Thứ Ba, 27 tháng 12, 2016

Optimized Optics: High Performance Headlights, Improved Output & Improved Aesthetics part 2

  • Apr 14, 2016
    doctorwho
    Yes, that's one of my concerns, I guess Evan just needs one spare set of RHD lights to keep the exchange going
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  • Apr 14, 2016
    Drewflux
    No doesnt change much, all you need is the rhd rx330 projector or an aftermarket copy of these. Having the rhd version means you will end up with the correct cutoff shield
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  • Apr 14, 2016
    Sm4llz
    Can we start a signup sheet and waitlist? You could take a small reservation amount from folks which could fund the work.
    �
  • Apr 14, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    RHD projectors are available but options are limited compared to LHD. For example the Lexus RX 350 projector talked about in this thread, although made by Koito (Japan) for Toyota/Lexus (Japan) and surely exists in RHD configuration in Japan, is super rare and can't be reliably sourced for a project like this. Fear not for the aftermarket HID/projector company Morimoto offers most of it's projectors in a RHD option.

    The Mini H1 7.0 is a very nice performer and will fit in the Model S headlight. Below are a couple pictures of the output, I actually run these projectors on my personal car.

    Evan


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  • Apr 14, 2016
    AMPd
    +1
    I hereby put my name on the yet to exist wait list!
    Would be willing to place a deposit once the final price is known.
    �
  • Apr 14, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Your are correct that the shield is the only part of the projector that needs to be changed to functionally switch between LHD and RHD. Car companies frequently flaunt their headlight performance with ambiguous terms and in a rare instance, some data; they never release specs on projectors and it isn't until a new vehicle is a wrecked/salvaged or purchased by a headlight enthusiast that we discover the real information of the projector and other internal components. So even in the US most headlight internal are a mystery until the headlight community literally get our hands on it; hunting down projectors internationally is a tall order and usually not worth it unless it is for a very exotic projector and you know where to find it.

    As you stated another option is to modify the projector and convert the shield from LHD to RHD but this is a time consuming process as with shield fabrication and tuning, the optics a very sensitive. It is possible but when it is all said and done all the labor would make the price of the projector sky-rocket and I doubt most would opt to go this route when there are some top performers which are LHD.

    Currently I am still working through some R&D and would like to have all of it complete before I start taking names. This will allow me to confirm what projectors I can offer and also what it will cost to produce on my end. I am eager to get everything solidified.

    Evan
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  • Apr 14, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    UPDATE
    On Monday I dropped off some goodies for 3D scanning and printing, I should have a prototype bracket in my possession next week.
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  • Apr 15, 2016
    Whitmarsh
  • Apr 16, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Correct, unless someone has a contact who can source and mail projectors from the country of origin, The Retrofit Source (TRS) is where I would recommend getting RHD projectors.

    ... By the way, I just became an authorized dealer for TRS.


    Here are some screenshots of the 3D scanning.

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  • Apr 17, 2016
    cashie
    Looks really good (factory).
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  • Apr 22, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    The first prototype cradle should be 3D printed early next week...

    Evan

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  • Apr 23, 2016
    SPXMike
    Looks good Evan. Thanks for keeping us up to date!
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  • Apr 24, 2016
    ifung90
    If you wanna share that 3D print file .. I can print it for people haha!
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  • Apr 24, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    You got it.
    The design/file will stay proprietary for now. What kind of machines do you have access to? After I finalize the bracket design I will be looking into other production methods to see what will be the most cost effective.

    Evan
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  • Apr 24, 2016
    supratachophobia
    Did I hear something about a list? Can I get in on that action?
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  • Apr 24, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    I appreciate the enthusiasm, truly.

    With a waiting list or something of the sort I would prefer to have the production costs finalized on my end so I can offer comprehensive information for build options, performance, and pricing. Until then, this thread will be the best place to learn about the headlights and also state your interest. I hope to have some more information soon, after this bracket design is finalized things should move quickly.

    In the meantime please enjoy the output of the Morimoto MH1 7.0 projector,
    Evan

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  • Apr 25, 2016
    aus
    Great work.
    Do our headlights have self leveling build in?
    .
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  • Apr 25, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Most Model S have air suspension which is used for leveling the vehicle. If they don't have factory air then the headlights should have automatic adjusters in the headlights.

    Evan
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  • Apr 25, 2016
    FlatSix911
    Here are a few close up photos of the new headlights on the facelifted Model S.
    The LED lights look great, a very bright white with luminescent Daytime running lights.

    IMG_4811.JPG IMG_4810.JPG IMG_4806.JPG IMG_4805.JPG IMG_4804.JPG
    �
  • Apr 25, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Thanks for the pics, do you still have access to the car? I would love to get some detailed close-up shots of the LEDs and what look like mini reflective bowls (as opposed to multiple projector lenses). Also are those the "adaptive" LEDs or regular LEDs? The press info is pretty vague but it sounds like there are 2 types of LED lamps.

