Defi-D Dimming Help

[carbonkid]

My new Defi gauges come with one lead for illumination, so I cannot follow the directions for autometer-type gauge illumination (two leads per gauge). Can anyone help me to the proper way to wire my 3 defi gauges using the stock dimmer switch? I have them grounded and powered, I just need to know how to wire the backlighting. Interestingly, when I tap into the green on the dimmer switch, the Defis get brighter as the rest of the dash gets dimmer. I bet there is a way to invert this, but I dont want to risk my guess on these very nice gauges. Can someone help?

I have used search; everything refers to 2 lead bulbs.

 

[DZnutz]

sorry but i cant really give you any advice here since i just tapped all of my defi control units wires into the kenwoods wiring. my guage is always lit up and it dims when i turn the interior lights on (dash)... i dont think this has anything to do with the actual dimmer effect i think the guage dims because of the extra drain on the electrical system. good luck

 

[1sty]

What is the draw per gauge?

 

[DZnutz]

it doesnt have anything to do with how much the guage draws... its how much the dash and all the lights drain. with the dash off theres alot more current so the defis really bright but when u turn the dash on the draw increases so the defi dims

 

[1sty]

I wanted to know what they draw to ensure that the dimmer circuit can handle th extra load.

 

[DZnutz]

duh of course... my bad (stooges)

 

[carbonkid]

DZnutz, 1st MP3 NH;
I figured it out. I could get a test bulb to properly dim with the dash lights when I used the green as the ground and blue as the illumination to the gauges. It now works great. I can post a pic of the finished product if you want.

 

[DZnutz]

DZnutz, 1st MP3 NH;
I figured it out. I could get a test bulb to properly dim with the dash lights when I used the green as the ground and blue as the illumination to the gauges. It now works great. I can post a pic of the finished product if you want.

please do im really interested now

 

[carbonkid]

please do im really interested now

Here ya go (thumb)

The two on the right were not hooked up until a couple days ago, that is why they are not reflecting any activity.

 

[II-Savy]

Here ya go (thumb)

The two on the right were not hooked up until a couple days ago, that is why they are not reflecting any activity.

Wow real nice set up. I like those 3 gauges below the radio. Wow those Defi gauges are real sweet.

 

[YP5 Toronto]

sweet pic.

 

[DZnutz]

lookin good dude, id post pics of my BF's but i dont have a digi cam with me =(

 

[carbonkid]

thanks...

II-savy, yp5, dznutz;
thank you.

 

[ddogg777]

it doesnt have anything to do with how much the guage draws... its how much the dash and all the lights drain. with the dash off theres alot more current so the defis really bright but when u turn the dash on the draw increases so the defi dims

Sorry, but this is not why his gauge gets brighter as he turns down his dash--not because of current anyways. The dash illumination is controlled in such a way that at 0V, the lights are on full, at 12V (or whatever your car may be) the dash lights are off. It is an inverted scale--I forget the real name of this. Also, the illumination is just a reference voltage and is not meant to power any lights (1st's concern). But a small light fromthe gauge shouldn't hurt it.

 

[speedfrk]

The dimmer is probably contolling a variable resistance on the ground circuit to dimm everything. But my question is on the fuel press type gauges there is only one ground so I dont think it is wise to hook this ground for the whole gauge to a ground on the dimmer circuit.