6 ms·

Hack Your Way to the Superior Euro Headlights NHTSA Doesn't Want You to Have

50 points by Stratoscope 3y ago

jessriedel 3y ago
Some details on the requirements: > Some of the differences in testing between [international standard SAE] J3069 and the final rule adopted by NHTSA include applying the glare limits at all ranges as opposed to at specific points (30 meters, 60 meters, etc.) in the SAE test. The final rule also specifies actual curves of various sizes as opposed to using simulated curves as well as using actual vehicles instead of assemblies intended to simulate vehicle lamps. NHTSA defended its choice noting that many of the tests are the same. > "The final rule follows SAE J3069 in many significant respects but is different in some areas due to safety considerations. For example, the SAE standard permits up to 25% increase in glare compared to current limits and would allow systems that do not provide benefits beyond standard lower beams to be marketed to consumers as AFS," said a NHTSA spokesperson. https://www.newsweek.com/nhtsa-roadblocking-headlight-technology-that-could-save-lives-1811354 https://www.newsweek.com/nhtsa-roadblocking-headlight-techno...
lbourdages 3y ago
It sucks that we can't have smart headlights because "glare" concerns yet the vast majority of SUVs produced in the past 5-6 years have ultra bright LED headlamps that are absolutely blinding even on the low beams. Pick-ups are even worse. If at least the current regulation was effective, I could understand, but as it is, it's completely inept at keeping headlights under control.
givemeethekeys 3y ago
Would this make headlights even brighter than they already are? Because they're pretty frickin bright as it is!
- CuriousCosmic 3y ago
  While potentially you could make them brighter, there's not really too much of a need compared to normal LED headlights. The real advantage is that you can have these ultrabright lights without blinding everyone in the process.
CommieBobDole 3y ago
The NHTSA are the same people that banned ATE Super Blue brake fluid in the US, even for 'off-road' use, because they have a standard that describes brake fluid as being "colorless or amber". It was nice because you alternate with the regular color and have a visual indication of when you'd bled out the old fluid completely. But too dangerous for American roads because of important unspecified reasons, apparently.
Am4TIfIsER0ppos 3y ago
I see these supposedly superior Euro lights every night and all I want is to go back to incandescent bulbs. LEDs are an abomination for illumination inside, outside, and on the road.
- viraptor 3y ago
  That's a weird line to draw. What LEDs? Used in what way? There are LEDs which you wouldn't be able to tell what from incandescent bulbs. What specific characteristic of them do you not like?
  - Am4TIfIsER0ppos 3y ago
    Flicker and point sources are my two biggest gripes about LED illumination. The first could be solved by just plain DC driving them, no PWM, but that defeats the supposed longevity. The second can be mitigated with a good "diffuser" but those aren't used on headlights or streetlights and only on some indoor lighting fixtures.
    - BenjiWiebe 3y ago
      Is flicker an issue with headlights? I'd think a DC-DC converter would run at 50kHz or more so you could use cheaper smaller parts. IME, LED flicker is predominantly from cheap LED bulbs running off mains. (Slightly) More expensive ones have better filtering or something and I can't detect any flicker.

50 points by Stratoscope 3y ago

Some details on the requirements: > Some of the differences in testing between [international standard SAE] J3069 and the final rule adopted by NHTSA include applying the glare limits at all ranges as opposed to at specific points (30 meters, 60 meters, etc.) in the SAE test. The final rule also specifies actual curves of various sizes as opposed to using simulated curves as well as using actual vehicles instead of assemblies intended to simulate vehicle lamps. NHTSA defended its choice noting that many of the tests are the same. > "The final rule follows SAE J3069 in many significant respects but is different in some areas due to safety considerations. For example, the SAE standard permits up to 25% increase in glare compared to current limits and would allow systems that do not provide benefits beyond standard lower beams to be marketed to consumers as AFS," said a NHTSA spokesperson. https://www.newsweek.com/nhtsa-roadblocking-headlight-technology-that-could-save-lives-1811354 https://www.newsweek.com/nhtsa-roadblocking-headlight-techno...

lbourdages 3y ago

It sucks that we can't have smart headlights because "glare" concerns yet the vast majority of SUVs produced in the past 5-6 years have ultra bright LED headlamps that are absolutely blinding even on the low beams. Pick-ups are even worse. If at least the current regulation was effective, I could understand, but as it is, it's completely inept at keeping headlights under control.

givemeethekeys 3y ago

Would this make headlights even brighter than they already are? Because they're pretty frickin bright as it is!

CuriousCosmic 3y ago
While potentially you could make them brighter, there's not really too much of a need compared to normal LED headlights. The real advantage is that you can have these ultrabright lights without blinding everyone in the process.

CommieBobDole 3y ago

The NHTSA are the same people that banned ATE Super Blue brake fluid in the US, even for 'off-road' use, because they have a standard that describes brake fluid as being "colorless or amber". It was nice because you alternate with the regular color and have a visual indication of when you'd bled out the old fluid completely. But too dangerous for American roads because of important unspecified reasons, apparently.

Am4TIfIsER0ppos 3y ago

I see these supposedly superior Euro lights every night and all I want is to go back to incandescent bulbs. LEDs are an abomination for illumination inside, outside, and on the road.

viraptor 3y ago
That's a weird line to draw. What LEDs? Used in what way? There are LEDs which you wouldn't be able to tell what from incandescent bulbs. What specific characteristic of them do you not like?
- Am4TIfIsER0ppos 3y ago
  Flicker and point sources are my two biggest gripes about LED illumination. The first could be solved by just plain DC driving them, no PWM, but that defeats the supposed longevity. The second can be mitigated with a good "diffuser" but those aren't used on headlights or streetlights and only on some indoor lighting fixtures.
  - BenjiWiebe 3y ago
    Is flicker an issue with headlights? I'd think a DC-DC converter would run at 50kHz or more so you could use cheaper smaller parts. IME, LED flicker is predominantly from cheap LED bulbs running off mains. (Slightly) More expensive ones have better filtering or something and I can't detect any flicker.