The DRL control unit allows you to use high beam devices as daytime running lights. By converting the brightness, the most optimal is achieved - 30-40%. Due to the low power of the glow and the specific direction of the light flux, the headlights do not blind pedestrians and oncoming drivers. Also, movement in the daytime with the use of navigation lights is one of the requirements of traffic rules.
Benefits of using DRL:
- The system starts automatic operation after starting the engine.
- The brightness of the glow, as well as some modes (for example, delayed start) are programmed.
- All settings are saved in the device memory.
- The lamps light up smoothly.
- When using the system, the regular operation of the main beam is maintained.
- The DRL control unit turns off automatically when the dimensions or main beam are turned on, as well as when the parking brake is applied.
The system operates in two modes - winter and summer. The unit is used in the head light circuit with incandescent lamps.
DRL Choice
All auto lighting fixtures must comply with the standards. In addition, only reliable systems can be installed on the vehicle. The most popular among them are Philips DRL control units. Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the quality of the case, the service life and operation of the devices.
The complete set must include:
- Instruction
- Fasteners.
- Connecting wires.
Branded lamps emit daylight (i.e. their color range is 5000-6000 K). At night, running lights can complement the role of the side.
It should be remembered that the dipped beam should be used only in the dark. Separate use of DRL is prohibited at dusk or night time.
Installation of navigation lights
- To begin with, measurements are made and the place of installation of lamps in the transport is determined. Most navigation lights are recommended to be installed at a distance of 350 to 1,500 mm from the surface level. The distance from the side of the car to the headlight must be at least 400 mm. The distance between the inner edges of the surface of the lamps is at least 600 mm. During the installation process, it is very important to correctly determine the installation angle of the mounting bracket for the lights. The horizontal angle of inclination should not exceed 10 ◦ .
- After the measurements, it is necessary to remove the grille from the car and fix the mounting brackets of the lamps on it. These elements can be installed above or below the bumper, and you do not need to remove it.
- The connection of the DRL control unit is made through the mounting bracket. At this stage, in no case should you insert the lights into the bracket.
- Next, place the control unit in the engine compartment. The most suitable is a place near the battery. The unit is connected in a primitive way: the red wire connects to the positive terminal, black - to the negative terminal. The orange wire connects to the dipped beam or dimensions. The indicator will inform about the success of the operation - a blue light means that the connection is correct.
- After passing through the previous steps, the lights are connected to the control unit.
- First, fix the control unit, and then fix the lamp on the mounting bracket. At the end, you need to fix the wires and install the grille with a flashlight in place.
Daytime running lights for some car models
Some vehicles have daytime running lights. For example, in the DRL control unit for "Opel-Astra-N", daytime running lights are equipped with plugs for fog lamps. The main difference of the system in this vehicle is the absence of the same light fog lamps.
Opel daytime lights are equipped with LEDs. It is also possible to use them in the dark in conjunction with the main lighting.
Such devices have a long service life. You can connect the DRL to the ignition system or mount it directly into the lighting start system.
Installation of running lights on a bumper or radiator mesh is possible.
Board-Based Running Light Characteristics
The principle of operation of the DRL control unit on the Arduino is as follows: when the automatic mode is turned on, the light devices start and turn off automatically. After the tachometer receives a signal, the “automatic” mode is activated, the side lights and the diode light up. After the signal disappears (after 10 seconds), the mode is turned off and the lights go out.
When a signal from the speed sensor appears, the lights are turned on (DRL or dipped beam). After the signal disappears, they are turned off (after about 2 minutes).
When the unit is turned on, the integrity of the dipped-beam lamps and the voltage on board are monitored. The processes are accompanied by light and sound alarms (they can be disabled on the control panel). When connecting the turn signals, a special sound signal will be generated.
Complete set of daytime lights and the possibility of their use
In the standard kit there are:
- Controller DRL control unit.
- 2 LED chains.
- Recommendations for installation and use.
- Connecting elements.
Some tapes, for example 8-diode, can be used at any time of the day. When the main light is turned on, the tapes do not go out, but switch to the side lighting mode. Due to their small size, they are easily mounted even on compact cars. The built-in indicator will prompt you to perform an action.
The color temperature of 8-diode tapes is 6000 K.
Important! When choosing a DRL, attention should be paid to the quality of execution, because non-original copies can harm the safety of the driver and others.
Special DRL Installation Cases
For vehicles where the manufacturer does not provide for the standard installation option for the DRL control unit, special options are selected:
- Installation in the spotlight.
- Installation in a bumper.
- Mounting on the grille.
The above methods are suitable for almost all vehicles. During installation, the operating standards of the navigation lights are taken into account.
The first method is the most time-consuming. To install the lights, the headlight is completely removed and disassembled, then installation is carried out. At the end, the entire kit is installed in place.
When installing in a bumper, spotlights are most often used. Installation is made by the method of embedding.
Fixing lights in the grille is a very complex process. When installing DRL, it is required to ensure the tightness of the housing. In addition, do not forget about the standards - you should observe the distance between the headlights.
How to make lights with your own hands?
To create a DRL control unit with your own hands, you need to purchase:
- LED strip.
- Aluminum plates.
- Fog lights.
The manufacturing process consists of the following steps:
- First you need to disassemble the headlights.
- Next - soften the sealant and separate the glass from the platform.
- After disassembling, tint glass.
- At the end of the disassembly, disconnect the wires, strap, diffuser, glass, housing.
- From the plates, the substrates for the LEDs are cut.
- Finished plates are attached to the inner case of the diffuser for sealant.
- Light elements are made of LED strip.
- Finished tapes are attached to silicone sealant, and then soldered.
- At the end of the process, tinted windows are attached.
- Diffusers are made by casting from epoxy resin or by milling of plexiglass.
What should I pay attention to during installation?
When installing a homemade DRL control unit, you should pay attention to the following steps:
- Alteration of the standard scheme for switching on light devices to start when ignition (for this you can use thyristors of any kind. The main criterion is the permissible current - 0.3 A, while the power should be 0.25 W and the resistance should be 10 kOhm).
- Mandatory dismantling of the zero contact of the relay winding, which is responsible for raising the windows.
- Insulation of dismantled contact.
- Its connection to the winding of the power window relay.
- Installation of the circuit in the relay housing.
The installation is considered correct when the running lights are switched on simultaneously with the engine starting. The norm is the dimming of lights some time after the car stops.
Features of lighting controllers
- The controller of the DRL control unit 8 in 1 provides control of the system without the participation of the driver.
- Its installation does not require connection to sensors, relays, etc.
- The controller automatically adapts to the features of the car.
- It is also equipped with protection against short circuit and excess current in the load circuit, arbitrary shutdown at high loads.
- The model range provides versions for 12 and 24 V. Suitable for all types of cars.
- Rugged housing, reliable sealing and the use of high-quality connections ensure reliability and durability.
- Long-term operation is achieved by the absence of rapidly aging elements.
Important! Before purchasing a DRL unit, you should familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the car. In some cases, traffic rules prohibit the installation and operation of additional lighting fixtures. Also, the installation of colored navigation lights is not permitted.
Incorrect installation can have a negative impact on the electronics of the car.