sddykstr

I hope this already isn't in another thread...I searched the tc ICE and Interior thread but found nothing. I am installing the the oznium cold cathodes on the driver and passenger side with 2 transformers and I am splitting power from the ciggarette lighter. I am sending the ground power for both transformers to the door switches to be active when the door opens after I tie them together for a uniform light when either door is open. I was wondering if there is a dimmer switch that I could install along with my Cathode switch that I bought from Oznium. I would imagine that you could put a dimmer after the power out leaves the first switch. Any ideas? Also, any input on my project would be appreciated. So far I have Zipties, cathodes, switch, an extra transformer, 25 feet of 18 awg wire, and t taps for 18 awg wire, and clip on spade connectors. Thanks guys.

Neothin

a dimmer isnt going to work. cathodes need a 12v supply in order to light up. a dimmer cuts voltage to dim the lights. if you cut voltage to the cathodes, they wont light. dimmers work for incandescents, leds, etc, but not cathodes

sddykstr

My last question is; I have heard that I need a fuse since i am splitting off of the ciggarette lighter, but I have also heard that I don't. What do you guys suggest as far as which fuse to buy or if I even need a fuse and where to put it.

Neothin

the cigarette lighter is already fused. if you tap into it for power, you dont need an additional fuse.

Rabid_Lemming

I need new glasses, I thought this topic was "Cathode DINNER" and got curious.

sddykstr

Unfortunately no cathode dinner, thanks for the input guys.

sddykstr

I also read a post about using the door switch as a grounding point so that the lights would go on if I opened the door. Now I'm assuming I would only have to ground to one door switch to power both cathodes if I joined the grounds before the grounding to the door switch. Is this correct?

LEDMods_net

^^^ You are correct. You want the switch to ground out the cathode wire, and turn it on. I would suggest using a relay though, because you want the cathodes positive wire to be the switched wire.

But I used the dome light to trigger the interior cathodes. This way, either door you use, the cathodes will turn on.



Oh, and did someone say something about dinner??

SquallLHeart

^^ i'm hungry....

but yeah.. i found powering it up thru dome light power is easy....

the fact that they turn on too when you unlock the car is a feature i am planning to use for a future project..

LEDMods_net

^^ I'm doing the underbody light's with the unlock output on the alarm. It's nice!

sddykstr

For the dome lights I would have to get an add a fuse and just power off of the dome light fuse correct? What else would I need to buy? My list of stuff is in my first post.

LEDMods_net

You don't have to tap into the dome lights power, just use the power that it uses to turn it on (That does make much sense, huh.)

Power the cathodes wherever you want, and fuse it.

Wire the cathodes to your switch.

Use the same wires, and route that to a relay that gets a pulse from the dome light trigger.

This all makes sense.... in my head. :D

I guess I'll have to make a schematic...

sddykstr

Yeah I have no idea what a relay is and I caught you up until after powering the switch and cathodes. Go into more detail please or post a link!

LEDMods_net

I'm replying from my phone right now, so I can't make a drawing, but a relay is basically a switch that is activated by current. A regular switch needs you to push a button to activate it, and then turns something on.

A relay gets activated when current flows through - i.e. the door switch sends current thrugh, activates the relay, and then turns whatever you want on.

That's a basic explanation. You want a relay because you want a negative current to activate the relay, and send a positive current to the cathodes.

Sorry if I'm confusing you.

sddykstr

It is a bit confusing. I guess I am less concerned with the workings, but more the overall effect and installation. I just need to know where to buy the relay and how to install it after I install the cathodes, the switch, and the wiring. Basically, if I install the basic switch, wires, and cathodes, where do I go if perhaps I were wanting to extend the capabilities of the already installed system so that it would activate with dome lights. I read the other posts, but they have just confused me a bit more. I appreciate the help guys, sorry if I seem like an idiot! Thanks again.
Steve

LEDMods_net

No problem Steve, I know it's very confusing.

You can get a 5 pin Bosch relay from radio shack.

Just wire the cathodes normally with a switch, and I'll help you out with the relay.

sddykstr

Cool thanks.

SuperWhite12

Wow this is EXACTLY what i was looking for... I know how to connect my cathodes but i don't know WHERE to get the dome power and ground from...

This is what I think it is...

pin 30: fused 12v directly from battery

pin 85: power wire from dome light (where do i get this wire from; i mean where in the car is this wire located?)

pin 86: ground wire from dome light(same for this wire?)

pin 87: power wire (red) to cathode transformers

pin 87A:what do i connect to this pin?




Thanks for making this thread.. this will really help me...

sddykstr

Yeah, I'm just trying to figure it out. I now have all of my cathodes wired to a switch in my dash, I just need to know how to get them activated with the dome lights, seeing as that relay diagram doesn't make a whole lot of sense. hah.

SuperWhite12

try this website

http://www.partsexpress.com/resources/relays.html