LED H7 headlight bulbs upgrade - impressed (so far) (3 Viewers)

[Ditcha]

They look good, what material did you use? As I can't see PLA lasting very long.

ABS plus the LED,s don't get anywhere near the temps of filament bulbs

 

[Ditcha]

This is great, nice work. I’ve never used 3D printing before, did you have to design this yourself or was there a blueprint for it online somewhere?

It's my son who does it I just give him the projects to do cos I am to thick to the design stuff

 

[Lenny HB]

It's my son who does it I just give him the projects to do cos I am to thick to the design stuff

I have that problem, I have enough problems with PLA don't think my printer will handle ABS very well, even if I could design it.

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[Ditcha]

I have that problem, I have enough problems with PLA don't think my printer will handle ABS very well, even if I could design it.

Think you need a hotter print head Lenny for ABS, the youngins are a wizz with the software

 

[buttons]

Before I start, I know that most LED bulbs are not e-marked, and they work much better in general with projector headlamps rather than the old fashioned reflector headlamps that are fitted to Fiat Ducatos.

I have fitted these knowing that they aren’t authorised for road use, so please don’t remind me that they don’t conform thanks.

The reason that I’m so impressed is because over the years I have tried all sorts of bulbs in all my cars with differing results, but these have an identical beam pattern to the original halogen bulbs which suggests they won’t blind other road users. In the past I have removed bulbs that are too bright or have an awful beam pattern because I do not want to blind people. I just want to be able to see where I’m going.
(Frankly I think that halogen headlights should be banned as they are so dim, rubbish and dangerous.)

These LED bulbs were recommended by Bob Earnshaw on YouTube. His video is HERE and the link to Amazon is HERE.

If you decide to give them a try, remove the bulb base from the LED bulb and fit that into the bulb holder in the headlamp first. Then, fit the bulb and then twist until the bulb is VERTICAL** in the headlamp. Tuck the connectors in, leaving a bit of space for the headlamp adjustment mechanism to move freely.

**VERTICAL bulbs ensure that the beam of light is spread outwards, which reflects properly from the back of the headlight outwards, conforming to the original beam pattern. Any other angle and the light is cast all over the place. If you put them flat, the beam pattern is just awful and a telling off by pc plod would be imminent because the light that shines down from the bulb reflects upwards - into people’s faces.

I’ve attached some photos (LED passenger side, original candles driver side) and will update this thread once I’ve driven down a dark road somewhere to let you know how they actually perform in use.

EDIT: Don’t bother with the other LEDs that Bob tried in his video, the reviews look awful. I bought 2 pairs of the ones linked above, for dipped and main beam.

It is the lateral spred that blinds oncoming traffic when passing on country lanes.

 

[Ditcha]

It is the lateral spred that blinds oncoming traffic when passing on country lanes.

I've got loads of lateral spread around the middle with this lockdown

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[Lenny HB]

Sounds good! Let us know the results when you manage to get out

Took the van for a short drive last night up a dark country road. Wierd driving with white lights when you are not used to it.

Beam alingmen looks good but a bit high although they looked the same height as the halogens. Doing it 5 ft from the garage door doesn't give a true picture you need to be about 25 ft from the wall you are using to aline them.

Main difference I notice was the verges & hedgerow were lit up so much brighter only got to try main beam a few times didn't notice any difference in range but again the sides of the road so much better lit.
I drove a few miles to a small car park stopped an changed them over to flat dipping for the drive back. A big difference, fine driving on flat dipping, the halogens were dreadful in the flat dip mode.

I then took the car out for a drive surprisingly the car headlamps are so much better, just a Kia Venga with reflector headlamps with halogen bulbs. The dip pattern is so much better and the lights are bright.
Also in the car you are looking along the beam but in the Motorhome you are above it I think this is a lot of the problem.

Anyway overall well pleased, just need to tweak them down a bit.

 

[RustyRuss]

I love the idea of printing a lamp holder! Ingenious! I think this will have to be my next acquisition. I’ve bought a few bits n pieces off Paulnchrissie and his quality is top notch. Still working my way around to getting the MoHo headlights sorted, it’s in storage and My priority at the moment is to find out why both batteries have lost ALL their charge! Hey Ho! Keep up the good work peeps!

