I followed Martin Roy's "LEDing your interior" guide to mount some cool blue LEDs to light up the foot wells and front cup holders. The one thing I had a problem with was the dimmer. I didn't want to use the same knob as the dash lights, and it was expensive for my LEDs to buy a potentiometer that could handle the watts the LEDs draw. Thus I built a small circuit to do the job. (click images for larger view)
This circuit will fit down in the spare panel next to your power mirror adjuster. I've only tested this on my 2007 Versa S, but I believe it will fit others. By drilling a small hole in the center of this panel you can slide the circuit into the piece and easily glue it in place.
This unit should be able to handle 2A (24W) on a 12v supply. I bought some Piranha bar LEDs from Oznium and each bar draws a little less than 3 watts. I have only 4 circuits for sale. Just send me $15 plus shipping to your address. First class shipping is $1.68 in the US. If you'd like faster shipping or through a different carrier you can calculate the cost for your self; I will ship in a small box weighing 3.25oz from zip code 60126.
Paypal is preferred but I'll accept other payments. paypal to matt@googlies.net with your forum user name and shipping address. I will wait for funds to clear before shipping. USPS is the easiest way for me to ship, but if you're nice I could drive out to UPS or FedEx.
The circuit has two sets of wires, one for the input voltage and one to go out to your LEDs. I have tested each of these circuits with my LEDs and proven that they work. I'll guarantee these against being DOA, but nothing else. I recommend that you tap into the voltage for your panel lights, which is conveniently located just two 'doors' down from the spare panel where you'll mount the dimmer. This way the lights are only on if your running or head lights are on. For the first two lucky customers I have a wire tap kit I'll include free of charge. (you can pick these up from Radio shack for about $2, "Tap-in Squeeze connectors" part number 64-3053)
My price is just for the circuit to dim LEDs, you have to buy the LEDs on your own. I do recommend the Piranha Bars. The company was good about shipping my bars out fast, and they showed up safe.
"Why can't I just buy a cheep pot from Radio shack to do this?" You can buy a pot (potentiometer) to accomplish the same thing as this circuit, but radio shack doesn't sell one that can handle enough watts for two bars, and places on-line that sell them will charge you about $30 plus shipping and there's little chance that it will be small enough to fit down in this spare panel.
You could also order an other panel light dimmer switch from a dealer and use this instead (be sure to check the max watts it can handle, you don't need a melt down) but I personally like this better because I know I'd get confused with two identical knobs.
You'll also need a drill bit for making a hole in your panel for the know to come through. 6mm would be perfect, or a 15/64 inch bit will work. If you're using the 15/64 you'll have to drill the hole a tiny bit larger than the drill bit, but that's what I used and it worked out perfectly.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Post here if you want one of these circuits and I'll reserve it for 3 days till I get your payment. If I don't receive your payment by then I'll re-offer it here.
Thanks!
Modified by matttail at 12:14 AM 6/10/2008
Versa LED Dimmers For Sale
- Matttail
