DRL conversion with switch and diode

[Rich]

New to the list, so I figured I'd contribute something. I've put together a web page showing my DRL conversion. I put a switch inside, with a diode on one side, so I can turn the lights on and off at night, without affecting the parking lights. Nothing new... just putting together all the suggestions I've seen here.

You can see the writeup at my instruction page (http://www2.orbiuminc.com:8080/hummer/drl.conversion.html)

http://www2.orbiuminc.com:8080/images/hummer.drls/done.jpg

[Rich]

New to the list, so I figured I'd contribute something. I've put together a web page showing my DRL conversion. I put a switch inside, with a diode on one side, so I can turn the lights on and off at night, without affecting the parking lights. Nothing new... just putting together all the suggestions I've seen here.

You can see the writeup at my instruction page (http://www2.orbiuminc.com:8080/hummer/drl.conversion.html)

http://www2.orbiuminc.com:8080/images/hummer.drls/done.jpg

[buddy]

Rich,

Very good, easy instructions for novice. It's amazing the diodes from Radio Shack can handle the amps. I used the same diode with some bosch relays, to rewire my headlights to run low beams with high beams.

buddy

[H2Jim]

This looks like a great solution - well done.

Please excuse my COMPLETE ignorance in all things electrical, but by putting a switch in, doesn't that remove the need for the diode?

Again, please forgive my ignorance - just trying to figure it out.

[Rich]

Thanks for the positive reviews. Just borrowing from the work of others on this board.

diode amps: this is from the low power side of the relay, so it's only (as I recall) 1/3 of an amp, not the full juice for the lights.

alternate switch: I did actually look at that one, but I didn't think it would fit well. I wanted something that looked more like the "keep the dome lights off" button just to the right. The other switch, while definitely closer to stock, was a little too big for what I wanted. I would like the LED, though...

purpose of diode: in this application, the point of the diode is to keep current from flowing from the DRL relay to the parking lights relay. Think of the diode as a Roach Motel of sorts: it lets the parking lights current in, but not out. Okay, that doesn't work that well... Think of it as a one way gate, letting current flow from the parking light relay to the DRL relay, but not the other direction. The switch just gives me control over when it comes on.

[hinten]

Rich,
very nice job in documenting this project.
Now all we have to do is combine this plus the additional lights and switch from Auburn H2 and we're set.

[AUBURN H2]

Hinten,

When are you going to get your lights?

AUBURN H2

[hinten]

Well, you have my money. So when are you going to send my lights?

[AUBURN H2]

OOPS!

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