Cheers!


Russ

 

[Lenny HB]

One thing I forgot to mention and I've just been and double checked.
With the LED's the DLR's don't turn off just go slightly dimmer, with the halogen bulbs they turn off as they are supposed to.

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[DrewE127]

One thing I forgot to mention and I've just been and double checked.
With the LED's the DLR's don't turn off just go slightly dimmer, with the halogen bulbs they turn off as they are supposed to.

My van dims the running lights in both scenarios. Which van is broken

 

[ManTheVan]

Bad news folks. Just had MoT and... (the naysayers and told-you-sos will love this!)...failed on only two counts, both to do with headlights:

Light source incompatible with headlamps, and

Beam pattern non-compliant.

The technician was amazing. Took me into the bay and explained, using the MoT tester’s guide book, what the ideal pattern should look like. He then put ordinary halogens into one side and left the LEDs on the other, put the beam setters on and showed me the difference. The LEDs had an awful beam pattern which looked a bit like a bow tie, with nothing in the middle.

He said he owned a Ducato-based MH and had fitted Osram Nightbreamer Lasers, the latest iteration. He was sure I’d notice a major difference so I gave the go-ahead to fit the laser nightbreakers on both sides.

Astonishingly, the nightbreakers gave far better light than the LEDs. I can actually see where I’m going now (although I only have the authorised journey back from the MoT garage as proof) and I’m delighted with the result.

I was so hopeful that these Katur LEDs would be the answer, but they were not, unfortunately.

 

[Lenny HB]

Bad news folks. Just had MoT and... (the naysayers and told-you-sos will love this!)...failed on only two counts, both to do with headlights:

Light source incompatible with headlamps, and

Beam pattern non-compliant.

The technician was amazing. Took me into the bay and explained, using the MoT tester’s guide book, what the ideal pattern should look like. He then put ordinary halogens into one side and left the LEDs on the other, put the beam setters on and showed me the difference. The LEDs had an awful beam pattern which looked a bit like a bow tie, with nothing in the middle.

He said he owned a Ducato-based MH and had fitted Osram Nightbreamer Lasers, the latest iteration. He was sure I’d notice a major difference so I gave the go-ahead to fit the laser nightbreakers on both sides.

Astonishingly, the nightbreakers gave far better light than the LEDs. I can actually see where I’m going now (although I only have the authorised journey back from the MoT garage as proof) and I’m delighted with the result.

I was so hopeful that these Katur LEDs would be the answer, but they were not, unfortunately.

Not good, what type of headlamps do you have as the beam pattern with my projector lamps looks fine same as the halogen.
Did you rotate the LED's to get the best beam pattern?

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[Coolcats]

Bad news folks. Just had MoT and... (the naysayers and told-you-sos will love this!)...failed on only two counts, both to do with headlights:

Light source incompatible with headlamps, and

Beam pattern non-compliant.

The technician was amazing. Took me into the bay and explained, using the MoT tester’s guide book, what the ideal pattern should look like. He then put ordinary halogens into one side and left the LEDs on the other, put the beam setters on and showed me the difference. The LEDs had an awful beam pattern which looked a bit like a bow tie, with nothing in the middle.

He said he owned a Ducato-based MH and had fitted Osram Nightbreamer Lasers, the latest iteration. He was sure I’d notice a major difference so I gave the go-ahead to fit the laser nightbreakers on both sides.

Astonishingly, the nightbreakers gave far better light than the LEDs. I can actually see where I’m going now (although I only have the authorised journey back from the MoT garage as proof) and I’m delighted with the result.

I was so hopeful that these Katur LEDs would be the answer, but they were not, unfortunately.

