Recently I started a new project called: project taillight. My aim for this project is to create a whole custom taillight setup. This setup allows you to control all leds and allow for custom patterns and make the car look allot more modern. All and all this project is a first for me and I am still in prototyping fase.
I managed to grab a set of second hand taillights which i will use to measure and prototype.
The following few pictures show some alterations done by using a soldering iron.
Here you can see the original light positions and PCB’s. The PCB’s will be copied and custom leds will be installed. The original light positions need to be modified.
Here I cut out a piece in order to access all the electronics and oem light positions.
I used a standard 60w soldering iron to cut through the plastic. I did modify the end piece in order to make it a little thinner.
As you can see, the original light positions have been cut open. Now I am able to do some measurements and create PCB mockups.
Here is the first PCB mockup. This will hold all the leds and shine through the original lens. Currently still in the process creating the other two PCB’s. The OEM led boards will be replicated and custom rgbw leds will be installed. I am looking to use the 5v sk6812 leds. These leds are easy to control, but they do need a voltage stepdown… So might change later.
I will be using the quinled dig-uno to control the leds. This board comes with the WLED firmware installed. This firmware is a go-to for all your led needs. It allows for custom scripts and remote control using a phone app. Still looking into how I will me using it in this project. But for now, this is perfect for prototyping.
I hope you guys are interested in this project and keep following allong. I am not in a rush for this project, so it might take a while, but in the end it will probably be super awesome. It will give me full control of the taillights and allow for some awesome effects.
The hardware is usable with other models taillights but, I am currently not planning to create PCB’s for other models. If somebody is eager to create them for those other models. Feel free to DM me [emoji1303]
If you guys are interested you might want to look into the WLED firmware I highly recommend it!
If you want to follow me on my Instagram you can find me: @Dutch_XC60
Cheers [emoji41][emoji1303]