Cheaper alternative to expensive 4th brake lights.

[Diode Dynamics]

While I agree with the differences you have on the 4th brake light and some of the justification behind the higher price, I just can't help but chuckle at your first statement. The reverse light and the switchbacks are "just the bulb" too yet yours cost 4 or 5 times as much yet the quality you claim isn't there. Some could argue that it's worse than the ebay/amazon bulbs due to the flickering and bulbs coming out of the socket. If I'm going to pay $60 for your switch backs, I shouldn't have to secure them with electrical tape to the socket. Just saying.

You don't have to secure our bulbs with electrical tape, and the newly-redesigned bulbs have no issues that may have been seen previously. However, I have a feeling a lot of the eBay bulbs do still have both those issues. They're also shipped quick with a solid warranty from St. Louis. We do understand that the value is not there for everyone though. Thanks!

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[Diode Dynamics]

So how does it work when you're in reverse and hit your brakes?

Our module or this knockoff?

Our module connects to both tail lamps through plug-and-play connectors, and uses dual microcontrollers to continuously analyze the first and third segments to figure out whether the signal is a turn signal or a brake signal. Then, if reverse is activated, white overrides low red or high red signal to shine in a bright white light.

This cheaper bulb will just light up red with your parking light, using the wire that you have to jam around the factory socket (not an OEM plug-in terminal) and then it will switch to white for reverse. It will not light up only as a brake light without also lighting up with one side of your turn signals, due to the way the signals run to the tail lamp.

Additionally, the total brightness will be only 20-30% of our bulb's brightness, as this is an extremely old SMT style. It will be a significant downgrade in output compared to the factory reverse light.

 

[Chameleon]

Thanks ponie1992!
Got mine on order from amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/iJDMTOY-2015-up-Mustang-2011-2014-Reverse/dp/B010OTIL9S/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1453403612&sr=1-3&keywords=mustang+4th+brake+light

Thanks for the link [MENTION=14745]ob1[/MENTION]!

 

[Rogues Gambit]

Our product is far from just a bulb. If it was just the bulb, we could probably sell it for $15 too.

It is a set of plug-and-play tail light connectors in a harness we put together so you don't have to tap anything. Those signals go into a dual-microcontroller analyzer circuit which allows it to function as a brake light. That is the primary cost of our kit.

You will not be able to make this one work as a brake light on the Mustang.

Thanks!

Love my DD lights, installed all but the RBG fogs I ordered, simpl plug and play despite my lack of skill and experience (though some needed to be MUSCLED in)

I feel my car is that much more badass compared to fellow s550s I see on the road without the 4th tail, sequential brakes or turn signals.

Just wish you had stuff for Germans, would hook up my sister's Benz

 

[ponie1992]

You will not be able to make this one work as a brake light on the Mustang.

Thanks!

Are you referring to the bulb I installed? If so, have you watched my video?

 

[Diode Dynamics]

Are you referring to the bulb I installed? If so, have you watched my video?

I edited the post to clarify. Can you show us how it looks with each turn signal going, with the brakes on?

As a side note, just a suggestion, I would recommend finding some way of sealing that hole you drilled in the socket. Even if there's only a small place for air to get in, you'll have condensation issues if you're anywhere that has humid summers.

 

[ponie1992]

I edited the post to clarify. Can you show us how it looks with each turn signal going, with the brakes on?

As a side note, just a suggestion, I would recommend finding some way of sealing that hole you drilled in the socket. Even if there's only a small place for air to get in, you'll have condensation issues if you're anywhere that has humid summers.

I'll try to get a video soon. I sealed the hole with black RTV.

 

[Khyber]

we're in the same town. we could always compare side by side since I got dd 4 bl!

 

[CentralVA]

I'll be going with DD when I do place the order. I like the plug and play install although I can wire pretty much anything myself. Hey DD you want to sponsor any vehicles? I'll make a nice Youtube install video;) ;)

 

[ponie1992]

Ok, so I tested the left turn signal since that's the side I tapped into and the 4th brake light flashes with the signal. Pretty cool effect, but it doesn't do it with the right signal. I'm gonna have to rethink this. I didn't consider the sequencing. I'll get this figured out, though. I love automotive lighting and a challenge.

 

[Diode Dynamics]

Ok, so I tested the left turn signal since that's the side I tapped into and the 4th brake light flashes with the signal. Pretty cool effect, but it doesn't do it with the right signal. I'm gonna have to rethink this. I didn't consider the sequencing. I'll get this figured out, though. I love automotive lighting and a challenge.

