Now in production: Multi-color windscreen lights with brake
07-24-2003 | 10:23 AM
#22
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From: Columbia, MD
3ngin, I'm not exactly sure on that one. I believe I have a decent reputation for answering some of the more difficult technical/electronics questions on this board, but there was no basis for a good reputation as a designer. This product was designed from the get go to change that oversight and build my reputation not only as a quality designer, but also as a quality businessman. To that end, the windscreen mod was priced so that I basically broke even, but I never imagined it would bring in as many customers as it has.
There is a lot of tedious handwork involved with the screen and the LEDs, so it takes up a significant amount of my time (which doesn't leave time for design of new projects). I'll answer your question this way...as long as I still have a client waiting for a windscreen, I will continue to modify them. If I get to the end of the list and no new names have popped up, I MAY call it quits, or I MAY continue making them for whomever pops up next...I just don't know. I suppose it will depend on how heavily I'm into designing the next project.
There is a lot of tedious handwork involved with the screen and the LEDs, so it takes up a significant amount of my time (which doesn't leave time for design of new projects). I'll answer your question this way...as long as I still have a client waiting for a windscreen, I will continue to modify them. If I get to the end of the list and no new names have popped up, I MAY call it quits, or I MAY continue making them for whomever pops up next...I just don't know. I suppose it will depend on how heavily I'm into designing the next project.
07-24-2003 | 10:33 AM
#23
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From: Columbia, MD
I will be trying a few new ideas over the next day or two...I will offer them as options if they work out and will edit the original post to reflect the new choices.
I have a new wide selection of transparent paints (about 30-40 different colors)...if you don't like them, peel them off and stick them on another piece of plastic or glass. I do not yet know how well it will peel off if I pour it into the bumpy recess of an etching, so that will something to try shortly. However, since it's transparent, that could mean I will be able to paint a large logo that covers the entire screen and still be able to see through it.
I have a handful of Day-Glo colors that will work well with the UV LEDs.
I also have several Day-Glo colors that glow in the dark. Ultraviolet REALLY charges up glow in the dark stuff, so you can with these as if it's standard Day-Glo, but once the car is turned off they will continue to glow for a while.
Please note, I do not yet know how well the glow in the dark pigments will hold up to heavy sunlight/heat, but I imagine it will be fine for some time to come if previous experience is any indication of longevity.
Betcha kids never saw THOSE options comin'...
I have a new wide selection of transparent paints (about 30-40 different colors)...if you don't like them, peel them off and stick them on another piece of plastic or glass. I do not yet know how well it will peel off if I pour it into the bumpy recess of an etching, so that will something to try shortly. However, since it's transparent, that could mean I will be able to paint a large logo that covers the entire screen and still be able to see through it.
I have a handful of Day-Glo colors that will work well with the UV LEDs.
I also have several Day-Glo colors that glow in the dark. Ultraviolet REALLY charges up glow in the dark stuff, so you can with these as if it's standard Day-Glo, but once the car is turned off they will continue to glow for a while.
Please note, I do not yet know how well the glow in the dark pigments will hold up to heavy sunlight/heat, but I imagine it will be fine for some time to come if previous experience is any indication of longevity.
Betcha kids never saw THOSE options comin'...
07-24-2003 | 11:27 AM
#25
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From: Columbia, MD
OK, I'm a bit giddy 
I just tried the different paints on the etchings and here are some of my results (pics will come later).
The transparent paint is still drying (1-2 hours), but from the small portions that have dried, it doesn't look TOO bad. It's difficult to get the paint even, s it has a bit of a mottled look to it. Other than that, though, it evens out the cloudiness of the etching and you can see through it fairly well (definitely enough to see if a car is behind you or not). It's not for me, but i'm sure someone will be intersted in it, especially if they want an etching that covers a large portion of the screen (such as the huge 'H' badge I've seen floating around...THAT would look sweet in a transparent color).
The Day-Glo paints frikkin' ROCK with the UV LEDs
I really like the glow in the dark colors because the UV LEDs really charge up the colors and they continue to glow after the screen is turned off. I may have to change my mind on the multi-color and go with Day-Glo on mine
I just tried the different paints on the etchings and here are some of my results (pics will come later).
The transparent paint is still drying (1-2 hours), but from the small portions that have dried, it doesn't look TOO bad. It's difficult to get the paint even, s it has a bit of a mottled look to it. Other than that, though, it evens out the cloudiness of the etching and you can see through it fairly well (definitely enough to see if a car is behind you or not). It's not for me, but i'm sure someone will be intersted in it, especially if they want an etching that covers a large portion of the screen (such as the huge 'H' badge I've seen floating around...THAT would look sweet in a transparent color).
The Day-Glo paints frikkin' ROCK with the UV LEDs
I really like the glow in the dark colors because the UV LEDs really charge up the colors and they continue to glow after the screen is turned off. I may have to change my mind on the multi-color and go with Day-Glo on mine
07-24-2003 | 12:08 PM
#26
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass, VA
Originally posted by MacGyver
Betcha kids never saw THOSE options comin'...
Betcha kids never saw THOSE options comin'...
what the heck you're talking about now 
. I'm not familiar in the least with these paints/pigments and such. Why would I want to paint my clear windscreen exactly? Obviously, you're suggesting the paints pick up the LEDs or something...but...but...:guhhh:...I don't get it 
.
I'm stupid... - Dave
OOOH! But I *did* get the C-O-R-N-E-R!!!
07-24-2003 | 12:12 PM
#27
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Austin
I can't wait for this to come my way...all i need now is a windscreen (unless Mac would be kind enough to charge me for one in one package). Just let me know when the time comes - excellent work. Can't wait for #2 either
07-24-2003 | 01:18 PM
#28
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From: Columbia, MD
Dave,
I'm talking about painting the etched logos on the screen, not the entire screen. The UV LEDs need something to illuminate (other than your white shirt), so I'm offering a wide range of Day-Glo colors and glow in the dark Day-Glo colors.
Some have requested logos that practically fill the entire screen, but the etching process makes it difficult to see through the logo...the transparent paint gives the logo color and increases the ability to see through the etched portions of the screen. At a distance, looking through the transparent paint is akin to looking through old-style glass...kinda wavy and not very sharp, but it's easy to see objects as a whole through it.
I'm talking about painting the etched logos on the screen, not the entire screen. The UV LEDs need something to illuminate (other than your white shirt), so I'm offering a wide range of Day-Glo colors and glow in the dark Day-Glo colors.
Some have requested logos that practically fill the entire screen, but the etching process makes it difficult to see through the logo...the transparent paint gives the logo color and increases the ability to see through the etched portions of the screen. At a distance, looking through the transparent paint is akin to looking through old-style glass...kinda wavy and not very sharp, but it's easy to see objects as a whole through it.
07-24-2003 | 05:17 PM
#30
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Columbia, MD
OK, this REALLY freaked me out. This thread didn't show up in the S2000 Talk forums no matter how far back I scrolled. I started freaking out when it didn't show up during a search, either. I thought the thread was deleted!!! I'm hoping this post will pop it back to the top again...