Brilliant posts thank you for sharing your experiences.

you mention the Osram Laser, this link may help owners find the right replacement Osram Bulb ( I suspect Osram may have a sudden spate of orders for these )

OSRAM Automotive | OSRAM Automotive

OSRAM provides the perfect vehicle lamp for every use and every requirement. Whether in cars, motorcycles, trucks or off-road, be it LED, xenon or halogen

www.osram.com

 

[ManTheVan]

Lenny HB They are reflector units (Ducato X250) and rotating did not help at all. The beam pattern was a bit like a bow tie when viewed through the beam setter, so there was no light in the centre where it is most needed, then it spread out on both sides.

The MoT exemplar diagrams showing what the beam pattern should look like was a bit like the bottom half of a circle with a flip-up ‘eyelash’ on the left hand side.

The Nightbreaker laser gen 2 pattern was exactly compliant and, as I say, actually give a much better light than the LEDs because of this, despite not being as bright.

The Katurs are going back to Amazon as unfit for purpose and the nightbreakers cost about the same, so at least it’s cost neutral...and I now have an MoT cert. Bless her, she flew through the rest of the test without even an advisory.

 

[ManTheVan]

Not good, what type of headlamps do you have as the beam pattern with my projector lamps looks fine same as the halogen.
Did you rotate the LED's to get the best beam pattern?

You might be OK Lenny, if your projector lenses correct the beam sufficiently. Maybe if you can find a friendly garage that will put the beam setters on for you, it can be double-checked before it comes to test time?

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[Lenny HB]

They are reflector units (Ducato X250) and rotating did not help at all. The beam pattern was a bit like a bow tie when viewed through the beam setter, so there was no light in the centre where it is most needed, then it spread out on both sides.

A couple of the videos where people have tested them said they didn't think they were worth fitting to reflector headlamps.

You might be OK Lenny, if your projector lenses correct the beam sufficiently. Maybe if you can find a friendly garage that will put the beam setters on for you, it can be double-checked before it comes to test time?

Yes I think I can get that done.

 

[Two on Tour]

Brilliant posts thank you for sharing your experiences.

you mention the Osram Laser, this link may help owners find the right replacement Osram Bulb ( I suspect Osram may have a sudden spate of orders for these )

OSRAM Automotive | OSRAM Automotive

OSRAM provides the perfect vehicle lamp for every use and every requirement. Whether in cars, motorcycles, trucks or off-road, be it LED, xenon or halogen

www.osram.com

The Osram Night Breaker Unlimited come out better on tests.
Although the video is testing the Osram Night Breaker Lasers, but if your look at his graphs, the Unlimited come out on top

 

[Ditcha]

I only want to use the leds for the white light they give off and if the performance is as good as a filament competitor then that's fine always get that orange ting with filament bulbs.

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[Cairngorm]

Bad news folks. Just had MoT and... (the naysayers and told-you-sos will love this!)...failed on only two counts, both to do with headlights:

Light source incompatible with headlamps, and

Beam pattern non-compliant.

The technician was amazing. Took me into the bay and explained, using the MoT tester’s guide book, what the ideal pattern should look like. He then put ordinary halogens into one side and left the LEDs on the other, put the beam setters on and showed me the difference. The LEDs had an awful beam pattern which looked a bit like a bow tie, with nothing in the middle.

He said he owned a Ducato-based MH and had fitted Osram Nightbreamer Lasers, the latest iteration. He was sure I’d notice a major difference so I gave the go-ahead to fit the laser nightbreakers on both sides.

Astonishingly, the nightbreakers gave far better light than the LEDs. I can actually see where I’m going now (although I only have the authorised journey back from the MoT garage as proof) and I’m delighted with the result.

I was so hopeful that these Katur LEDs would be the answer, but they were not, unfortunately.

If this the cure for being anxious whilst driving in the dark in the motor home I will be absolutely delighted. I was beginning to think I would have to buy a new mh and order LED lights to get what I wanted.
Ok not fitted yet but hopefully you’ve saved me a fortune.

 

[JockandRita]

Ok not fitted yet but hopefully you’ve saved me a fortune.

And me...................when I get around to changing them.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Lenny HB]

You might be OK Lenny, if your projector lenses correct the beam sufficiently. Maybe if you can find a friendly garage that will put the beam setters on for you, it can be double-checked before it comes to test time?

