Day Time Running Lights (DRL's) made easy... Part 2

Z0

That's a neat solution.

Zenerdiode said:

But we will have our own ideas for wiring and working practice, I’m sure.

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Proper DRLs are only supposed to illuminate once the vehicle has started moving forward, normally extinguishing when the handbrake is applied. However this is quite difficult to achieve on the FL1, without some monitoring of the PWM speed signal.

There is an engine running signal at the CCU, which will allow DRLs to only operate while the engine is running. There's another engine running signal at the front bumper of the TD4 FL1.

Looks nice.

Z2

Z3

Nodge68 said:

That's a neat solution.

Proper DRLs are only supposed to illuminate once the vehicle has started moving forward, normally extinguishing when the handbrake is applied. However this is quite difficult to achieve on the FL1, without some monitoring of the PWM speed signal.

There is an engine running signal at the CCU, which will allow DRLs to only operate while the engine is running. There's another engine running signal at the front bumper of the TD4 FL1.

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Is road speed one of the items of data in the ODBII diags?

Would need some micro-electronics like an Arduino to talk to it to determine if the car is moving but probably the easiest option if speed can be read through ODB.

What the ODB diags won't say though is whether the indicators are on. Didn't you say a while back that the DRLs have to extinguish if the indicators are flashing?

GrumpyGel said:

Is road speed one of the items of data in the ODBII diags?

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The speed signal comes from the ABS ECU on post A1 chassis number vehicles. I'm not sure about the earlier pre-A1 Freelander, as the earlier system was pretty much replaced after the 2001 update.

The speed signal is used for the speedometer, and for the variable volume control on the FL1 stereo, after the facelift FL1 came out.

Z4

GrumpyGel said:

Didn't you say a while back that the DRLs have to extinguish if the indicators are flashing?

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Only if the DRL is in the same light lens as the indicator, or is within a certain distance between the two lights.

I had a go of making my own DRL version with two large hand torches. But got sick of bending down to switch on and off and then replacing the D type batteries were becoming to expensive. Plus when it rained the botch tape never really kept the torches in place as I would have to stop to pick them up when they fell off.

Z5

Zenerdiode said:

I'm thinking of changing my name, even though I'm a newby, to Von Braun from Peenemunde. Maybe it does seems like rocket science. I tried to keep it simple.
So, Saxavordian, Attention! By the left... quick... light. lol
PS. Is that RAF Uniform? Please forgive me if I'm wrong.

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Yarp. Good old Number one uniform with free SLR. On parade for AOC visit to RAF Saxa Vord. Officers normally wore Taffita Ballgowns no me neither understand why Anyhoo. Welcome to the loonyzoo.

Z5

Zenerdiode said:

Absolutely brilliant! I couldn't put it any better, except I never, ever wore a Ballgown... not in public, anyway.
As for the SLR, a good bit of kit. The follow-up, SA80 was a f#%&#-g distaster.
The Shetlands must have been cold. My 1st wife taught there (Primary), and she turned into one very cold bi%&h. But that's another story.
What is important is that we enjoy our Freelanders. Oh, women as well. Then drinks.
I luv civvy street.
I like to help others as well, hence my thread. There's more though, and all science based.

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It did have compensations in wondering when the big Golf balls on windy days would fall off and roll into the north sea. Twice happened not when I was there 1988-89 Or the howling winds hitting you when on guard duty on the hill while viewing Hermaness at day or Sullom Voe at night. Not forgetting the howling wind when trying to get of Shetlands. Northern Lights Up Helly Aa Simmer Dim 24hr sunlight RAFT Racing or 24hr stinking drunk getting a sun burnt bum.
Guard Duty with live ammunition against Irish terrorists possible attack our recently white picket fences. I could go on but this will be book form or a tome with cartoons.

Z6

Zenerdiode said:

you have my thanks and gratitude for all you did. I did it too. Waddington, Brize, Lossiemouth, Kinloss, Leuchars. And even though I was a fly-boy I still did my stint. What really gripped me, was that many Officers had the like of a BA in Agriculture. They were the worst sort and never understood what the RAF was about. We, you and I and many more... did!
So, have a beer, or whatever, and drink to the good memories. I often do, myself.
Chin-chin, old boy, and enjoy life while we have it..

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Kinless 1985-1988 NLS Stores and Electrical Supply. I joined up with Nimrod Aircrew two.

Z7

Zenerdiode said:

So, were you a member of NLS, Groundcrew Squadron? Operating in their Stores Section? I left Kinloss in about 89/90, for Leuchars. I knew many members of NLS Groundcrew. We all flew together, went everywhere as well.

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Sadly signing the official Secrets Act I can only give the Soviet version. Mine was (Man on shift a lot nothing to see here). Proud of that one. Quite enjoyed being on shift in the NLS especially when the repaired the Nimrod in the Hanger behind me. When quiet nights was abound the lads on night mainly show me around the aircraft. I used to set out the Detachment tool boxes and spares when the crews flew out. Chuffed of at least doing my bit.
When I started at Kinloss and stuck on guard duty on the other side of the airfield NMSU next Findhorn. Half dozing in a porta loo guard post with my feet cooking on the bar heater. A sudden Rooooooooooooooaaaaaaaar disturbed my sleep lets just my bowels were not ready. There in front on the runway was the awesome sight of the Lightning taking off. I was young I was nervous I know I know what an EXPERIENCE. Tom Cruise would have run a mile. I felt sorry for the Ground Crew having to light the blue touch paper and legging it. That must hurt some pilots taking off. But I digress. When I went to Lossies due to Kinloss being repaired in 87 my hanger had a beautiful Jaguar siting in there. Even being that close you can admire the craft as a work of art. Anyway welcome to the rambling of a old RAFITE 1981 to 1990 Stafford Belize Kinloss (Falklands) Saxavord Buchan (Falklands). There a few of us old guys still knocking around on here during the eighties, to give these young pups a run for there money.

Zenerdiode said:

I had previously bought some Eagle Eye LED’s to use for DRL’s on my Freelander (FL) TD4 Facelift, but couldn’t really locate an appropriate place to fit them; until I saw a FL in a Car-park, which gave me an idea.

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This is where DRLs need to be positioned, to be legal for MOT purposes.

Zenerdiode said:

I fancy them coming on with the ignition and going off when the Dip/Main lights are on, using a relay to suit. I also fancy having an isolation switch in the cab as well.

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According to the .gov website, DRLs come on when the engine is started, here's the quote.

"DRLs activate automatically when the engine is started and remain on unless the headlamps are switched on. They may however remain off in some low speed and stationary situations. In general all other lights should remain off when the DRL are on but for a limited period some vehicles may be available which automatically activate the rear position lamps at the same time as the DRL.

DRL may be combined with other lamps. For example some manufacturers use the same lamp for both the DRL and position lamp. In these cases the DRL automatically dims to function as a lower intensity position lamp when the headlamps are turned on. DRL placed close to direction indicators may also automatically dim when the direction indicator is active. This is to ensure that the direction indicator is not masked by the light from the DRL".

Hope this helps.

In that case would they be classed as modification or the same as adding a pair of spotlights. On my late 2002 I never had any DRL fitted.