MRD Sambar (MA020) with lights and LED backfire
Over the weekend I continued experimenting on adding LED backfire effect to my MRD converted Mini Z. There is little to no information (that I could find) about doing this on a Mini Z. I've seen a couple very old posts about complicated LED packages which required some programming and someone who created their own kit but again it required programming of a chip, etc. That is overly complex for me and there had to be a better/easier way. I measured the voltage coming out of the pins on the board (where the light kit would normally be plugged in). In order they are pos->neg->pos->neg. Each set puts out about 4.8 volts at idle. I also measured the voltage on the motor. Those are at 0 at idle and increase in voltage as throttle is applied proportionately which makes perfect sense. I saw about 4.8 ~ 4.9 volts at full throttle, but at drifting speed (30-40%) throttle I saw 1.8 ~2.8 volts give or take.
I first hooked up a vibration sensor ($2) to the LED's in the exhaust tips. While it did in fact work, the LED's weren't very bright because they were being triggered/flickered for only fractions of a second at a time. Then the lead broke because it was extremely fragile soldering to it.
I then proceeded to purchase lightning effect LED's from Evan Designs. This solved all of my problems. The flickering/flashing effect is totally random and alternates randomly between the two exhaust tips. This was hooked up directly to the board using a +/- from a JST ZH. The other +/- was used to power the factory front LED's and 1.8mm red LED's added for the rears. I cant upload a video using my work laptop but hope the pics give some idea.
They look absolutely amazing especially in a dark or dim room. They randomly flicker/flash and alternate between the left and right exhaust tips. Super easy and super cool.
Yes, I will black out the backside of the red LED's in the rear as they project way too much on the floor lol.
No, I'm not keeping how I did this a secret. I'm surprised no one else seems to have figured this out actually or is not willing to share. Any questions let me know, I'd be happy to help.