Strobing effect of LED lights?
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 0
From: Runcorn, NW-UK
Hi,
Can anyone explain why the LED lights in the BMW (and other cars) "strobe" rather than being constantly on? What I mean is, if you move your head quickly you can see that the lights are not constantly on but rather flashing extremely quickly, maybe 50 times a second or something.
It's what I'd expect from an AC circuit - but our cars run on DC.
I'm just curious (in more ways than one).
Can anyone explain why the LED lights in the BMW (and other cars) "strobe" rather than being constantly on? What I mean is, if you move your head quickly you can see that the lights are not constantly on but rather flashing extremely quickly, maybe 50 times a second or something.
It's what I'd expect from an AC circuit - but our cars run on DC.
I'm just curious (in more ways than one).
Members
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Hants, UK
Originally Posted by Russ1974' post='508051' date='Dec 18 2007, 11:28 AM
Hi,
Can anyone explain why the LED lights in the BMW (and other cars) "strobe" rather than being constantly on? What I mean is, if you move your head quickly you can see that the lights are not constantly on but rather flashing extremely quickly, maybe 50 times a second or something.
It's what I'd expect from an AC circuit - but our cars run on DC.
I'm just curious (in more ways than one).
Can anyone explain why the LED lights in the BMW (and other cars) "strobe" rather than being constantly on? What I mean is, if you move your head quickly you can see that the lights are not constantly on but rather flashing extremely quickly, maybe 50 times a second or something.
It's what I'd expect from an AC circuit - but our cars run on DC.
I'm just curious (in more ways than one).
Contributors
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 0
From: Davidson, North Carolina
My Ride: On Order as of May 6- 2007 530i Titanium Grey and Grey Leather, with Sport Package, Premium Pkg, Cold Pkg.
2006 Porsche Boxster
LEDs are not the same as a light bulb. The 'diode' lights up but it is not like a filament in a light bulb. That current also is regulated by a circuit not a constant stream of electricity.
Here is a good site to read more.
How a LED Works
Here is a good site to read more.
How a LED Works
Contributors
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 3
From: London, UK
My Ride: BMW E60 520d SE Saloon M47 2.0dTitanium Grey II, Grey−Dakota Leather, Visibility Package, Media Package, Through Load System, Lumbar support − fr seats, Automatic Air Conditioning−Advanced, High beam assistant, Hi−Fi Loudspeak
Model Year: 2006
The LCM are actually plusing the lights to check of they are still alive. Thats the reason for the strobing.
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 0
From: Runcorn, NW-UK
Originally Posted by bruce_miranda' post='508059' date='Dec 18 2007, 06:36 AM
The LCM are actually plusing the lights to check of they are still alive. Thats the reason for the strobing.
Contributors
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 3
From: London, UK
My Ride: BMW E60 520d SE Saloon M47 2.0dTitanium Grey II, Grey−Dakota Leather, Visibility Package, Media Package, Through Load System, Lumbar support − fr seats, Automatic Air Conditioning−Advanced, High beam assistant, Hi−Fi Loudspeak
Model Year: 2006
If you want it to really bug you, look at them through the lens of a digital camera or camcorder.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
socale39
Complete Car Sales
9
Sep 5, 2023 08:30 AM
BilboTeabaggins
E60, E61 Parts, Accessories and Mods
3
Jun 11, 2015 08:00 PM