    Since those look to have LEDs with reflective bowls their performance will probably be pretty average at best.

    Evan
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  • Apr 25, 2016
    FlatSix911
    Yes, the new Model S is now on display at the Sunnyvale/Silicon Valley service center.
    The LEDs appear to be the reflective bowl type, not the multiple projector type ala Acura.
    �
  • Apr 25, 2016
    cashie
    Wow, look at that cut-off, looks awesome!!
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  • Apr 26, 2016
    omarsultan
    Is there an issue with dong something like the Morimoto upgrade without blacking out the headlight. All the brightwork is in place on my model S, so the current headlights fit the look, but my concern was if the upgrade would create internal reflections that undermine the light pattern?
    �
  • Apr 26, 2016
    omarsultan
    Here is a crappy cell phone pic of the new MS lights--four bowls/lenses. Assuming the MX has the same technology, I can take some better pics when I get home.
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  • Apr 26, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Painting the housing has zero impact on the light output of the DRL and the Hi/Low Beam. However the turn signal takes a slight hit in effectiveness as some of it's output is absorbed by the black paint as opposed to the oem "frosted chrome." You can see earlier in this thread I compared the performance of the oem turn signal to the modified one.

    Take note that on this particular headlight I painted the large belly of the turn signal which is the primary culprit in impeding performance. If this was left unpainted but the housing was still black, there would still be a slight drop in performance but the difference would be negligible and the turn signal would remain very effective. Once I have a headlight configured like this with a black housing + unpainted signal I will take some comparison pictures to share.


    Thanks for the pic of the headlight. Although not the best quality, it is still helpful. Definitely looks like reflective bowls.
    I wish Tesla would release some detailed information on headlight specs and also how the adaptive system works...

    Evan
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  • Apr 26, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    3D printed prototype is ready to test fitting, I hope to pick it up tomorrow...

    Evan


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  • Apr 26, 2016
    SPXMike
    Lookin good!
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  • Apr 27, 2016
    Drewflux
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  • Apr 27, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Duraform PA Plastic

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  • Apr 30, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Acquired data on the operating temps of the projector. Headlight ran fully assembled with interior trim, lens, and rear housing cap installed. Headlight was configured with the Morimoto xb55 (50w) ballast and Morimoto xb35 bulb. I originally was going to run it for an hour or so and then check temps but I decided to log data every 10 minutes until temps started to plateau.

    Since the bulb is the heat source I focused on the projector bowl as it is exposed to higher temps and it is what will be very close to the mounting cradle. I will be running some small spacers between the projector and cradle, likely made of aluminum for thermal properties (and light weight, lol).

    All data is Fahrenheit, ambient garage temp was 75F.

    Evan

    [?IMG]
    Testing Locations 1
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    Testing Locations 2
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    This was the hottest location on the ballast.
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    Running assembles headlight
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  • Apr 30, 2016
    csshih
    too bad you're in SoCal! I would have lent you my FLIR :)
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  • Apr 30, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    That would have been very handy! I moved to Huntington Beach from Milpitas less than a year ago so we can just speculate about "could have been." Cool technology!

    Evan
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  • Apr 30, 2016
    SPXMike
    Evan I have an infrared pyrometer if you need it.
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  • May 4, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Any difference between pyrometers and thermometers? The terms seem to be interchangeable. Here are the stats on my unit:

    Temperature Range: -50�C~380�C(-58 �F ~ 716�F)
    Accuracy:
    -58F to 68F: �2% or 2�C
    68F to 212F: �1% or 1�C
    212F to 932F: �1.5% or 1.5�C
    Distance Spot Ratio: 12:1
    Emissivity: 0.95
    Response Time Wavelength: 500ms (8-14)um
    Repeatability: �1% or �1�C
    Resolution: 0.1 �C or 0.1�F
    �C/�F Selection ---------------------------- OK
    Data Hold Function ------------------------ OK
    Laser Target Pointer Selection ------------ OK
    Backlight Display Selection ---------------- OK
    Auto Power Shut Off --------------------- OK
    Low Battery Indication -------------------- OK
    �
  • May 4, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Test fit the prototype projector cradle and all went well, only a few subtle changes were needed and I should have some final versions in my hands by the end of the week. I am VERY pleased with the orientation of the projector in relation to the shroud, it is better than OEM!

