Hey guys,

I've been thinking about installing some custom ambient lighting in my truck. I planned out how I wanted it to function and set out to research (Dimming was a feature I was interested in implementing).

From what I can gather so far dimming LEDs can be a challenge. I found a couple sites immediately that outlined the difficulties (Drop out, pop-on and flicker).

http://www.ledlighting-eetimes.com/en/flicker-and-dimmer-challenges-in-led-lamp-design.html?cmp_id=71&news_id=222908103

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/ssl/dimming_webcast_12-10-2012.pdf

Has anyone installed dimmable LEDs in their truck and care to share their experience? Any electrical engineers here care to explain the challenges of dimmable LEDs?

 

From what I understand, most LEDs themselves are not dimmable. Autometer makes a device that pulses the voltage on and off very rapidly. This results in "dimming" to our eyes.

You should research Cree. They mainly do house/industrial lighting fixtures, but they are a huge player in the LED game.

 

My Ambient Lighting in my 12' is on a Dimmer, works fine no Flickering! All purchased from SuperBrightLeds!

 

Thanks guys, I'll make sure I check out Cree and SuperBrightLEDs and see what kind of options they have.

 

look up PWM (Pulse Width Modulator) Dimmer.

 

Thanks danbart, I recall seeing that acronym in one of the articles I was reading but I admit I haven't read about it in depth. I will now.

Thanks.

 

You can find cheap ones on e-bay that work well.

Example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC12V-LED-wholesalers-PWM-Dimming-Controller-For-LED-Lights-Strips-High-Quality-/251257623888?pt=US_Lighting_Parts_and_Accessories&hash=item3a801f1550

 

I know there isn't much precision and control needed for ambient lighting in a truck but did you happen to do any programming with your microcontroller to gain more control over the duty-cycle of the PWM?

 

these work great for led.. I see some new smaller ones available now as well

http://www.oznium.com/rotary-led-dimmer

http://www.oznium.com/touch-led-dimmer