HID conversion on an Airhead

[insertdisk]

Anyone use a Modulator with HID?

[jbcollier]

For me the big problem with HID is the lag time for full output. I'd rather run much higher wattage halogen bulbs as I get instant full output.

[Manfred]

Originally Posted by jbcollier

For me the big problem with HID is the lag time for full output. I'd rather run much higher wattage halogen bulbs as I get instant full output.

I've not seen any lag time on the HID kits I've installed. I've used HID kits from two vendors. No log at start-up or high-beam switching.

[tommcgee]

Originally Posted by jbcollier

For me the big problem with HID is the lag time for full output. I'd rather run much higher wattage halogen bulbs as I get instant full output.

This is one reason why you need a digital ballast. The other reasons are that it draws less power than an old-stlye ballast, and the digital one is MUCH smaller.

[535is]

Originally Posted by carockwell

Okay, I can see the point about blinding oncoming drivers. I am pretty good with that because the additional scatter does not create a problem with my set up. BUT, this **** about lighting up the foreground too much and causing poor long distance night vision is ridiculous. Just put the HID on your bike and see for yourself. The HID gives you better night vision at any distance, period. In this case, seeing really is believing. IMHO Daniel Stern is not doing the world a favor with his anti HID articles. He should try selling some of the HID conversions that DO work instead of knocking the ones that don't. I think he just can't compete with the pricing in the high volume HID business so he chooses to stay with products that he can sell for a reasonable profit. What he does sell works well, but so do some HID kits on the market.

*Sigh* Daniel can source anything that's out there (I know this from getting some near-unobtainium BMW OEM lamps I needed through him.) and sell it at a profit. However, he has more integrity than that. He won't sell anything he doesn't consider to be the best solution to the issue, and his reasons here are both soundly grounded and clearly explained. His approach is highly intellectual as well as ruthlessly analytical. His knowledge is encyclopedic, from esoteric governmental lighting standards around the world to human vision physiology. If you'd sit down with him and talk for a few hours (as I have), you'd understand. Until then, enjoy your trendy lights.

[carockwell]

I don't get the Daniel Stern thing. Seeing is believing, what else is there? I am no stranger to the Cibie textured reflector lights sold by Daniel Stern. IMHO good HID's are better, at least for my eyes.

[rinty]

...enjoy your trendy lights...535is

And you won't have to plead qualified privilege for that remark.

P.S. I just had aftermarket HID's installed in one of my cars. But they say the housings are appropriate for them.

[83014]

http://www.alpha-bid.com/XenonBuyingGuide.html#q11

This link is to the info page of the vendor used by Manfred. No one on this thread has yet addressed the issue of legality for street vehicles. Whether it's a better light or not is moot if its use compromises accident claims or causes your dealer/inspector to lose its inspection certificate. Even this vendor says that its product and all his competitors cannot sell this technology for street-legal use in the US. How do you users get around this?

[rinty]

...if its use compromises accident claims...

As in, say, a motor vehicle accident, after which the driver pleads that he was momentarily blinded by an "illegal" HID unit, just before the crash.

As to the likelihood of this coming out during discoveries/interrogatories, I would think it remote.

But maybe there are some p.i. specialists here, who can comment.