    Evan

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  • May 4, 2016
    cashie
    Good work.
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  • May 5, 2016
    artsci
    Evan is finishing up mods to the set I shipped him a few weeks ago. I'll have them installed and ready to demo at the Tesla Road Trip in Williamsburg the weekend of May 13. Here are the mods Evan's making:

    Lexus RX350 Bi-X
    3D Printed Brackets
    STI-R Clear Lens
    Morimoto xb55 Ballast
    Morimoto D2S AMP Ignitor
    Morimoto xb35 6500k bulbs
    Gloss Black Housing Paint
    Demon Eye (White)
    Frosting (Turn Signal)

    They'll be installed next Thursday. I'll post before and after photos of both performance and cosmetics.
    �
  • May 6, 2016
    Edmond
    I don't understand why you're printing a new gimbal ('cradle') when the MH1 7 seems to be the same mounting as Tesla OEM?

    I took apart a (scrap) headlight to see about mounting a laser jammer. (Hint: 200 degrees for 20 minutes is not enough, and 300 degrees for 15 minutes melts things - haven't figured out the heating regimen, don't ask how I know) It's not ideal for a jammer, but depending on what the pickup/emitter looks like without the case may be doable.
    �
  • May 7, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    The projector shown above is the Lexus RX350 Bi-Xenon, although I will have one made for the MH1 7.0 as well. The mounting point may look similar, and they are, but similar doesn't work, it has to be perfect. The gimbals will offer a precise projector alignment every time. This not only takes the guessing out of the equation for me by eliminating "manual" mounting techniques which could involve human error but more importantly, will offer a safer and better performing output for the driver and others on the road.

    As a headlight enthusiast a crooked headlight alignment is a big No-No so I completely deleted that variable by creating these brackets.

    From what I have experienced with other headlights the housing plastic on the Model S is on the softer side and fairly sensitive to heat, it also doesn't help that the headlight is sealed with permaseal (instead of butyl) and has a shorter window of compliance since it cools quickly.

    Evan
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  • May 7, 2016
    Edmond
    Xactly... stuff's just awful. Hard as rock when cold, and like hard silicone when hot.

    I notice that some glue back together with silicone, but that is very bad for the lamp and reflector. (acetic acid off-gasses to cure - 'that smell') And some ppl special order butyl sealant, but all that's needed is RTV silicone ('Room Temperature Vulcanizing') from any auto parts store. May be more expensive than butyl, but has many uses on cars. I use it on soldered electrical connections inside heat-shrink tubing, for connections that have to be waterproof; RTV does not corrode the copper like regular silicone does.
    �
  • May 10, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    A high quality butyl is my sealant of choice and commonly used amongst professional retrofitters. On my personal headlights (BMW E6X 5 Series) the housings actually needed to be cut open with a dremel and I used silicone, it worked pretty well but lacked the structural integrity to hold the lens to the housing so the next go-around I tack welded the lend to the housing with some JB Kwik epoxy and then used some 3M Window Weld, so far so good.

    Butyl is also serviceable which is nice if something happens to the headlights and you need to go back in but I hate how messy and stringy it is when hot (like chewing gum on hot asphalt).

    Evan
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  • May 10, 2016
    artsci
    Evan has shipped my modified headlamps. They'll be installed on Thursday in time for me to demo them at the Tesla Road Trip in Williamsburg this weekend. I want to line up two cars in the dead of night so we can have a direct comparison of the performance of stock versus Evan's modified versions. Here are a few shots Evan provided of my modified headlamps.

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  • May 11, 2016
    Cowby
    Murderous! I want these!
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  • May 11, 2016
    kevinf311
    Now I'm even more sad that I won't be able to join in Williamsburg with y'all :(

    I really like the look of Evan's work and I think they'd pair with my black S quite nicely. Just want to see them in person. **shakes fist at the gods of bad timing**
    �
  • May 11, 2016
    Edmond
    Yes, a jammer fits nicely.
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  • May 11, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    The last photo snuck in there accidentally as it was of the first "beta" set of headlights I built and showcased on Mike's Tesla.

    Here are some pictures comparing a gloss black housing to a satin black housing with frosted turn signal.

    Below are some additional pictures of your build, I didn't have much time to take completed shots as I was focused on getting the build done and ut on time.

    Evan


    GLOSS BLACk vs SATIN BLACK
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    BONUS PICS
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  • May 12, 2016
    artsci
    Just uncrated the shipment. All arrived in perfect condition. Taking them to the installer in a few hours. Will have photos of them tonight.
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  • May 12, 2016
    benjiejr
    ooooooooooo... satin black!! *heart eyes*
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  • May 12, 2016
    Fusion
    I wouldn't mind getting this done also. I had a S2000 and that car had one of the best projector beams.
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  • May 12, 2016
    Xenoilphobe
    Those would look nice on my black car! Cant wait to get these once the prototype is completed
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  • May 12, 2016
    artsci
    Mine are now installed. I'll post some photos a bit later this evening, but only after I test them on the road in pitch dark.
    �
  • May 12, 2016
    ICUDoc
    Very excited to see how this turns out- expert designer, expert tester in cahoots to help the rest of us. The Model S standard headlights are definitely underwhelming in the emasculated form foisted on us Downunder, so we are all particularly interested. Thanks a lot.
    �
  • May 12, 2016
    artsci
    Now for some impressions and photos.

