2010 C30: Can headlights be coded to actually switch off?

[TheFiend]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

No, not really "dimmer", atleast not in terms of human eye. Its controlled by PWM (power modulo) similar to the 4-pin fans in your PC. On "day" settings those are getting 60% PWM so technically its not receiving full power BUT human eye see it still as fully "on", when on night setting are provided with almost full (90% I think) PWM power. Cant describe it better as I dont fully understand the electronic behind it but thats how it works

PWM = Pulse Width Modulation..... Basically it is controlling the intensity of the lamp by varying the size of pulse

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by TheFiend

PWM = Pulse Width Modulation..... Basically it is controlling the intensity of the lamp by varying the size of pulse

this...

Marcos - you wont notice the difference, no.
2 reasons:
1) human eye is not goo enough to distinguish between pwm 60 and pwm 90%. Its like watching the TV, you dont see the separate frames. If you were a bee for example, you would, and I think Bees would actually complain on PWM 60/90 :P
2) at night your car will automatically apply "night PWM mode" as every P1 with DRL/AUTO lights is equipped with dimm sensor (it also controls the waterfall dimming) so even if u leave it on pos0, the lights will work with 90% PWM "night mode" anyway.

atleast its all I know about it, someone feel free to correct me if Im wrong :}

[Bendolfc]

When comparing the service cost, don't forget to factor in the breakdown cover that you get with a dealer service.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by TheFiend

PWM = Pulse Width Modulation..... Basically it is controlling the intensity of the lamp by varying the size of pulse

if by "size" you are meaning the duration of the pulse then yes
if you are meaning the voltage of the pulse then no

Pulse WIDTH modulation is just that, changing the Duration (width ) of the pulse while keeping the voltage applied the same

On for X seconds Off for Y seconds, the voltage stays the same its just X and Y that change,

so they are on/off/on /off all the time,, any wonder Why bulbs dont last as long as in cars with a On / off switch

PWM to get drl "dipped beams" was not volvo's best idea,, but then again DRL arent either

shorter bulb life
shorter light unit life
Brilliant for volvo parts sales, SUCKY as a owner
and to gouge what they do to "OFF" this system,,, GRRRRR and even then we are Still stuck with it when headlight = on

(and i Still say, if you can not see a car in good light unless it has drl's What the f is your guide dog doing driving :P )

[TheFiend]

Originally Posted by andy_d

if by "size" you are meaning the duration of the pulse then yes
if you are meaning the voltage of the pulse then no

Pulse WIDTH modulation is just that, changing the Duration (width ) of the pulse while keeping the voltage applied the same

On for X seconds Off for Y seconds, the voltage stays the same its just X and Y that change,

so they are on/off/on /off all the time,, any wonder Why bulbs dont last as long as in cars with a On / off switch

PWM to get drl "dipped beams" was not volvo's best idea,, but then again DRL arent either

I've worked in electronics for 35 years...... you don't need to explain to me what it means.... The clue is in the "WIDTH" as to the size I was referring to...

Myself, I always have mine switched to Position 2 and if a lamp blows I've always carry a spare and the are simple enough to replace, even at the roadside at night...

[Markos01]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

this...

Marcos - you wont notice the difference, no.
2 reasons:
1) human eye is not goo enough to distinguish between pwm 60 and pwm 90%. Its like watching the TV, you dont see the separate frames. If you were a bee for example, you would, and I think Bees would actually complain on PWM 60/90 :P
2) at night your car will automatically apply "night PWM mode" as every P1 with DRL/AUTO lights is equipped with dimm sensor (it also controls the waterfall dimming) so even if u leave it on pos0, the lights will work with 90% PWM "night mode" anyway.

atleast its all I know about it, someone feel free to correct me if Im wrong :}

As my car doesn't have auto lights then I'd guess there's no light sensor so it will stay at 60% on '0' position even at night time?

Originally Posted by Bendolfc

When comparing the service cost, don't forget to factor in the breakdown cover that you get with a dealer service.

Never knew this, but I have AA cover with my parents added so it's too much hassle to change, plus the costs of Volvo servicing is much, much more than a specialist would do. East London Volvo quoted me over £600 but said "if you find a dealer that will do it cheaper let us know and we'll match it". I was advised it was £600+ as it was due a big service due to age/miles. No idea what that entails but doubt it was a cambelt change or valve clearances etc to justify that figure.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by TheFiend

I've worked in electronics for 35 years...... you don't need to explain to me what it means.... The clue is in the "WIDTH" as to the size I was referring to...

Myself, I always have mine switched to Position 2 and if a lamp blows I've always carry a spare and the are simple enough to replace, even at the roadside at night...

then perhaps you should know better and have explained it clearly for those folks who dont have advanced degrees in electronic engineering,
"thanks" for the attitude btw

[SteEnt]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

this...

Marcos - you wont notice the difference, no.
2 reasons:
1) human eye is not goo enough to distinguish between pwm 60 and pwm 90%. Its like watching the TV, you dont see the separate frames. If you were a bee for example, you would, and I think Bees would actually complain on PWM 60/90 :P
2) at night your car will automatically apply "night PWM mode" as every P1 with DRL/AUTO lights is equipped with dimm sensor (it also controls the waterfall dimming) so even if u leave it on pos0, the lights will work with 90% PWM "night mode" anyway.

atleast its all I know about it, someone feel free to correct me if Im wrong :}

By pulse, is that the effect I see on my dash cam if I put it in time lapse mode and cars with led lights flash on and off but I can’t see them doing this with the naked eye?
Like the refresh rate of a tv that’s measured in Hrtz?

[Ghost83]

Originally Posted by SteEnt

People say that they're dimmer in position 0 than in 2, but I have checked them against a wall and quickly switched between the positions and can tell no discernible difference.
It also gives the car a sense of presence on the road without you being a fog light ******

Also in position 0, the high beam don’t latch if I am not mistaken. So you still can flash incoming traffic, but won’t stay on.
In pos 2 it latches.

G

[Ghost83]

And I rather spend my money on a new projector as opposed to give it to a dealer.
Those ment to be on, so I’d let them be.