Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'dqs tow mirrors'.
Found 1 result
-
Hi Everyone, I recently picked up a set of the 2015+ HD DQS power folding tow mirrors. For those that aren't familiar with them, you can see them here: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/163141-new-hd-mirrors/?p=1482048 Once getting them, the only thing I thought was missing from them was using the clearance lamps on the front of them as both running lights and turn signals. Unfortunately, from the factory, GM didn't do this for me. So, I set out to correct that. The first thing that I thought about was how this could be done with an XOR circuit. Trying not to be too technical, an XOR circuit accepts two inputs, and have a single output. When either input is high, then the output is high. When either input is low or both inputs are high, then the output is low. This type of circuit would allow the clearance lamps to operate as both, with an inverted turn signal when the parking lamps were on. I scratched out a quick schematic here: All this requires is a pair of single-pole, dual-throw automotive relays (the ones with 87a terminals on the bottom) and some wire. With +12V, ground, parking lamp input and turn signal input, this should work. ...But, I'm not the type to leave well enough alone, so I thought I'd come up with something smaller, and wanted to step into the digital age. So, I got to work. First up, I came up with a schematic: And then designed a circuit board to go along with it: Once I was happy with that, I send the design out to a fab house to have boards made up. Here are the results: Did I mention it was small? It's roughly .65" tall and .95" wide. Next up, it was time to solder all the discreet components to the board: This microcontroller uses an Atmel microprocessor and accepts parking lamp and turn signal inputs. The output applies power to the LED clearance lamps on the front of the tow mirrors. I can pulse-width modulate the power to the LED clearance lamps, so that I can define the brightness of the LEDs. But, the best part about this controller is that it's fully programmable. So, if I want, I can set it up as an XOR circuit, or I can get a little more creative. next up, I added some wiring and started testing: And finally, after getting a pair of these hand soldered and programmed, I decided that I really didn't want to cut up the wiring harness on my truck. So, I sourced connectors and pins for the factory connectors on the mirrors. The results? Plug and play tow mirror LED controllers. It's too bad it's sub-ten-degrees outside right now, because I really want to get these installed. As for how they work? Here is a video I uploaded to Youtube of how they operate: I apologize for the low volume audio output; The video explains how they work, but it's summed up like this: When the parking lamp input is off, the clearance lamp operates with full brightness with the turn signal input. It basically flashes as the turn signal input is applied to it. When the larking lamp input is on, the clearance lamps normally operate at full brightness. the controller does this until it starts to receive turn signal input. When that happens, the controller dims the clearance lamps when then turn signal is off and sets it to full power when the turn signal input is on. After a second without turn signal input, the clearance lamps fade back up to full brightness. Overall, I'm happy with how these turned out, and am awaiting a day that's not unbearably cold so that I can install them. I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone has about them. [Edited because the board ate my attachments!]