    First, performance. I drove though my neighborhood and on an unlit two lane country road though some dense woods. Evan's mods put the stock lamps to shame. On low beam the cutoff is sharp, clear, and incredibly well defined. I'm guessing that the modified lamps project about twice the lumens and have a much wider and sharply defined beam. On high beam I saw much further ahead and much more detail on the road was lit. In short, I think this is one of the best mods I've had done, and it was worth every penny in terms of the improvement in performance and safety. Evan know his stuff and there can be no doubt about that. For those of you who are considering this modification I can't recommend it more highly.

    Second, cosmetics. IMHO the black lamps have given my car a whole new front end look. Two people have already commented on how cool they look. And this was without any sun that would have made the demon eye effect much more dramatic. Here are a few comparison photos of the stock and Evan's black lamps.

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    And the diffused turn signal creates a whole new effect on the black lamps.

    [?IMG]

    When I get to Williamsburg tomorrow for the Tesla Road trip I want to put my car next to one with stock lamps at night and do a direct comparison of the lamp performance and shoot some photos of what we find.

    I could not be more pleased with Evan's work.
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  • May 13, 2016
    omarsultan
    Hmmm....did not think I would like the black lights with the MC Red body, but I have to admit, it looks pretty good.
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  • May 13, 2016
    SomeJoe7777

    This is just gobsmackingly bad ass. First-rate, well-done!
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  • May 13, 2016
    artsci
    I had my doubts too but none now.
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  • May 13, 2016
    Cowby
    ok....so let's hear it....how much is this going to hurt us??
    �
  • May 14, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Hopefully there is no pain involved :)
    Message sent.
    �
  • May 14, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    When trying to dig up some info/pictures of the new Model X and Model S Adaptive LED headlights I came across a few videos on Youtube by "Bjorn Nyland" showcasing the adaptive technology and also comparing it to the performance of the oem HID on the Model S.

    Here is his channel: Bj�rn Nyland

    I created a couple screenshots to share. Output from the LED headlights looks very average and when the vehicle is going in a straight line (adaptive LEDs not active) output seems to be on par with the older HID output.

    In the comparison photos the photos are taken from inside the Model X and the Model S is parked just to the right of it so the perspective is slightly different. With the high beam photos both vehicles have their low beams on while only 1 high beam is on.

    Evan

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  • May 14, 2016
    csshih
    I want in on this, too!
    The LED headlights don't look like they improve much. :(
    �
  • May 14, 2016
    aus
    Has the price been posted somewhere? I've looked at the OP and the last few pages and don't see anything.
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  • May 15, 2016
    AMPd
    PM op for details
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  • May 15, 2016
    FlatSix911
    Here is the pricing information that I received ... let me know if this not acceptable to post in the forum.

    �
  • May 15, 2016
    Sm4llz
    I really want to get this done and received the same pricing. I'll likely coordinate a business trip with the work so I can send in my headlights vs getting replacements. Just trying to decide on this or the Light Harmonic audio upgrade first.
    �
  • May 15, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    I wasn't planning on posting the pricing in the forum out of respect to the moderators as we have not solidified my position as a supporting vendor but I wanted to reach out to the individual members who showed interest and were inquiring.
    �
  • May 15, 2016
    artsci
    I rode in a Model X with the LED headlamps last night at the Tesla Road Trip in Williamsburg. Tonight I aligned the modified lamps Evan did for me. Glad I checked the alignment as the left side was about 8" low and the right 4". With them accurately aligned the performance is even better. In my judgment Evan's modified HIDs outperform Tesla's new LED lamps by an impressive margin. The light is brighter, the cut off much better, and they light up more of the road.

    Shot some more photos at the Glen Allen supercharger on my way home from Williamsburg. As there was little glare of these really show off the effects of Evan's work.

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  • May 15, 2016
    Edmond
    That's about how I did mine. I left the outlining chrome though (matter of choice) and I didn't upgrade the lights for now. But I added the laser jammers.
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  • May 17, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Here is the birthing process of the Lexus RX350 projectors...

