High Intensity Discharged Xenon headlight

[ktmron]

I have a 2002 viper without electric start. Has anyone tried to install a High Intensity Discharged Xenon lights with a transformer? My concern is the vibration and the voltage changes. Would I have to install a battery to maintain proper voltage?

 

[Oyvind Ryeng]

Is the electric system AC or DC? If AC you need to rectify the voltage into DC via either a single diode or a diode bridge (4 diodes) for both the positive and negative voltage pulse. Add a capacitor to stabilize the voltage; to avoid ripple. Recommended size depends on the energy draw, but 10 mF could be a good place to start. As a rule, bigger capacitor, more stable voltage (i.e. less ripple).

Here is a schematic of the bridge; add the capacitor over "+ OUT" and "- OUT":

 

[ktmron]

thanks for the response, the 2002 viper runs on a 12 volt dc system with a rectifier and a regulator.

 

[Oyvind Ryeng]

Well, there you go; no need for the rectifier then. Now, about dimming and low voltage at idle, you'd best read up on what operating voltage the HID kit is specified for. If it can't operate under 12 Volts you can, among other things, install a DC-DC converter circuit between the HID kit and the sleds electrical system. This circuit can be able to output 12 Volts with an input voltage lower than this. So if the input voltage drops, it will draw a higher current from the sleds electric system to drive the HID kit at it's rated nominal voltage; or in laymans terms: no dimming. Of course, this only works if the sleds electrical system can output the required energy (Watts) that is required. Say, if the sled only outputs like 30 Watts at idle, there is nothing one can do, other than re-wiring the stator to outout more energy. From my memory, a High Intensity Discharge lightbulb has a rated energy draw of 35 Watts, so the sled has to output at least this much. Also, it has to supply power for the spark plugs, instrument lights and the tail lamp.

However, I must add, constructing a complete DC-DC converter circuit from scratch is something I would not recommend to anybody other than an electrical engieneer. The math is fairly complex and one must have a profound understanding of how every electrical component and term works. I'd rather just pick up a box from eBay or whereever that one just plugs in - and it works.

Another option comes to mind; turning off the headlights at idle. This can be achieved by using a Zener diode in conjunction with a relay. The Zener diode only conducts current when a specific voltage is applied to it, so when the sled is idling and outputting maybe 9 volts, the HID kit is turned off via the relay. However, when the HID kit turns off, those 35 Watts of energy is again available to be used for something else, and as this energy is made available to the sled, the voltage rises, and triggers the Zener diode and relay and then the HID kit is suddenly alive again and we are back to square one with the exeption that the light is turning on and off again maybe once a second. Complex stuff, I tell you.

- Then again, maybe the HID kit is rated for a lower voltage and will light up with maybe only 9 Volts, who knows?

 

[hookedonblue]

just use sylvania silverstars, they are nice. very whiteh and bright. youll love em.

 

[2datrl]

I have the sikver stars in my truck. Great on the road.

 

[Yamasquaw]

I have Silverstars too and they rock.....no more yellow vision at night!!!

 

[Ding]

A few years ago, someone on here posted their experience with a project of this nature. I am sitting here racking my brain trying to remember who it was but can't seem to do so. I will post this hoping that someone else who does remember reads it.

If NYSXR or VmaxJohn reads this they might remember.

The Viper system generates a very "clean" regulated voltage that makes it feasible. Previous sleds would have required a lot of extra circuitry as noted above.

Now, I am wondering if this ever got into the Tech Pages.

Maybe I'll go look . . .

 

[Ding]

Nope, don't see it in the Tech Pages . . .

I know someone posted a snapshot of a scope showing the output of the Viper charging system. It could have been SRXRULES also . . .

 

[LFM]

I have a 2002 viper without electric start. Has anyone tried to install a High Intensity Discharged Xenon lights with a transformer? My concern is the vibration and the voltage changes. Would I have to install a battery to maintain proper voltage?

I have seen a guy with one on a viper. He said once the bulb ignites it takes less power then his standard bulb. He just has to give a little rev on start up and the ballast charges and the bulb ignites. He has had it for two years trouble free with stock stater. I have looked into it and instal is straight forward. Go for it , it looks awesome and is the best light on snow hands down...