DDM Tuning Saber LED for DRL / High

[Trail-AMMO]

A flickering on any kind, across a broad range of brightness levels and broad range of frequencies can be very noticeable and distracting. What some might call barely noticable will equally drive someone else nuts. I don't think wanting non flickering DRLs is in the least but anal...

Totally agree and to each their own....

Just saying what is the purpose of a DRL....

Ever see a motor cycle with his headlight that pulses....? Wonder why it does that?

Or people who install a strobe kit on the brake light....

This by comparison is "barely noticeable".

And I'd hate someone to read through this thread and be discouraged by
whats described as a "strobe".

As it's been discussed you can eliminate the DRL completely with an easy mod. To me and the amount of driving I do, (just rolled 70K in my 2014) I like the added "attention" of the DRL and haven' t had any issues.

But again to each their own and I hope this "decoder" works for those who desire it.


FYI: I have a set of Hella DRL's on my Landcruiser that are 3 wire. This allows you to run full and dimmed power. So a "two function" LED is possible. The Hella's are the square ones just under the headlights. The 4Runner lights don't run this same way and cut voltage to the "bulb" to reduce intensity. If they were a three wire set up we would never even be discussing this sinearo.

-A

 

[XswampX]

Totally agree and to each their own....

Just saying what is the purpose of a DRL....

Ever see a motor cycle with his headlight that pulses....? Wonder why it does that?

Or people who install a strobe kit on the brake light....

This by comparison is "barely noticeable".

And I'd hate someone to read through this thread and be discouraged by
whats described as a "strobe".

As it's been discussed you can eliminate the DRL completely with an easy mod. To me and the amount of driving I do, (just rolled 70K in my 2014) I like the added "attention" of the DRL and haven' t had any issues.

But again to each their own and I hope this "decoder" works for those who desire it.


FYI: I have a set of Hella DRL's on my Landcruiser that are 3 wire. This allows you to run full and dimmed power. So a "two function" LED is possible. The Hella's are the square ones just under the headlights. The 4Runner lights don't run this same way and cut voltage to the "bulb" to reduce intensity. If they were a three wire set up we would never even be discussing this sinearo.

-A

Wow, great picture and trucks. I'm very likely to go with these high beams myself and keep DRL. Thanks for all of the additional information. Very helpful to those of us on the fence.

 

[A_beer]

No longer available?

Does anyone know if ddm is still selling these? All the links are broken and they didn't pull up when I searched their site. I tried contacting them but haven't heard anything back.

 

[DLH87]

Does anyone know if ddm is still selling these? All the links are broken and they didn't pull up when I searched their site. I tried contacting them but haven't heard anything back.

Looks like they're still available.
DDM Tuning: HID and LED Lighting

 

[mcarey86]

As it's been discussed you can eliminate the DRL completely with an easy mod. To me and the amount of driving I do, (just rolled 70K in my 2014) I like the added "attention" of the DRL and haven' t had any issues.


-A

You could also just turn the knob to the off position. No mod necessary.

 

[A_beer]

My bad

Looks like they're still available.
DDM Tuning: HID and LED Lighting

I swear those weren't there earlier... thanks!

 

[Nivek]

Looks like they're still available.
DDM Tuning: HID and LED Lighting

So have anyone bought these Decoder and tried them yeT? is the flickering still there? Are they running full power when u have the decoder. Pictures before and after decoder is installed anyone?

DDM Tuning: HID and LED Lighting

 

[DLH87]

So have anyone bought these Decoder and tried them yeT? is the flickering still there? Are they running full power when u have the decoder. Pictures before and after decoder is installed anyone?

DDM Tuning: HID and LED Lighting

Unfortunately, I was involved in a wreck and the truck's been in the body shop. Once I get it back, I'll install and let you know.

 

[Nivek]

Unfortunately, I was involved in a wreck and the truck's been in the body shop. Once I get it back, I'll install and let you know.

Sorry to hear!, hopefully you get it back and everything is good!. Please update soon, I'm thinking of picking these up myself but just wanted to confirmed if they stop the flickering or even if they run full power i wouldn't mine either. As long as people see me on the road in daylight.

 

[Travo60]

Bought me a pair of these for cyber Monday, pretty excited for them to come in.

 

[Nivek]

Bought me a pair of these for cyber Monday, pretty excited for them to come in.

Nice! They are pretty bright for just DRL MODE, but you will notices the hyper flericking. On high beam mode they are even brighter than DRL mode!

 

[xpress]

Nice! They are pretty bright for just DRL MODE, but you will notices the hyper flericking. On high beam mode they are even brighter than DRL mode!

I got on the BF deal as well. Anyone concerned the flickering will lead to a reduction in life of the LED bulbs?

 

[xpress]

I installed the DDM LEDs in high beam over the weekend. I have the XD HIDs with Philips 4300k and while the LEDs does throw light further and wider than the halogens as high beam, there is a considerable mismatch between the HIDs low beam intensity/color and the LEDs - I can definitely see where the cut-off is. The HIDs seems to be much more intense than the LEDs and I am perceiving more detail/visibility with the low beams - not sure if that is due to the color temp difference or actual lumens output from the HIDs and LEDs. On DRL, there is also considerable flickering which I don't think would work for me. On the fence, whether to keep this or not. I live in a very rural location - lots of woods, and pitch dark at night. Was curious whether anyone that has the same combo as me has similar experience.

