Upgrading Car Parklights to Enhanced DRLs

In this article we learn a simple circuit idea which can be applied in order to convert existing car park lights into advanced, smart DRL system. The idea was requested by Mr. Chris.

Technical Specifications

I was very interested in reading the circuit diagram you posted a few months back regarding the 'Smart DRL/indicator circuits' (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2014/04/smart-car-drl-controller-circuit.html)I was wondering if you could help me modify this circuit ever so slightly for my own project? I only have a basic knowledge of electrical circuits/PCBs and need some slight assistance.

Essentially I am trying to replicate this system:
https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=X51b_d4d6KQ
Thanks for your time!

Regards,
Chris

The Design

The referred video clipping shows the following effects over the modified park lights which are now replaced with LED DRLs.

When the turn signals are switched ON, the relevant DRL partially shuts off so that the turn signal flashing becomes more prominent and highlighted.

The moment turn signals are switched OFF, the DRL is automatically reverted to its original brightness, however the transition is not instant rather in a slow and gradually increasing manner (reverse fading).

The above procedure is repeated each time the turn signals are switched ON, either left/right sides individually or together.

Upgrading Park-Lights to DRL

The proposed upgradation from park-lights to an enhanced DRL circuit for producing the above effects can be done by implementing the shown circuit below.

First of all the park lights will need to be replaced with LED DRL modules, and next the proposed circuit should be used in conjunction for the required enhancements.

The operation of the circuit is pretty straightforwardand may be understood as under:

The relay stays in a deactivated position as long as head lamp or the turn signals are not activated.

Under this situation the N/C contacts allow the +12V (from ignition switch) to reach the switching transistor base which in turn keeps the connected DRL illuminated brightly or normally through its emitter voltage.

Now in case either the head lamp or the turn signal is switched ON, the relay is supplied with the toggling voltage and it activates, shifting its contact from N/C to N/O

The breaking of the N/C contacts stops T1 from conducting and the DRL is inhibited from the direct 12V supply, instead now it connects through the relay N/O and the 317 current controlled stage such that its glow gets much weaker or as as per the selected  R1 value

In the meantime C1 is discharged completely via R3.

Next, the moment the relevant lights are switched OFF, the relay switches OFF and reverts to its original deactivated position, connecting the 12V supply back to the base of T1.

However here T1 is forced to conduct slowly due to the presence of C1 which does not allow T1 to switch ON quickly, producing the required reverse fading of the DRL until its full bright.

Circuit Diagram

Parts List for the above circuit design

R1 = (1.25/DRL amp value) x 3

R2 = 1k 1/4 watt

R3 = 10K

C1 = 470uF/25V

T1 = TIP122

D1, D2, D4 = 1N4007

D3 = also 1N4007 (optional)

Relay = 12V, 400 ohms, SPDT

Feedback from Mr. Chris

Hi Swagatam,

Thank you very much for working this out for me - a great explanation, diagram, and bill of materials!

I just have a few simple questions:

1. The 12v feed from the indicator switch will have to come from the indicator stalk where there is a constant 12v, and not the intermittent/flashing 12v after the flasher relay, is this correct?

2. The 'DRL module' on your diagram - I assume this is just the white LEDs? Is there a maximum amount of LEDs that I can utilise or do I just have to adjust the resistor values accordingly?

3. If I was to add the 'indicator module' (orange LEDs) to this unit, as per the video, I assume I would just have to take the 'flashing' 12v feed from the existing flasher relay into a resistor, then the LEDs, and then to ground?

Thanks again for your time, it is much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Chris

Analyzing the Issue

Hi Chris,
Thanks!
Here are the answers to your questions:
1) Ideally it should be a fixed 12V which could be taken from the flasher On/OFF dashboard switch, if a flashing feed is used, the relay coil of my circuit will need to be stabilized with a 1000uF/25V capacitor in parallel so that the relay does not get rattled with the fluctuating 12V feed rather stays constantly switched ON.
2) LED configuration could be specific to the DRL unit that I have not addressed in the article, here the current (amp) consumption is what matters, which shouldn't exceed 1amp, if it does then the TIP122 may need an upgradation.
3) yes, just hook up the orange LEDs with an appropriate current limiter stage, and you can directly wire it up with the existing flashing DC source from the flasher unit.
Best Regards.