Bingo- just like trucks with combined turn/brake lights, there is no single brake light signal near the tail light. There is only a running-light signal, and then "high power" for each of the three sections. For turn, the vehicle lights them in sequence, turns off, and starts the sequence again. For brake, it lights them all at the same time. But if you tap one wire (say, for the first light segment), you have no way of knowing whether the turn or brake is on. So if you have the brake on, and hit your turn signal, it'll start flashing as a turn signal. If you're driving and hit your turn signal, it'll start flashing for one side, but not the other. This really ends up being a pretty weird appearance, but I guess for some people it might be OK. We decided that it should function like you'd expect if it was a factory-installed option, so we went to great lengths to figure out a solution so that it lights up every time as a brake light, whether the turn signal is on or off, whether you quickly tap the brakes or leave them on, etc. It ended up requiring a bit of programming and two independent microcontrollers to analyze the incoming signal.

You have two options, which we considered in developing our kit:
1. Dual microcontrollers.
2. Running the wire all the way up to your 3rd brake light.

Or, you could just have it function as a parking light only, and call it a day.

I really don't blame anyone for trying to save a few bucks to make their car look cool- I have built plenty of cars myself and I know every dollar counts. But between the waterproof logic analysis board, the OEM plug-and-play connectors, factory add-in connector terminal, and extremely bright LED, we priced our product as competitively as possible, while making it here in the US and offering a solid warranty and support.

Paul

 

[ponie1992]

Bingo- just like trucks with combined turn/brake lights, there is no single brake light signal near the tail light. There is only a running-light signal, and then "high power" for each of the three sections. For turn, the vehicle lights them in sequence, turns off, and starts the sequence again. For brake, it lights them all at the same time. But if you tap one wire (say, for the first light segment), you have no way of knowing whether the turn or brake is on. So if you have the brake on, and hit your turn signal, it'll start flashing as a turn signal. If you're driving and hit your turn signal, it'll start flashing for one side, but not the other. This really ends up being a pretty weird appearance, but I guess for some people it might be OK. We decided that it should function like you'd expect if it was a factory-installed option, so we went to great lengths to figure out a solution so that it lights up every time as a brake light, whether the turn signal is on or off, whether you quickly tap the brakes or leave them on, etc. It ended up requiring a bit of programming and two independent microcontrollers to analyze the incoming signal.

You have two options, which we considered in developing our kit:
1. Dual microcontrollers.
2. Running the wire all the way up to your 3rd brake light.

Or, you could just have it function as a parking light only, and call it a day.

I really don't blame anyone for trying to save a few bucks to make their car look cool- I have built plenty of cars myself and I know every dollar counts. But between the waterproof logic analysis board, the OEM plug-and-play connectors, factory add-in connector terminal, and extremely bright LED, we priced our product as competitively as possible, while making it here in the US and offering a solid warranty and support.

Paul

Paul, there is another option... at least for me. I like the way the 4th brake light flashes with the signal, so I'm going to stick with that. I'll use 2 relays, one for each side. The 4th light will flash with either left or right signal or hazards, even with the brake applied. To me, this will be an attention getter for cars behind me. During normal breaking, it will function as a normal 4th brake light. I keep relays and wiring laying around, so no additional cost.

As for the DD setup, I can't say anything bad about it, but can save some cash for other things going my route. Plus, I get to tinker with my car and make it unique at the same time. This is a total win for me.

Also, I do appreciate your input. It's nice to see vendor reps active on forums.

 

[Diode Dynamics]

Paul, there is another option... at least for me. I like the way the 4th brake light flashes with the signal, so I'm going to stick with that.

Oh of course, if that's fine with you, seems pretty simple. We just didn't want to sell a "4th Brake" that flashes in the middle of the car for a turn signal- it also gets really funky if you have turn signal running while tapping the brakes or vice versa. Not the look we were going for, but it might be OK for you. And yeah, you bet! Keep up the moddin'

 

[Khyber]

Oh of course, if that's fine with you, seems pretty simple. We just didn't want to sell a "4th Brake" that flashes in the middle of the car for a turn signal- it also gets really funky if you have turn signal running while tapping the brakes or vice versa. Not the look we were going for, but it might be OK for you. And yeah, you bet! Keep up the moddin'

no but I need you to come out with something so my 4th brake light flashes f1 style when i hit the brakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh and have the 3rd brake light do the same.

but you already know this request lol

 

[doulos4jc]

You have two options, which we considered in developing our kit:
1. Dual microcontrollers.
2. Running the wire all the way up to your 3rd brake light.

If I went with the knock off this is what I would try.

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