Just had a word with the man (my daughters neighbor) who MOT'd my car yesterday, can't get the van in his workshop as the road is too narrow but he didn't reckon there would be any problem with the beam pattern after I explained it to him.
If you look at the photo's in my post #204 you can see they are hardly any different to the halogens.

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[ManTheVan]

The Osram Night Breaker Unlimited come out better on tests.
Although the video is testing the Osram Night Breaker Lasers, but if your look at his graphs, the Unlimited come out on top

The technician mentioned the unlimiteds, but they have apparently been superseded by the laser 2nd gen. The ones he fitted are rated 150%, not 120% as in the vid. They are the most powerful legally available bulbs afaik. They also came out top in a review I read before deciding (Auto Express?).

https://www.nightbreaker.co.uk/night-breaker-laser-gen-2

All I can say is that they have made a phenomenal difference which was immediately obvious on the way back from the MoT garage last night.

If it helps anyone else, then brilliant.

 

[ManTheVan]

Just had a word with the man (my daughters neighbor) who MOT'd my car yesterday, can't get the van in his workshop as the road is too narrow but he didn't reckon there would be any problem with the beam pattern after I explained it to him.
If you look at the photo's in my post #204 you can see they are hardly any different to the halogens.

It would be interesting to hear how you get on at MoT time, and would certainly reassure others with projector lenses who’ve opted for the Katurs. Fingers crossed for you.

At least it’s good knowing that the Nightbreaker laser 2s work out about the same cost and are guaranteed to be acceptable.

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't know what the latest generations of Nightbreakers are like but the 1st & 2nd gen although good light they had a short life as they are basically an overdriven bulb. Probably not a problem in a Motorhome as you tend to sleep in it a night and not drive.
I used to sell nightbreakers often got complaints about the life, gave up using them in my car as they only lasted 6 months.

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[Cairngorm]

Don't know what the latest generations of Nightbreakers are like but the 1st & 2nd gen although good light they had a short life as they are basically an overdriven bulb. Probably not a problem in a Motorhome as you tend to sleep in it a night and not drive.
I used to sell nightbreakers often got complaints about the life, gave up using them in my car as they only lasted 6 months.

 

[ManTheVan]

Don't know what the latest generations of Nightbreakers are like but the 1st & 2nd gen although good light they had a short life as they are basically an overdriven bulb. Probably not a problem in a Motorhome as you tend to sleep in it a night and not drive.
I used to sell nightbreakers often got complaints about the life, gave up using them in my car as they only lasted 6 months.

The Osram site does suggest that overall life is lower than a normal halogen, so I reckon you’re right. However, the superb lighting while they last, coupled with the point you make about them mostly being off at night makes it worth a go, methinks.

 

[DumfriesDik]

overall life is lower than a normal halogen

Really interesting thread and prompted me to have a look around. Philips also make a couple of bulbs (RacingVision and X-tremeVision) which look similar to the Osram bulb(s). In the many reviews of bulbs longevity was compromised so it will be interesting to hear how you get on with them - keep a spare handy!

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[Richard n Ann]

Came across this on Facebook, looks like they're going to be illegal

MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Guidance - GOV.UK

Headlamp, position lamps, daytime running lamps, stop lamps, indicators, hazard warning lamps, fog lamps, reversing lamps, lighting ‘tell-tales’, trailer electrical socket, electrical wiring and battery rules and inspection for car and passenger vehicle MOT tests.

www.gov.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

Spoke to my MOT man that does the car (can't do Motormomes), he said providing the headlamp unit is "E" marked and the beam pattern is correct it will pass, they are not going to disassemble the headlamp to check the bulbs, not got time and doesn't think it's allowed.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Spoke to my MOT man that does the car (can't do Motormomes), he said providing the headlamp unit is "E" marked and the beam pattern is correct it will pass, they are not going to disassemble the headlamp to check the bulbs, not got time and doesn't think it's allowed.

I'd have thought you can see the bulb without disassembly.
I've got LED daytime bulbs in the car so I hope they aren't pedantic enough to bother

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