    Salvage headlights
    [?IMG]

    Opened up
    [?IMG]

    Projectors removed (still in AFS/dynamic motorized cradle)
    [?IMG]

    Projectors removed
    [?IMG]

    Notice this metal tab, it has a small effect on the light output.
    [?IMG]

    Removed with a dremel
    [?IMG]

    Output before the metal tab is removed, it causes a small dip in the dispersive refraction (blue) along the cutoff, subtle but noticeable.
    [?IMG]

    Oem fresnel (frosted) lens
    [?IMG]

    STI-R Lens, optically clear
    [?IMG]

    After clear lens is installed, notice the increased intensity at the cutoff. Also notice how the cutoff looks jagged, this is caused from imperfections in the metal shield...
    [?IMG]

    ...so I sanded it down for a more aesthetically pleasing output.
    [?IMG]

    Here is oem Tesla Model S output for comparison....
    [?IMG]
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  • May 18, 2016
    fillerup
    Looks really good, great work, can we see pics with the light output on the car, not just the headlights? TIA
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  • May 18, 2016
    aus
    This project is SWEETNESS!!
    I just can't spend the money right now. Maybe after the house closes, and the yard is in, and the curtains/blinds and what ever else the wife wants.

    AMAZING job OP!!
    .
    �
  • May 18, 2016
    artsci
    I'll try to post some over the weekend. The performance is hard to capture on film. For example today, which was overcast, I was driving on an Interstate in heavy traffic. About half the cars, including me, had their headlights on. My car was lighting up all of the overhead signs, powering way over all of the others. But that would be hard to capture with a camera.
    �
  • May 18, 2016
    JMG
    Sigh, I really need to stay off of this forum. Too risky for my wallet.

    So much for the "Its okay honey, we'll break even in about 8 years......."

    That is a VERY slick job OP.
    �
  • May 20, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    I hope to have some soon, unfortunately I don't own a Model S so my hands a little tied in that regard.
    Thank you.
    �
  • May 20, 2016
    igorvinck

    Hi Evan,
    can you tell me what the temperature and time is that you use to open the tesla headlights ?
    thanks
    Igor
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  • May 20, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    I was able to collect some output shots comparing the Morimoto MH1 7.0 and Lexus RX350 Bi-Xenon projectors but let's first cover some terminology and break down what we will be looking at...

    TERMS?

    Cutoff: The upper line in the output created by the internal shield in the projector which creates the abrupt transition where light shines and does not.

    Step: The notch in the middle of the cutoff that allows light to shine higher on one side or another. In the US and other countries with Left Hand Drive (LHD) automobiles the cutoff is higher on the right side to allow greater distance vision for the driver but without blinding oncoming traffic.

    Hot Spot    :     The concentration of intense light usually located in the center of the output directly under the cutoff.

    Foreground    :     The light that illuminates the ground immediately in front of the vehicle, roughly the first 20ft in front of the vehicle. This light is useful for parking, city driving, and general low-speed driving where seeing immediate obstacles is important. When the vehicle is up to speeds of ~30mph+ foreground isn't as useful as obstacles approach quickly and the driver usually relies on the distance of the light output to see what is coming. Also, too much foreground and impede distance vision at night. For example if one if driving on the highway at night and the foreground is too strong it can force the pupils to constrict and make it harder for the eyes to register the light projected far ahead of the car.

    Colorband    :     The blue/purple strip of color along the cutoff, usually in the middle, created by dispersive refraction. Think Pink Floyd, think rainbows. Tuned projectors with clear lenses installed can produce a colorband showcasing purple, deep blue, violet, aqua blue, and various combinations of colors in this end of the spectrum.



    BREAKING DOWN THE OUTPUT?

    Depending on the setting of the air suspension the HID projectors in the headlights on the Model S are probably located ~30" above the ground and if properly aligned should be projecting slightly lower than that. For example if the projector is 30" off the ground and the vehicle is parked on a flat surface, pointing at a wall 25ft away the cutoff should be projected onto the wall 28" from the ground, The goal with proper headlight alignment is to maximize light throw (distance illumination) without blinding oncoming traffic. This is important when evaluating the full beam patterns pictured below since it allows us to understand how the different parts of the output will help us see oncoming road and obstacles.

    Here is a the full beam output of the single projector from an Acura RL (2005-2012)
    [?IMG]

    I retrofitted my girlfriend's Prius with the Acura RL projectors and here is the real-world output, when properly aimed and on a flat surface, notice how much light makes it onto the wall and how much is foreground.
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]



    MORIMOTO MH1 7.0 vs LEXUS RX350 BI-XENON?

    It is important to note that there are 2 configurations of the Lexus RX350 Bi-Xenon projector: "US" and "EU." Output is nearly identical as you can see below.

