VWaddict

...and if there's much interest, it would be possible to get some PCBs (printed circuit boards) made of a simple PWM dimmer. -How much interest would there be? A PWM dimmer will dim incandescent bulbs and LEDs and not discriminate in the same way that a rheostat will.

PCBs could either be self-assemble where you source the parts (Radio Shack part numbers can be provided) self assemble with all parts supplied, or completely pre-made, though these latter options would be more expensive, of course.

Parts should be about $7, boards I guess under $10, and anyone who can solder neatly should be able to assemble one in under an hour...

What would the interest level be? -How about an additional similar kit idea for a dome-light delay and dimming module, including ignition-key override?

Keith

PorscheDude1

I am interested.

Rakien

We wouldn't be able to do this in the pre-85' 944 right?

TRDRacer

I don't care much about the dimmer just because my led setup is just right and dosen't bother me! But very good idea!

Luis de Prat

Here's the rheostat on my 944S2. I ended up just replacing the old bulbs with new ones. The instrument panel bulbs were not blown, just very blackened as you can tell from the photos.

J Berk

would love to hear how this works out! I had my gage lights changed to blue LED by North Hollywood. The dimmer now really has two settings....too brite...and a little less (but still too) brite. I would love to be able to turn them down just a hair more!

Johnny Johnny

Count another person interested in the PWM dimmer!

TRDRacer

So hows this mod coming along?

VWaddict

100 white LEDs arrived yesterday from Hong Kong.

There's a PCA autocross this Sunday, so I'm not going to tug the dash out before that... I'll pull it some time afterwards, and start taking pictures.

Keith

VWaddict

Okay... write-up on the instrument cluster LED install is done...

https://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-and-turbo-s-forum/396342-do-it-yourself-led-dash-lighting-upgrade-writeup.html

I've had a great idea about the dimmer... I need to bench-test it, using a real late-dash 944 dimmer... so I'm prowling eBay at the moment.

Keith

alordofchaos

Great write-up! Thanks for doing that.

TRDRacer

Does anyone know what the small bulbs are that are inside the Climate Control unit that are soldered in, in the 5 spots? Are they the 2721 bulbs as the cig lighter, fan ****, and ashtry? And is it possible to just push the new bulbs in without soldering them as there is metal between the openings?

Also has anyone tried the High Power LED Festoon Bulbs with the 120 degree light emittence from http://www.superbrightleds.com/festoon.html

flashgordon

I took the whole climate control unit apart and removed all of the bulbs and soldered blue led's in their place. I ordered three led bulbs from superbrightleds for the gauge cluster(the ones with 6 led in them). The whole dash matches and looks great.

TRDRacer

ok but what what is the part number you used for the small leds in the climate control, and were did you get the bulbs from?

PorscheDude1

The CC is what has stopped me from doing this mod. If you can post a source and a P/N, I am will be doing this with the quickness.