Re: Xenon HID retrofits: an optical engineer's view


"Doki" <mrdoki@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"JB" <JB@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"Doki" <mrdoki@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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<snip>


You'll be ok with a chrome plating and high wattage lamps, but chrome
hasn't
been used for years. The plating process uses some nasty chemicals
and
the
waste is classed as toxic. Modern reflectors, even steel ones use
vacuum
deposited aluminium reflector coating. This is quite soft, and
susceptible
to 'heat blooming' (oxidation). Aluminium is a much better reflector
material optically than chrome too.

How modern's modern? 15 year old car...

If they are Bosch/hella/Cibie optics they will almost certainly be
vac-aluminised steel. Simple symmetric reflectors are still cheaper to
produce in steel. All of the newer fancy 'freeform' multi lamp, multi
function optics are vac-aluminised polymer.
I still say you'd be better off with Osram Silverstars, auxilliary
relays
and good thick wiring back to the battery. Volt drop in standard wiring
harnesses and connectors can be *really* bad news, especially at the
8.33A
needed per 100W lamp.

It's a known fact that VW golf lamp wiring is naff. 100W bulbs are cheaper
than silverstars / vision plus though :).

Rewiring the headlamp circuit will be *much* cheaper than buying either of
these lamps. fitting 100W lamps will just make things worse. I dread to
think of the temperature all those high resistance connectors/joints etc
would reach with double the standard current using 100W lamps.
Measure the voltage actually at the lamp connector with the lights switched
on. I'll bet it's <11.5V. At 11.5V, you'll lose 20% of your lamp lumens!
JB


.

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