    [?IMG]
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    Morimoto MH1 7.0
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    Lexus RX350 (EU)
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    [?IMG]


    Lexus RX350 (US)
    [?IMG]
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    �
  • May 20, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    225F @10 minutes
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  • May 20, 2016
    Edmond
    ucsbwsr, as I've mentioned I'm looking at putting laser jammers in my headlights (above and to the side of the projector, in that cubby). These work by continuously emitting IR laser, and when they detect a police laser they match its signal, causing an error.

    But I'm now concerned that the emitted signal will be reflected from the inside of the headlight's front lens. Surely this would also be a factor for the projector beam. How much effect could this have? Could Tesla have coated the lens inside with AR coating?

    It seems possible that my jammer could respond to its own signal, going into oscillation runaway?
    �
  • May 20, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Not sure if I follow this statement, you are saying the potentially reflected radar would cause problems the the projector beam or that if the oem lens has a reflective coating that affects the light output?

    I understand the function of a detector but don't know enough about radar to comment on your concerns. I have also never heard of AR coating being applied to headlight lenses, if they have a coating it is usually a hard sealant like a clear coat for durability or it is a UV protectant.

    Evan
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  • May 20, 2016
    Edmond
    Keep in mind that this is not a radar detector; many states now have gone entirely to LIDAR ('laser radar'), mine included, so I don't see any sense in buying a microwave detector.

    I'm talking about a laser "parking sensor" which operates on the same IR frequency as police LIDAR. You pull into your garage and the laser light emitted is reflected from the wall telling you how far you are. Of course my car already has ultrasonics to do that, but this laser device has another function too; it imitates other laser IR (infrared) signals that it receives. The sensor has a detector, and when the detector senses a particular brand of LIDAR coming in (found in its database), it then emits that same pulse pattern, causing an error on the LIDAR gun.

    My concern is that, if I mount the sensor inside the headlight (police always aim the LIDAR at headlights, and it has ~18" diameter @500'), the laser light the sensor emits will be reflected back by the internal surface of the headlight lens, and cause the jammer to oscillate. I'm wondering if there's an AR coating on the inside of the headlight lens for the projector? (which would also help my jammer) Without an AR coating it seems the projector's light would be reflected and fuzzed.

    I'm wondering what your take on this would be? Is there any sort of AR coating that I could apply?
    �
  • May 20, 2016
    Edmond
    Well I've confirmed that there is no AR coating on the inside of the headlight lens. So I don't understand why this doesn't cause more dispersion of the projector beam. Probably it does, and may be the cause of your color banding and surely is the cause of what small fuzzing you do get. Some kind of prisming at the gate edge.

    I can't find anything that pretends to be an appliable AR coating on eBat, and it seems proper AR is applied by ion beam deposition. So it's not bloody likely for us...

    And I have no idea what effect this reflectance would have on the IR laser. The only answer is to friggin' try it.
    �
  • May 23, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Headlight lenses usually have very little impact on the projector light output, only when the lenses are extremely pitted, hazy, or damaged will you notice any difference, even then it is subtle all things considered. All these output photos are of the projectors themselves, they are not mounted in any headlight housings.

    The color band is 100% a product of the projector lens and the spacing/tuning it receives. As you can see above the "US" Lexus projector has a softer colorband from too much tuning, if you space too much the color band is taller, the sharpness decreases, and the color isn't as vivid. I will likely go back and retune that projector to make it a little sharper. Personally when I tune projectors I like to tune for color but not at the expense of sharpness.

    Evan
    �
  • May 23, 2016
    omarsultan
    @ucsbwsr Dumb question, but looking at the pics in post 195, should there be a cutoff on the left side so you don't blind on on-coming drivers?
    �
  • May 23, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    You are correct. The step allows a longer throw of light onto the road in front of you and limits glare for oncoming traffic.
    �
  • May 24, 2016
    Fusion
    Is the original Tesla bulb a D1S 4300k color? Wondering what effects would we achieve if you just change the bulb to a white color. Right now the stock look more yellow than 4300k or maybe I was spoiled with the LED white of my Rav4 EV.
    �
  • May 25, 2016
    FlatSix911
    I believe the OEM HID bulb is a Osram D3S.

    upload_2016-5-25_1-40-52.png
    �
  • May 25, 2016
    artsci
    I've done that. It changes the color but makes no performance difference. Evan's mod improves performance dramatically.
    �
  • May 25, 2016
    Fusion
    I'm surfing around and they seem to have LED bulb retrofit kits now. Not sure if I should start a new thread as I don't wanna clutter this one. Evan's mod is something I wanna do but I don't have the money as of yet. Looking for possible solutions to get by till then.
    �
  • May 25, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    They oem Osram D3S bulbs look to be about 4300k, they have a slightly more purple/green tinge to them, maybe since they are mercury free, I don't know much about the "environmentally friendly" bulbs.

