:13
Pink is the preferred colour of the gay community - so I'm told!!
I dunno how blue can be gay. :-/
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 18 February 2010, 22:38:14
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Pink is the preferred colour of the gay community - so I'm told!!
I dunno how blue can be gay. :-/

read back !! all say they are gay  :D :D
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Dave DND on 18 February 2010, 22:44:24
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I thought PINK is gay color :>

Ah !
I remember when I was new to the OOf fraternity and thought similar

 ::)

For christs sake, dont ever ask about a blue led conversion to a Sony head unit

 ;D
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 18 February 2010, 22:48:41
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Quote
I thought PINK is gay color :>

Ah !
I remember when I was new to the OOf fraternity and thought similar

 ::)

For christs sake, dont ever ask about a blue led conversion to a Sony head unit

 ;D

i never asked !! just gave my opinion, think i will stay away from the forum, keep getting into trouble ::) ::)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Dave DND on 18 February 2010, 22:52:19
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Not blue, WHITE :P

I'm quite happy to make something myself. Does any1 know of any online shop with these things? I mean resistors, leds etc.

Dave DND I can see you know what you're talking about. Would you tell me what resistors would I have to use?

Depends on the type of strip you get and the resistor pack fitted - most are in 12v sections every 2 inches or so with 3 or 4 leds and a resistor. some in 6 led strips. generally speaking, I would multiply the resistor value by 1.5 and start from there to see the results. For example, if you have a 1000 Ohm resistor, change it to a 1500 Ohm one. Difficult to be more specific and advise values without knowing which colours, construction format and resistors fitted though.

Maplins, CPC / Farnell / ebay are all good sources of components

 :y

ps - if going for the strips, the "Warm" colours generally have better resistors fitted, and burn at a lower brightness / better longevity - but avoid the waterproof ones if you plan on changing the resistors yourself though, as they are already encapsulated.

 :y
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Kiksomass on 19 February 2010, 08:30:08
If blue lights were gay, it would be hilarious to see the plod with "Gaylights" flashing all over the the car. Esp if they came running at you with handcuffs. Would you run away or mince away? ;D ;D ;D Like I was told recently about my subwoofer, "Your car,your rules" I'm thinking of a mirrorball next...... :-?
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: TheBoy on 19 February 2010, 08:50:22
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Quote
can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)

every light in mine is blue,window lights,electric sunroof lights, ALL lights, i like them  and im not GAY

Ah, but you're a GIRL! So allowed to be far too much in touch with your feminine side ;D ;D ;D :y


Problem with totally outfitting the Omega with LEDs to match, particularly the blue ones is all the window LEDs (prefacelift) are too bright/distracting at night, as are the centre console switches, and the MID is unreadable on a sunny day.

Other colours are probably less distracting, as available in non ultrabrite form.


xYz - guessing the whites may suffer similarly, as they all tend to be ultrabrites.  For the MID, yet to see any LED of any type that successfully lights it, reckon thats best done with a traditional (coloured if reqd?) bulb - not sure how you'd get white though.  Same with climate panel (prefacelift) - changing the function LEDs to ultrabrites make them distracting at night, then backlitghting best done with bulbs (coloured?) due to lightguides.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: TheBoy on 19 February 2010, 08:52:16
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Pink is the preferred colour of the gay community - so I'm told!!
I dunno how blue can be gay. :-/
Blue as a colour isn't gay. Blue LEDs are :P
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 19 February 2010, 15:53:44
I wasn't going to change the light in my colour lcd screen anyway, but for now I need to replace one 501 in my clock/revs area.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: TheBoy on 19 February 2010, 16:03:04
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I wasn't going to change the light in my colour lcd screen anyway, but for now I need to replace one 501 in my clock/revs area.
Ah, right.  Most people tend to want to change them all so as to match :)

Worth change all 3 dash illumination, as you can bet another will blow with all the shock in removing the dash
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: fletchesmrs on 20 February 2010, 16:40:42
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Quote
Quote
can't understand the fascination with going to these gay blue LED's - Once done the rest of the dash is going to look all wrong, blue dash, orange window buttons, sunroof, climate pannel, radio and so on  :-/

Whats next, blue windscreen washer jets?  ::)

every light in mine is blue,window lights,electric sunroof lights, ALL lights, i like them  and im not GAY

Ah, but you're a GIRL! So allowed to be far too much in touch with your feminine side ;D ;D ;D :y

having been a HGV1 lorry driver for nearly 20 years,so think you may have more of a femiinine side than me  :D :D ;D ;D


Problem with totally outfitting the Omega with LEDs to match, particularly the blue ones is all the window LEDs (prefacelift) are too bright/distracting at night, as are the centre console switches, and the MID is unreadable on a sunny day.

Other colours are probably less distracting, as available in non ultrabrite form.


xYz - guessing the whites may suffer similarly, as they all tend to be ultrabrites.  For the MID, yet to see any LED of any type that successfully lights it, reckon thats best done with a traditional (coloured if reqd?) bulb - not sure how you'd get white though.  Same with climate panel (prefacelift) - changing the function LEDs to ultrabrites make them distracting at night, then backlitghting best done with bulbs (coloured?) due to lightguides.
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 03 March 2010, 08:24:02
I've replaced the bulbs with 501 5W from halfords and my speedo looks really bright. It seems like it is too bright. Is ithis meant to be like that? The contrast between the speedo and the dashboard button lights is big. It obviously wasn't changed since the car left factory.

Can I double check with you guys if this is meant to be 5W bulbs or less?

Thanks
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: pedroMV6 on 04 March 2010, 20:27:49
I'm not 100% sure, but the standard bulbs are 2W, not 5W?
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: Welung666 on 04 March 2010, 20:55:35
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I'm not 100% sure, but the standard bulbs are 2W, not 5W?

Correct.... Use the dimmer ;)
Title: Re: dashboard lights--orange to blue.
Post by: zYx on 04 March 2010, 22:39:50
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Quote
I'm not 100% sure, but the standard bulbs are 2W, not 5W?

Correct.... Use the dimmer ;)
Can you be more specific?  :P Who's correct?