 

[Trail-AMMO]

I installed the DDM LEDs in high beam over the weekend. I have the XD HIDs with Philips 4300k and while the LEDs does throw light further and wider than the halogens as high beam, there is a considerable mismatch between the HIDs low beam intensity/color and the LEDs - I can definitely see where the cut-off is. The HIDs seems to be much more intense than the LEDs and I am perceiving more detail/visibility with the low beams - not sure if that is due to the color temp difference or actual lumens output from the HIDs and LEDs. On DRL, there is also considerable flickering which I don't think would work for me. On the fence, whether to keep this or not. I live in a very rural location - lots of woods, and pitch dark at night. Was curious whether anyone that has the same combo as me has similar experience.

Ok, I've read your post now a few times just to make sure I understand what your saying...

I think it's important to point out your comparing apples to oranges here. The low beam is a projector beam, the high beam is not... didn't notice your sig to see what year you have?

They process light completely different, for completely different purposes. This is by design and has nothing to do with the "bulb" type.

The low is Projector is a focused driving beam.

The high is a wide distance beam, it's a bit of a catch all. Gives distance but also scatters light to fill in the voids the low beam doesn't get.

Since you live in a place where you can get into total darkness, drive around with the highs and then report back if they are not a vast improvement over the stock halogens high beam.

Also 4300K is pretty close to the yellow side of HID. The Sabers are 6000K of course there is a color difference

-A

 

[xpress]

Trail-Ammo

Sorry if my post was unclear - I have a 2014 Limited. I was aware there would be a difference between the two bulbs due to color difference. However I did not realize it would be as drastic when they are both on together. I incorrectly assumed I would have a fairly even illumination - was going by spec lumens ie the high would just replicate the low in terms of intensity just different color. The HID lighting is very intense - actually more than OEM LEDs that I have on my MB SUV. On the MB SUV, even though the lighting may not be as intense overall, it is very even when both low and high beams are on due to both being LEDs, same color and same type of lens system. With the 4Runner, with low beams on 4300k HID and high beam on LED 6000K, I think my eyes are adjusting to the more intense light from the low beam so the high beam may not be perceived as being as bright and detailed. On its own I do think the DDM projects further than the OEM halogens.

 

[xpress]

Ok, I've read your post now a few times just to make sure I understand what your saying...

I think it's important to point out your comparing apples to oranges here. The low beam is a projector beam, the high beam is not... didn't notice your sig to see what year you have?

They process light completely different, for completely different purposes. This is by design and has nothing to do with the "bulb" type.

The low is Projector is a focused driving beam.

The high is a wide distance beam, it's a bit of a catch all. Gives distance but also scatters light to fill in the voids the low beam doesn't get.

Since you live in a place where you can get into total darkness, drive around with the highs and then report back if they are not a vast improvement over the stock halogens high beam.

Also 4300K is pretty close to the yellow side of HID. The Sabers are 6000K of course there is a color difference

-A

Interesting chart to see impact of the different colors - I assume same wattage bulb in each. The 6000k is clearly less intense than 4300k. I think if 5000K LEDs were avail that may have been a better match for me.

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Interesting chart to see impact of the different colors - I assume same wattage bulb in each. The 6000k is clearly less intense than 4300k. I think if 5000K LEDs were avail that may have been a better match for me.

Agreed and to make it even more complicated, that's one manufacturer chart. That was the first one that's popped up in Google...

So there can be color variations between manufacturers, wattage ect. Lots of variables come into play, even type of housing.

-A

P.S. I'm somewhat shocked that you don't seem blown away by the high beam in total darkness vs the stock halogen. As stated before these LEDs in the high setting toss as much if not more than. 40" + LED bar. IMOP that's pretty darn impressive. But again it maybe my extensive experience with LED bars.

 

[Nivek]

I installed the DDM LEDs in high beam over the weekend. I have the XD HIDs with Philips 4300k and while the LEDs does throw light further and wider than the halogens as high beam, there is a considerable mismatch between the HIDs low beam intensity/color and the LEDs - I can definitely see where the cut-off is. The HIDs seems to be much more intense than the LEDs and I am perceiving more detail/visibility with the low beams - not sure if that is due to the color temp difference or actual lumens output from the HIDs and LEDs. On DRL, there is also considerable flickering which I don't think would work for me. On the fence, whether to keep this or not. I live in a very rural location - lots of woods, and pitch dark at night. Was curious whether anyone that has the same combo as me has similar experience.

I have an Morimoto 5500K(Pure white) HID kit from TRS and you will be good to go!...They are bright and gives off a good wide angle, i will say better then LED headlights. IF you want a promo code i got one from TRS, can save u a bit since their HID KIT's are around $150, but their customers service is awesome if the parts ever failed you can call them up and they will replace it.

 

[Travo60]

Man these things are taking forever to ship. To my knowledge, they still haven't departed from China!

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Man these things are taking forever to ship. To my knowledge, they still haven't departed from China!

Call DDM directly, they are in OC CA, they might be able to cancel your order and ship directly from CA vs the drop ship.

Great folks and customer service.

-A