    A bulb's kelvin rating and lumen output are two different things. ~4300k is the most efficient kelvin rating for lumens and is white with a slight yellow tinge. 5000-5500 is pure white but you will lose about 10% lumen output and the trend continues as you move further away from 4300, personally I do not recommend anything over 5500k on 35w or 6500k on 50w as the lights lumen output takes too much of a hit. There are some bulbs made by Osram called "Cool Blue Intense" (CBI) and they have seemingly cheated the kelvin scale by producing a 5500k bulb with similar output to traditional high quality 4300k bulbs, the best of both worlds but you pay for it:

    D3S Osram Xenarc 66340 CBI HID Bulbs - Xenon Headlight Bulbs - The Retrofit Source

    ...this will be your best bet for all-out bulb performance in D3S fitment, the problem is the output will be bottlenecked by the subpar oem Tesla projector.


    If you are looking for improved performance DO NOT do this. LED bulbs are not meant to work with the optics of the HID projector, no matter how much the seller says it will improve output or how much you want it to, it won't.

    Your best bet
    �
  • May 25, 2016
    Fusion
    My best bet is your upgrade...... sigh...... haha
    �
  • Jun 7, 2016
    3s-a-charm
    This looks like a better mod than Ludicrous upgrade - better gains in performance (light) and cosmetics! Beautiful!
    �
  • Jun 7, 2016
    mdevp
    Awesome seeing someone with so much passion creating an incredible product.
    �
  • Jun 7, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    There is something about the shove of instant torque that is hard to beat but I really appreciate the compliment. Being able to execute both function and aesthetics in one modification is one of the main reasons I started tinkering on headlights; they have such a large impact on the look/character of the car but also a critical element in automobile function and safety.
    High praise, thank you.

    Evan
    �
  • Jun 7, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Today I played around with frosting the DRL diffuser and would like to share my results.

    Much like frosting the turn signal the frost has similar effects on the DRL: light throw (brightness at distance directly in front of the vehicle) is not as strong but in exchange you get better illumination of the DRL from off-center viewing angles, more on this below. Also, as you may know the Model X and refreshed Model S with LED headlamps have a frosted/diffused DRL, you can notice this by how their DRLs "glow" when illuminated and appear to be whiter in color when the LEDs are off.

    For the final effect the process includes multi-stage sanding and spray "frosting" spray paint applied to both the rear and front of the diffuser.

    Here are some before and after pictures to showcase the impact of the modification.

    Evan


    OEM trim (dechromed)
    Before
    [?IMG]

    After
    [?IMG]

    Before
    [?IMG]

    After
    [?IMG]

    Before/After
    [?IMG]

    Front: Frosted
    Rear: OEM
    [?IMG]

    Front: Frosted
    Rear: OEM
    * Notice the pixelation of the LEDs on the OEM headlight.
    [?IMG] [?IMG]

    Exposure dropped
    [?IMG]

    LEFT: OEM
    RIGHT: Frosted
    *Notice throw intensity is better on OEM
    [?IMG]

    Exposure dropped:
    [?IMG]

    LEFT: OEM
    RIGHT: Frosted
    *Notice the better off-angle intensity of the frosted DRL
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    FlatSix911
    Great comparison shots - thanks.
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    Drewflux
    I'm very much enjoying the progress of this thread.
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    jerjozwik
    another tick in the right direction. ill keep my eye on your progress.
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    Cowby
    ugh...this is just beautiful sickness!...dang you and artsci for showing all this goodness...lemme go save up so more pennies for this mod.
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    mdevp
    My goodness that is such an improvement. I've noticed on mine and others how the light looks patchy when viewed askew. An artist doing his thing...
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Most excellent.
    Thanks, please do.
    Sorry, not sorry. lol
    Yea, I am a fan of the frosted look and function in most headlights. For lights like the turn signal and DRL where the purpose is to be seen (as opposed to illuminating something so YOU can see) there is a lot of merit to the application relative to function.




    I took a few more comparison photos showing the demon eye on both the Lexus and Morimoto projectors. The effectiveness of the demon eye modification in bright colors like white is highly dependent on the shield design. Black demon eyes work well on pretty much any projector as the black makes the internal shield, solenoid, and components disappear. The smoother, flatter, and less cluttered the shield design is, the more effective the demon eye.

    You can see that Lexus projector is a fantastic candidate for the mod since it has a large flat piece of metal protecting some of the moving components and it offers a nice flat surface. In contrast the MH1's shield design is good but not great for the mod. In the photos below you will notice that the demon eye on the MH1 isn't quite as bright as the Lexus, also at certain angles you will be able to notice some of the internal surfaces like the ledge with the vertical striations that protrudes from the front side of the shield.

