Since it looks like the sticky was erased. Written by Absinthe
Also a very good read: http://www.intellexual.net/hid.html
http://www.nuconverter.de/ehid.html
http://faqlight.carpassion.info/hl-hid-bulbs.htm
Xenon HID - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is REAL Xenon light?
The xenon bulb is a micro discharge bulb filled with a mixture of noble gases including Xenon. The bulb has no filament as is the case with a halogen lamp. The light is created by striking and arc between 2 electrodes. The xenon lamp needs a starter for quick ignition and an electronic ballast to function properly.
Although any halogen bulb can potentially contain a minute quantity of the gas to justify the name, real Xenon light is developed between two electrodes instead of a filament.
2. What are the advantages of Xenon Light?
The xenon bulb provides more than twice the amount of light of a halogen bulb, while only consuming half the power (wattage). Therefore, the driver can see more clearly, and the car has more power for other functions. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly, as less power means less fuel consumption.
The clear white light produced by the Xenon bulb is similar to daylight. Research has shown that this enables drivers to concentrate better. Furthermore, this particular light color reflects the road markings and signs better that conventional lighting.
The xenon bulb also delivers a marked contribution to road safety in the event of limited visibility due to weather conditions. In practical terms, the life span of the bulb is equal to that of the car, which means that the bulb need only be replaced in exceptional cases.
3. Why was Xenon Light developed?
For more safety on our roads. In the past decade, car manufacturers have made cars safer and more comfortable by the introduction of A.B.S., air bags, air conditioning, etc. But still, no less that 60% of all traffic accidents take place in poorly lit conditions. Therefore, lighting greatly contributes actively to road safety and comfort.
4. Why is good quality car lighting so important?
Because it saves lives. Better lighting leads to earlier and improved recognition of objects, cyclists, pedestrians, road workers, etc. Earlier and improved recognition of traffic signs and road markings is also vitally important to accident prevention. Therefore, better lighting delivers an active contribution to road safety and driver comfort, and can save lives. This is in contrast to such items as air bags, which are purely passive safety measures and do not prevent accidents.
5. Can't halogen bulbs be improved on?
The limits of halogen bulb technology were reached with the introduction of the [Premium] halogen bulb, which produces 30% more road light than the standard halogen bulb. Further opportunities for a breakthrough entailed entirely new technologies. The gas discharge bulb proved to be the answer.
6. Can I change my headlights to Xenon gas discharge?
Yes! But...For low beam applications a replacement of existing halogen bulbs against a new Xenon headlamp is necessary. In addition to that, a cleaning & automatic leveling device is required by law when using Xenon for low beam applications.
7. What makes Xenon blue?
The light produced by a xenon bulb is in fact not blue but white, falling well within the international specifications for white light. The light only appears blue in comparison to the warmer (and yellower) light produced by halogen. It clearly appears white in comparison to daylight. The appearance of the light colour is also determined by the quality of the reflector. Real blue light in headlights are forbidden by law!!
8. Why can a xenon lamp produce the same colour as halogen?
Technically speaking it could and it is possible to adapt the light colour produced. However, this would lead to substantial loss of intensity, thereby canceling out the particular advantages gained. i.e. Increased driver concentration and reflection of the road marking etc of white light.
9. Why is Xenon Light more expensive than halogen lighting?
Xenon lighting is not simply a question of a new type of bulb, but a whole new system consisting of:
1. a highly complex and hi-tech bulb, manufactured according to the highest standards of precision.
2. an electrical ballast and
3. electric starter. an automatic headlamp leveling and cleaning systems. The price is governed by all these components. As soon as Xenon Light achieves wide-scale application, the price will drop. However, it will remain substantially more expensive than the halogen headlamp. Therefore, we should not view Xenon Light as a replacement for halogen bulbs, but as a hi-tech system for the improvement of road safety and the comfort of drivers and other road users.
10. Can I equip my car with Xenon light for fog or high beam?
Replacing high beam or fog lamps is only possible through the installation of an additional headlamp set. Please consider the legal requirements for auxiliary lighting applications that should be included in the packaging of the additional headlamps available.
11. Doesn't the use of Xenon lamps cause more irritation amongst other drivers?
The International regulations governing light distribution and intensity on the road are very strict. Xenon light falls well within these standards. Technically speaking , xenon lighting is less irritating than halogen lamps. This is because the light darkness transition border are much more clearly defined. Less light is reflected into the eyes of oncoming drivers. The increased light output is used to give more homogeneous light distribution and to improve the illumination of the verges. The above are only achieved if the following 3 International regulation conditions are met :
1. The headlamps must be correctly aligned according to the regulations.
2. The vehicle must be fitted with an automatic headlamp leveling system.
3. The vehicle is fitted with an automatic headlight cleaning system. Without such the dirt acts as a diffuser for the light and distributes it in areas beyond the prescribed range.
