A retrofit for gen 1 headlight (Not a gen 2 swap) (Page 6/10)
ArthurPeale MAR 22, 10:05 AM
What's the failure point? The brush itself, or something with the holder ?
Dukesterpro MAR 22, 12:17 PM
I had the brush holder two thin vertically, which allows it enough play to push up and away from armature. The spinning armature would then snag the brush arms and snap the holder.

Newer versions are thicker so there is no vertical play
fierofool MAR 22, 04:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dukesterpro:

I would go back and read some of my old announcments FieroFool.

My module does work directly with GEN 2 and GEN 1 headlights. Nothing else but the headlight motors is equired.

It can plug and play directly into either gen car.
I was just wondering that if GEN 2 headlights are still in production, if its even worth producing the new brush holder for Gen 1s. I still think I want to provide the option. My new variant just came off the printer and I am curious to see if it holds up better.



Admittedly, I haven't read every post. I've just been spot checking. That's very good that it works with both motors. It could save those Gen 1 owners a couple hundred bucks by not needing to buy replacement motors.

[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 03-22-2023).]

zkhennings MAR 23, 07:11 AM
The only reason I would see to stick with the gen 1 motors is to either keep the car original, in which case they might not be interested in this product regardless, or as mentioned above, to save a few bucks not buying replacement motors. Though after metal gears and new brush holders and all that, not sure how much money would be saved.

The gen 2 motors are faster and smoother and in more vehicles, so more aftermarket available, and I think the majority of people like myself would jump at the opportunity to upgrade to the gen 2 motors without the crazy cost of the entire gen 2 setup.

So while the brush holder upgrade itself is a cool concept, I see it more as a restoration component that may be purchased without the controller at all by someone who wants to rebuild the factory motors and keep the car as original as possible in 2023.

I am literally ready to send you money anytime!
Dukesterpro MAR 23, 08:41 AM
I definitely am starting to agree with you ZKHennings. I am currently running the Cardone Gen2s with my controller and they are freaking great.

The problem with my brush holder is that it doesn't even work for people wanting to restore the original operation, it actually converts the gen 1 headlight motor into a gen 2 motor (in the way that it operates, 2 wire instead of 3 wire).

As far as release dates. I want to have these tested in hotter weather which we are pretty close to getting up here in Wisconsin before I start shipping. Once I get a little less rain and a little more time around here I will go out and get a demonstration video.

stay tuned,
George
zkhennings APR 19, 01:36 PM
Looking forwards to this, I also do not mind being a test mule if you want to send out some beta versions

[This message has been edited by zkhennings (edited 04-19-2023).]

Dukesterpro APR 19, 10:59 PM
Good Evening ZK.

Well to further get you excited I wanted to drop a test video of what was supposed to be our production prototype. We are closing in on beta versions soon. I just need to improve the sleep mode code. The module is drinking to much power at idle. It can kill a full car battery in 8-10 days with no starts. Which is not acceptable. We are almost there. An easy fix would be to just add a simply switched power wire to the box instead of constant power, but I want to have as minimal amount of wiring as necessary.

For now, here's a teaser video. This is using the new controller box. Gen 2 style motor bolted directly to my 1984 style headlight buckets.

I am planning on being at the 40th anniversary to show off the design, but I am hoping to move a few testing units to folks within the next month or two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oSIKKfNKjc

The video showcases, regular operation, interruption protection, and winking (probably going to be removed, but the way it's supposed to work is if you double tap your headlight switch from the on position (off-on-off-on) it will switch to controlling only the motor you have selected on the toggle switch on the box. Allowing you to wink only one motor. The effect expires after 15 seconds and the box returns to controlling both headlights. Dumb feature in hindsight but It was on my project overview so I needed to include it for my grade.

The problem right now is reducing the footprint of the box which is currently 4x7x3. If I can just half the height of the enclosure I will be much much happier.

Please let me know what you guys are thinking!

[This message has been edited by Dukesterpro (edited 04-19-2023).]

zkhennings APR 20, 01:36 PM
Awesome! And FWIW I like the wink feature and would definitely use it
sanderson231 APR 20, 05:23 PM

quote
Originally posted by Wichita:

I would think that rebuilding the motors with Rodney's kit, even Gen 1 is better than these Gen 2 replacements.

Would this be true?



Everybody has there own opinion but if I could get a reliable control module I would run from the Gen I headlights at the first opportunity. I have rebuilt several Gen I headlights. The problem used to be stripped gears. On the latest rebuild I used up the last of my spares brushes to find ones where the contacts didn't fall off. If you go the Rodney route you'll be gluing on the contacts and who knows how long that will last.

------------------
formerly known as sanderson
1984 Quad 4
1886 SE 2.8L
1988 4.9L Cadillac
1988 3800 Supercharged

Lambo nut APR 20, 06:15 PM
Been watching this for a while and will now ask my question. Any reason the module wouldn't work with simple linear actuators in a custom setup?