Dudun

iTrader: (1)

Although most members know the difference, some are just getting introduced into the world of automotive lighting. To some, this is common sense, but to others - This may be helpful when trying to decide what kind of lights to use.

Thanks.

LED:

--Uses less energy.
^^A single LED uses only 20milliamps, but the higher power ones can require allot more.
--Lasts longer.
^^Most LEDs last 100,000 hours, which is 11.4 years of 24/7 non-stop use, but this can change on voltage environment, other conditions, and even LED types..
--More directional glow.
^^Spread degree of LEDs can vary from 10 degrees to 100 degrees in most cases, but design can correct this problem.
--More precise colors.
^^thousands of colors possible, due to their precise manufacturing abilities of the manufacturers.
--Tons of colors possible.
^^thousands of colors possible, due to their precise manufacturing abilities of the manufacturers.
--Millions possible with the mixing of RGB LEDs.
^^mixing the brightness’ of Red, Green, and Blue can create millions of colors more than the human eye can see.
--Tons of patterns and effects possible.
^^Due to the nature of LEDs, their illumination speeds and color combination can be used to create millions of patterns and effects.
--Produces no heat, unless high powered LEDs are used.
^^nothing about the LED produces heat, but be very cautious with the high powered LEDs because they do produce heat.
--Can work in any temperature a human can handle.
^^the could careless about temperature, but they have their limitations, but we will almost never run into that limitation.
--Requires minimal voltages, which requires resistors.
^^Requires anywhere from 2-4 volts for most LEDs, but there are some that require high voltages. Resistors, or even voltage regulators are required to bring high voltage sources down to the LEDs voltage level.
--Temper-mental to voltage spikes. A voltage regulator fixes this.
^^LEDs can easily be fried by over voltages, resistors are not always good enough to stop voltage spikes, but a voltage regulator does a much better job.
--Can work on lower than optimal voltages. Mainly for creating other colors through RGB color mixing.
^^Mainly for creating other colors through RGB color mixing.
--Very small in size.
^^ Sizes vary from surface mount LEDs, 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, and many many more .
--Mostly waterproof besides contact leads and wires.
^^The LED itself is waterproof, but the leads going into the LED casing are not, but a simple coat of many waterproofing agents will fix that.
--Illuminates in nanoseconds, great for taillights.
^^The design of LEDs makes this possible, and if you really want to know why then search the net for more info on LEDs and how they work.



Neons:

--Brighter than most LEDs.
^^but not for long.
--More even, 360 glow.
^^ The design mostly.
--Colors hard to match with LEDs, and possibly other brands of neons.
^^Just the way that manufactures make their neons.
--Use more energy than LEDs.
^^Generally between 1-2amps, but can vary on length of tubes and how many.
--Only hundreds of colors available, if even that. average around 10-15 colors, but manufactures can have different color hues.
^^Manufacturing, and how popular the colors actually are.
--Produces some heat.
^^Design.
--Requires a transformer.
^^The actual Neon elements require very high AC voltage, so the transformer is used to do this.
--Does not work well with cold temperatures.
^^Its mainly the design of the neons, but give it some time and the will eventually warm-up and turn on.
--Temper-mental to voltage spikes.
^^The same as LEDs, the transformers don't like voltage spikes.
--Temper-mental to almost any voltage variations.
^^Under voltage can cause a transformer to burn-out early.
--Will not last long on lower than standard voltages.
^^Under voltage can cause a transformer to burn-out early.
--Not waterproof, unless specifically said so. Mainly under-glow neons are made waterproof.
^^Liquid electrical tape, epoxy, silicone, and many other stuff.
--Not many patterns or effects possible due to their stupid transformer, which creates a lag time before full illumination.



Cathodes:
Practically the same as neons but

--Requires a little less energy than regular neons.
^^Under voltage can cause a transformer to burn-out early.
--Are small in size than neons.
^^Design.
--Are generally brighter than neons.
^^Design.
--Are somewhat more fragile than neons, but its all in design.
^^Design.

kcari

iTrader: (5)

whats the best one to put under my car

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

prolly leds, cause they dont break very easily. just find a bright kit that uses superflux square style leds and not the lil smd chips or 5mm leds

Dudun

iTrader: (1)

In my opinion, LED is the way to go. So little power draw, and last much longer. Neon's are nice, but LED has some many more advantages.

I wouldn't ever, EVER suggest someone to use cathodes, just for the fact that their transformers aren't waterproof.

DeX

Temper-mental?

Dudun

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, meaning very sensitive to voltage spikes, surges, or just low voltage - which could burn the transformer/cathode out.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

cathodes also take a long time to warm up in cold weather. prolly the only thing theyre good for is in headlights.

jgcentury

Lol, I think he was just slapping you for your poor english.

EM2MAGMET914

a good site tht i go on is OZNIUM.com they have a nice selection of led's cathodes and sum neon they have this underbody kit called the BEEFY STRIP its a thick strip of rubber tht holds led's for underbody reall rugged and very nicee i was thinkin of gettin one guys should chek it outt

DeX

My Spidey Sense is tingling again.....

jgcentury

Sorry all, but that was hilarious!!!!

EM2MAGMET914

wait..i dont get it?...im kinda slow so um explain? i wanna laugh too! did i miss sumthin??