12. Why is it that Xenon light sometimes causes irritation to oncoming drivers?
In normal conditions drivers look straight ahead. Due however to the conspicuous colour of the new technology drivers are more inclined to look into other cars headlights. The same phenomenon was experienced with the introduction of halogen lamps in the sixties. In those days drivers spoke of those 'irritating white lights'. Everybody will gradually become accustomed to this type of light as they did to the introduction of yellow lights in France and the use of a third brake light.
13. History of HID
HID lighting systems were first offered as an option on high-end luxury cars and are currently offered as standard equipment on 7% of all European vehicles. HID made its North American debut in 1995 on the Lincoln Mark VIII. Now HID headlights are available in the U.S. as an option on numerous high-end and mid-level models. Although halogen is still used on the majority of vehicles manufactured today, HID continues to grow in popularity due to its safety and performance benefits.
14. Is HID here to stay?
Experts indicate that automotive lighting will continue to evolve and HID lighting systems will displace the current halogen headlight technology. Experts further say that although it has been regarded as a luxury option or a prestige item, it will become a more common, expected and affordable feature. Projected worldwide HID usage is expected to exceed 10% of all vehicles by 2008.
15. Are these headlights for older drivers?
HID lighting is available for all drivers as an option to enhance appearance and safety. Older drivers may benefit because HID systems offer better illumination, especially for those who suffer from diminished night-vision.
16. Have there been any complaints?
Some motorists are concerned about what they perceive as brighter lights. Lighting specialists at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say that some people are more sensitive to light but that HID meets the same intensity and beam pattern standards in place since 1978 (the last time the government made a major revision to its standards).
17. Are Xenon HID light systems street legal?
Every jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations governing the use of automotive lighting. Xenon HID lighting systems that are supplied with the vehicles from the factory are DOT approved.
No Xenon HID conversion kit available from any source is DOT approved if installed outside of the factory. Moreover, in the U.S, this is not street legal for use on public roads. As a result, companies officially endorse the kit for exhibition and off-road use and will only sell the kit to be used for these purposes. They are not responsible for buyers who violate the terms of sale while in which they will assume all responsibilities for any unauthorized or unintended use other than exhibition or off-road use.
18. What is the difference between genuine Xenon HID lights and Xenon gas-filled bulbs?
High Intensity Discharge (HID) is a type of lighting technology that replaces the filament of the light bulb with Xenon gas. The gas is ignited to produce an arc of light, when high voltage is applied. The amount of light output is three times that of a standard halogen bulb. The lamps also glow at a higher light temperature (closer to natural sunlight) that gives it its distinct color and appearance.
Other companies produce halogen bulbs that are gas-filled. They still have a filament as they are halogen technology, but the gas gives the bulb a bluer color when lit. Xenon-filled halogen bulbs produce little or no more light output then standard halogen bulbs of the same wattage.
"It should be noted that halogen technology is not comparable to the Xenon discharge technology, fitted as original equipment to more and more of the world's finest cars. " - Philips
DO NOT BE FOOLED BY COMPANIES THAT OFFER HID LOOK BULBS! They are not a true Xenon HID light system.
19. Could I not just purchase a stronger watt halogen bulb to get a brighter light?
Xenon HID lamps are 35 watts while traditional halogen bulbs are 55 watts. Even though Xenon HID lamps draw less current, they produce 3 times the light output as the higher wattage halogen bulbs. Increasing the wattage will make the bulb a little brighter but still much dimmer that the Xenon HID lamps. Also, AMPS = (BULB WATTS X 2) / BATTERY VOLTAGE OUTPUT (12). So as you increase the wattage on your bulb you increase the current draw on your entire electrical system. This is critical in motorcycle applications.
20. Why can I not just replace the halogen bulb in my vehicle with Xenon HID lamps with out having to purchase the entire kit?
Motorcycles and automobiles currently use a 12 Volt electrical system for their headlamps. Xenon HID lighting systems require over 20,000 volts to ignite the bulbs. Once lit, they only require 12 volts to keep running. Our kits include a power pack that is necessary for the lamps to turn on. The input of the power pack is 12 volts. It is an integral part of the system.
More to come...
Source: various.