    In all photos Lexus RX350 is on the left and Morimoto MH1 7.0 on the right,
    Evan

    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jun 8, 2016
    Model S M.D.
    @ucsbwsr Awesome work!!! I have a black/black Model S and would love to have these!
    �
  • Jun 11, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Gloss Black Trim + Frosted Signal + RX350 Projectors.

    The custom gimbals turned out great, the orientation of the projector lens and the shroud in spot-on and fitment looks better than OEM.

    Evan

    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jun 12, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    BEFORE
    [?IMG]

    AFTER: RX350 (US) Bi-Xenon Projectors + 50w Ballasts
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]

    [?IMG]

    [?IMG]

    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]

    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jun 12, 2016
    AmpedRealtor
    How much? :)
    �
  • Jun 12, 2016
    mdevp
    Wow, it's like a white laser going across that building.
    �
  • Jun 13, 2016
    Cowby
    Still salivating here....
    �
  • Jun 13, 2016
    SPXMike
    I've started the process. Headlight R&R Saturday...
    �
  • Jun 13, 2016
    Model S M.D.
    Love what you're doing here with the headlights. Keep up the great work!
    �
  • Jun 16, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    OEM DRL and Indicator Finish
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]

    Diffused (Frosted)
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jun 16, 2016
    artsci
    Wish I had that on mine:) Got you to do the work too soon!
    �
  • Jun 16, 2016
    SPXMike
    Hey are those mine?
    �
  • Jun 16, 2016
    Maximus8
    I'm in line too
    �
  • Jun 16, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    I am always looking for ways to optimize things.
    No, but very similar.

    Evan
    �
  • Jun 20, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Morimoto MH1 Projectors
    White Demon Eye
    Gloss Black Trim
    Frosted Diffusers

    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]

    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jun 24, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    So after some discussion with a fellow forum member I decided to experiment with frosting the diffusers that are part of the DRL LED assemblies (in addition to the diffuser that is part of the headlight trim).

    Results show that this is a step in the wrong direction as output suffers and there is no noticeable improvement in light uniformity compared to just sanding and frosting the diffuser in the trim. I think this is due to a mis-match of optics that are designed to project but are then diffused and the end result is an inefficient combination.

    I have reached out to a local powdercoater and we are experimenting with some media blasting options to see what can be achieved, I will report back.

    Evan

    Deconstructing the LED assemblies, there were 29, yes 29 little screws that needed to be removed during the process. #overkill
    [?IMG]

    Before
    [?IMG]

    After
    [?IMG]

    Before vs After
    [?IMG]

    Double Frosted vs OEM
    [?IMG]

    Straight-on perspective
    [?IMG]

    Straight-on perspective exposure dropped
    [?IMG]

    Side view
    [?IMG]

    Side view exposure dropped
    [?IMG]
    �
  • Jul 6, 2016
    igorvinck
    image.jpeg Thanks Evan for all the info. I did it too, as it was no option to send (from Belgium) my lights to you.
    �
  • Jul 6, 2016
    ucsbwsr
    Awesome! Glad you found the information useful and congrats on completing the project!

    Did you happen to retrofit new projectors? Any other internal/HID modifications?

    They look great on that paint color.

    Evan
    �
  • Jul 7, 2016
    igorvinck
    I did not retrofit other projectors. As it is forbidden by law. I did the demon eye, but as you mentionned the effect is less. The lens and bowl are not the same as in USA, there are a lot of markings EU on them.
    I had also trouble with frosten the drl. I had a spray but it did not work good, so i sandblasted the whole thing and put Some matte varnish on it. It is not bad.
    I learned a lot, and now want to do it on my 911 too.
    �
  • Jul 22, 2016
    Maximus8
    I just had the new lights installed and all I can say is WOW!!! This is one mod I would recommend for every pre-refresh owner. I'm a big fan of mods which are not obvious but produce a dramatic change in the appearance of the vehicles. I showed the new lights to non MS owners and then showed them what it looked like before and everyone said they look much better. For this particular mod, not only does it improve the appearance (IMO) but it also provides an improvement in light output compared to the OEM lights. The output is clear and bright. Matching the fog lights with these new lights really improves the illumination field (IMO). It was great working with Evan. He guided me throughout the process and responded to every inquiry I had. If you are on the fence about this improvement to your MS, I would say take the plunge, you won't regret it.
    �
  • Jul 28, 2016
    Maximus8
    Here are some pictures from the light mod. Plus I added an extra: Old transportation meets new transporation

    Beam.jpg
    28505425192_02c5c5f28f_z.jpg
    27995738973_56544f1214_z.jpg
    �
  • Aug 3, 2016
    Ingineer
    I finally got mine done. What a difference those RX350 projectors make with the 55W ballasts!

    I also added glowing demon eyes that light up when the car is parked (10ma current consumption).

    [?IMG]
    �
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