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LED Headlamps - rainbow effect

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by Lee Bridges, May 25, 2013.

  1. Lee Bridges

    Lee Bridges Junior Member

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    I have a question about what's normal for LED headlamps.

    Background: Own a 2013 v 5 w/ATP. Across the top of the field of light produced by the LED headlamps there is a rainbow of color, red on the top band, followed by yellow (seemingly the brightest) and a faint band of blue on bottom. I've never gotten out and measured it, but I would say it spans an inch or two when viewed on the back of cars in front of me at a stop light.

    So, if this typical for the LED lamps and their associated optics? Or do I need to take it to the dealer for some sort of adjustment?
     
    #1 Lee Bridges, May 25, 2013
  2. ImeanGreen

    ImeanGreen Prius v Five BP Brigade #236

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    I think it is more of a reflection effect from the lens. I don't think it was designed to have colors as you stated.
     
    #2 ImeanGreen, May 25, 2013
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I have not really looked for it on my PIPA but this is how HIDs look. It is normal except there is usually only one or two colors. LEDs may be different in this respect.

    Here is the color band on a really good set of HIDs.

    image.jpg
     
    #3 F8L, May 25, 2013
  4. Lee Bridges

    Lee Bridges Junior Member

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    Thanks folks. I had been assuming it was due to the optics producing the sharp cut-off of light, but then most know what "assume" has as a second meaning.
     
    #4 Lee Bridges, May 25, 2013
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  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    #5 F8L, May 26, 2013
    Lee Bridges likes this.
  6. like2bike

    like2bike Junior Member

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    I'm surprised the manual doesn't have a warning about driving behind white panel trucks at night while taking psychedelic drugs. They warnings in there about every other ludicrous possibility. "For vehicles with LED headlights: Do not drive behind large white panel trucks at night while taking psychedelic drugs. Resulting visual effect may lead to serious psychological disturbances (bad trip) or death."
     
    #6 like2bike, Nov 24, 2014
    Eric "v" and F8L like this.
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