_________________
5-SPEED MAZDA3 SPORT GT - WINNING BLUE
·÷±‡± CarDomain - More Pics ±‡±÷·
Contact: Absinthe(at)FMVPerformance.com
Also a very good read: http://www.intellexual.net/hid.html
http://www.nuconverter.de/ehid.html
http://faqlight.carpassion.info/hl-hid-bulbs.htm
Xenon HID - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is REAL Xenon light?
The xenon bulb is a micro discharge bulb filled with a mixture of noble gases including Xenon. The bulb has no filament as is the case with a halogen lamp. The light is created by striking and arc between 2 electrodes. The xenon lamp needs a starter for quick ignition and an electronic ballast to function properly.
Although any halogen bulb can potentially contain a minute quantity of the gas to justify the name, real Xenon light is developed between two electrodes instead of a filament.
2. What are the advantages of Xenon Light?
The xenon bulb provides more than twice the amount of light of a halogen bulb, while only consuming half the power (wattage). Therefore, the driver can see more clearly, and the car has more power for other functions. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly, as less power means less fuel consumption.
The clear white light produced by the Xenon bulb is similar to daylight. Research has shown that this enables drivers to concentrate better. Furthermore, this particular light color reflects the road markings and signs better that conventional lighting.
The xenon bulb also delivers a marked contribution to road safety in the event of limited visibility due to weather conditions. In practical terms, the life span of the bulb is equal to that of the car, which means that the bulb need only be replaced in exceptional cases.
3. Why was Xenon Light developed?
For more safety on our roads. In the past decade, car manufacturers have made cars safer and more comfortable by the introduction of A.B.S., air bags, air conditioning, etc. But still, no less that 60% of all traffic accidents take place in poorly lit conditions. Therefore, lighting greatly contributes actively to road safety and comfort.
4. Why is good quality car lighting so important?
Because it saves lives. Better lighting leads to earlier and improved recognition of objects, cyclists, pedestrians, road workers, etc. Earlier and improved recognition of traffic signs and road markings is also vitally important to accident prevention. Therefore, better lighting delivers an active contribution to road safety and driver comfort, and can save lives. This is in contrast to such items as air bags, which are purely passive safety measures and do not prevent accidents.
5. Can't halogen bulbs be improved on?
The limits of halogen bulb technology were reached with the introduction of the [Premium] halogen bulb, which produces 30% more road light than the standard halogen bulb. Further opportunities for a breakthrough entailed entirely new technologies. The gas discharge bulb proved to be the answer.
6. Can I change my headlights to Xenon gas discharge?
Yes! But...For low beam applications a replacement of existing halogen bulbs against a new Xenon headlamp is necessary. In addition to that, a cleaning & automatic leveling device is required by law when using Xenon for low beam applications.
7. What makes Xenon blue?
The light produced by a xenon bulb is in fact not blue but white, falling well within the international specifications for white light. The light only appears blue in comparison to the warmer (and yellower) light produced by halogen. It clearly appears white in comparison to daylight. The appearance of the light colour is also determined by the quality of the reflector. Real blue light in headlights are forbidden by law!!
8. Why can a xenon lamp produce the same colour as halogen?
Technically speaking it could and it is possible to adapt the light colour produced. However, this would lead to substantial loss of intensity, thereby canceling out the particular advantages gained. i.e. Increased driver concentration and reflection of the road marking etc of white light.
9. Why is Xenon Light more expensive than halogen lighting?
Xenon lighting is not simply a question of a new type of bulb, but a whole new system consisting of:
1. a highly complex and hi-tech bulb, manufactured according to the highest standards of precision.
2. an electrical ballast and
3. electric starter. an automatic headlamp leveling and cleaning systems. The price is governed by all these components. As soon as Xenon Light achieves wide-scale application, the price will drop. However, it will remain substantially more expensive than the halogen headlamp. Therefore, we should not view Xenon Light as a replacement for halogen bulbs, but as a hi-tech system for the improvement of road safety and the comfort of drivers and other road users.
10. Can I equip my car with Xenon light for fog or high beam?
Replacing high beam or fog lamps is only possible through the installation of an additional headlamp set. Please consider the legal requirements for auxiliary lighting applications that should be included in the packaging of the additional headlamps available.
11. Doesn't the use of Xenon lamps cause more irritation amongst other drivers?
The International regulations governing light distribution and intensity on the road are very strict. Xenon light falls well within these standards. Technically speaking , xenon lighting is less irritating than halogen lamps. This is because the light darkness transition border are much more clearly defined. Less light is reflected into the eyes of oncoming drivers. The increased light output is used to give more homogeneous light distribution and to improve the illumination of the verges. The above are only achieved if the following 3 International regulation conditions are met :
1. The headlamps must be correctly aligned according to the regulations.
2. The vehicle must be fitted with an automatic headlamp leveling system.
3. The vehicle is fitted with an automatic headlight cleaning system. Without such the dirt acts as a diffuser for the light and distributes it in areas beyond the prescribed range.
