F1 Race cars' brake light

The Pep Boys

 

as much as i hate myself for saying this, that actually looks kinda cool. would be annoying though unless you have a motorcycle i don't see a need for a flashing brake light

 

I think the p4/5 uses one

 

Ooooo...LOL!

 

One of the things I do in my work is design high-end brake lights for various vehicles, so I am pretty up to date on the latest in lighting.

I have had the chance to look at F1 brake lights up close, and it looks to me like they are using Luxeon K2 LED's with maybe a Carclo or a Fraen narrow angle 20mm optic.

They use a metal core PCB and just a thin piece of delrin machined with the cut-outs for the optics, then a 1/8" piece of acrylic or lexan with socket head cap screws holding the cover on.

I'd love to find out who the manufacturer of the actual light is and see if they would sell one, and if not, I wanted to make a 100% exact replica of the light for myself using all the same parts and dimensions.

 

It is not a brake light. IIRC, it is used to indicate that the car is on intermediate or full wet tires or if the pit lane speed limiter is engaged

 

Just found from F1Technical that the manufacturer of the brake lights is McLaren Electronic Systems.

I've sent them an email asking about price, I will let you guys know.

 

Good luck hearing back from them. I've tried to reach them countless times and they don't reply.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KshzP7W2ecs

saw this on youtube, Im sure its been seen before but this would be a cool addition for some.
B/R
Jonathan

 

The light that burns .... 220V, would, I would guess, perhaps,
burn four times as bright.

 

If you're talking voltage to the LED's there's no way its 220V. LED's are current driven.

 

Yeah, it's not a "brake light". It flashes constantly (not to say that it can't be wired to only operate when the brakes are applied). I believe they use them any time there is a chance of poor visability. I'm pretty sure they were used in the night race(s) this season.

 

You took the words right out of my mouth

 

correct.

If the light fails during poor visibility the car will be disqualified.

 

I talked to the guy who provided the lights for the European F3 series (IIRC), and while Mike's description pretty much matches the part I had in my hand, the price was beyond ridiculous - slightly below 1000€ if my memory serves me correctly.

 

Ferrari and a few other teams did an experiment for the FIA during a practice once where they used the rain light as a brake light with a view to improving safety.

In the end the FIA decided that the ability of the drivers mean't that they shouldn't need brake lights so didn't see the idea through to any races.

 

I know off topic but reminds me of Alonso's brake check of Doornbos for which he was penalized. Doornbos showed great ability to avoid an accident:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYk1EUQBi7w

 

You would so get a ticket for that over here. They hate it when you try look like an emergency services vehicle.

 

Yeah PM me the info because I am going to buy one.

 

Maybe you lack my charm?

I got an email back this morning from a nice lady who said they will be happy to sell me genuine F1 brake lights, and asked for a little more info and she will send me a quote.

Unfortunately, due to the time difference I got back to her only a little before 5, so I don't expect to hear back from them until Monday.

I will let you guys know what I find out.

 

Whoa doggie!

Well, I was expecting 200€-300€ or so... if it's 1000€, I will poop my pants! Or buy one and make exact replicas for 1/3rd the price

We shall see! Now I am doubly interested in what McLaren comes back with!

 

not to mention when Alonso brake tested Coulthard...that didn't go so well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMuAR6rHJcw

Alonso is a dirty driver, don't like him.

 

Why not just pulse your center brake light when you hit the brakes? There is a kit for this at: http://www.webelectricproducts.com/products.htm . Much cheaper than F1 rain and pit lane light.