12. Why is it that Xenon light sometimes causes irritation to oncoming drivers?
In normal conditions drivers look straight ahead. Due however to the conspicuous colour of the new technology drivers are more inclined to look into other cars headlights. The same phenomenon was experienced with the introduction of halogen lamps in the sixties. In those days drivers spoke of those 'irritating white lights'. Everybody will gradually become accustomed to this type of light as they did to the introduction of yellow lights in France and the use of a third brake light.
13. History of HID
HID lighting systems were first offered as an option on high-end luxury cars and are currently offered as standard equipment on 7% of all European vehicles. HID made its North American debut in 1995 on the Lincoln Mark VIII. Now HID headlights are available in the U.S. as an option on numerous high-end and mid-level models. Although halogen is still used on the majority of vehicles manufactured today, HID continues to grow in popularity due to its safety and performance benefits.
14. Is HID here to stay?
Experts indicate that automotive lighting will continue to evolve and HID lighting systems will displace the current halogen headlight technology. Experts further say that although it has been regarded as a luxury option or a prestige item, it will become a more common, expected and affordable feature. Projected worldwide HID usage is expected to exceed 10% of all vehicles by 2008.
15. Are these headlights for older drivers?
HID lighting is available for all drivers as an option to enhance appearance and safety. Older drivers may benefit because HID systems offer better illumination, especially for those who suffer from diminished night-vision.
16. Have there been any complaints?
Some motorists are concerned about what they perceive as brighter lights. Lighting specialists at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say that some people are more sensitive to light but that HID meets the same intensity and beam pattern standards in place since 1978 (the last time the government made a major revision to its standards).
17. Are Xenon HID light systems street legal?
Every jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations governing the use of automotive lighting. Xenon HID lighting systems that are supplied with the vehicles from the factory are DOT approved.
No Xenon HID conversion kit available from any source is DOT approved if installed outside of the factory. Moreover, in the U.S, this is not street legal for use on public roads. As a result, companies officially endorse the kit for exhibition and off-road use and will only sell the kit to be used for these purposes. They are not responsible for buyers who violate the terms of sale while in which they will assume all responsibilities for any unauthorized or unintended use other than exhibition or off-road use.
18. What is the difference between genuine Xenon HID lights and Xenon gas-filled bulbs?
High Intensity Discharge (HID) is a type of lighting technology that replaces the filament of the light bulb with Xenon gas. The gas is ignited to produce an arc of light, when high voltage is applied. The amount of light output is three times that of a standard halogen bulb. The lamps also glow at a higher light temperature (closer to natural sunlight) that gives it its distinct color and appearance.
Other companies produce halogen bulbs that are gas-filled. They still have a filament as they are halogen technology, but the gas gives the bulb a bluer color when lit. Xenon-filled halogen bulbs produce little or no more light output then standard halogen bulbs of the same wattage.
"It should be noted that halogen technology is not comparable to the Xenon discharge technology, fitted as original equipment to more and more of the world's finest cars. " - Philips
DO NOT BE FOOLED BY COMPANIES THAT OFFER HID LOOK BULBS! They are not a true Xenon HID light system.
19. Could I not just purchase a stronger watt halogen bulb to get a brighter light?
Xenon HID lamps are 35 watts while traditional halogen bulbs are 55 watts. Even though Xenon HID lamps draw less current, they produce 3 times the light output as the higher wattage halogen bulbs. Increasing the wattage will make the bulb a little brighter but still much dimmer that the Xenon HID lamps. Also, AMPS = (BULB WATTS X 2) / BATTERY VOLTAGE OUTPUT (12). So as you increase the wattage on your bulb you increase the current draw on your entire electrical system. This is critical in motorcycle applications.
20. Why can I not just replace the halogen bulb in my vehicle with Xenon HID lamps with out having to purchase the entire kit?
Motorcycles and automobiles currently use a 12 Volt electrical system for their headlamps. Xenon HID lighting systems require over 20,000 volts to ignite the bulbs. Once lit, they only require 12 volts to keep running. Our kits include a power pack that is necessary for the lamps to turn on. The input of the power pack is 12 volts. It is an integral part of the system.
More to come...
Source: various.
_________________
5-SPEED MAZDA3 SPORT GT - WINNING BLUE
·÷±‡± CarDomain - More Pics ±‡±÷·
Contact: Absinthe(at)FMVPerformance.com