Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:30 pm

As promised, here is a small how-to on the 'Phantom' Side Indicator clone I made.

Let's start with the BOM (Bill Of Materials):

WS2812 5050 LED Strip 60 leds/m 0.5m - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272910838998 --> £4.49 (This is enough to complete both lenses, I used 14 per side)
Arduino Nano x 2 - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262677405087 --> £6.00
3 Pin JST x 2 (You can buy 4 pack for the same price of 2 individuals) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152282668196 --> £2.99
Some wire (I have loads kicking around so didn't buy any... you don't need much)

Total Cost: £13.48

Software:

'Arduino IDE' (Free) --> https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

I did also 3D Print myself 2 parts to help, but these aren't 'required', as I'm sure many could fashion their own holder of sorts and solder directly to the bulb socket if they wanted. Or I could provide the parts for a small material cost.

Wiring:
IMG_0276.jpg
IMG_0276.jpg (263.95 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
In the picture above, VIN and GND goto the 3D Printed W5W/T10 male plug to fit into the socket
IMG_0263.jpg
IMG_0263.jpg (115.56 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
IMG_0264.jpg
IMG_0264.jpg (270.07 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
IMG_0265.jpg
IMG_0265.jpg (199.92 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
5V goes to the positive of the LED strip, GND to the negative, and D3 (Digital Pin 3) goes to DIN or DI (Digital In) of the LED Strip. All connections to the LED Strip are via the 3 Pin JST connection. On my JST connectors, I used the RED wire as the 5v Positive, the WHITE wire as the GND and the GREEN middle pin as the DI/DIN pin.

How-To

First thing you need is a flat headed screwdriver or a metal spudger. I used this tool:
IMG_0273.jpg
IMG_0273.jpg (355.54 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
I then started at the locating tab and worked my way around the lens. Inset the edge of the spudger into the edge of the lens and you can lever the lens up. You will hear it crack and creak as you work your way around the lens
IMG_0274.jpg
IMG_0274.jpg (254.96 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
With minimal effort going all round the lens, the lens cover will separate and come off
IMG_0275.jpg
IMG_0275.jpg (278.97 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
Next, I took my 3D Printed part and wrapped the LEDs around like so
IMG_0260.jpg
IMG_0260.jpg (130.76 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
I then placed into the Lens...
IMG_0261.jpg
IMG_0261.jpg (161.45 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
I then proceeded to program the Arduino, and placed it also into the lens in the middle of the 3D Printed part
IMG_0262.jpg
IMG_0262.jpg (169.4 KiB) Viewed 2241 times
Next thing was to connect a 12v source and make sure the lens animated as intended.
NOTE: It is important to check your polarity especially when connecting to the car indicator plug. If you connect the +ve and -ve the wrong way round you're likely to destroy the ardunio



Once happy, you can now glue the lens back together and fit :)

Additional Information

A few things to note. Depending on the brand / quality of the LED strip, when they first power up they *may* flash white. One may flash or the whole strip will, it's hard to know for sure the behaviour. This is "normal" as for a split second, the Addressable LEDs do not know their state (eg, on or off) and will default to one or the other at random.

The Arduino has a bootloader in order to make it easier to write your programs to the board. This means there is roughly a 1 second delay. To overcome this you would need to build an Arduino ISP and upload the sketch via the ISP Programmer. What that does, is it over writes the bootloader (effectively removing it) and makes the code start instantly. This of course would incur an additional cost of about £7 plus the skills to build the ISP circuit. (For more information, see here: http://glumb.de/en/arduino-as-isp-to-ch ... bootloader - includes diagram to build your own)

On that note... should anyone wish, I'm more than happy to offer an exchange service as such... you send me an arduino nano, I'll send it back flashed without the code, without a bootloader.

Files

3D Printed Lens Mount: http://download.myz4.co.uk/download/961 ... d1fcc.html
3D Printed W5W/T10 Male Socket: http://download.myz4.co.uk/download/a2f ... 0e783.html
Arduino Code: http://download.myz4.co.uk/download/3eb ... df9d8.html

Any questions get in touch. 8)

** Download Links updated 14th April 2019 **
Last edited by IAmOrion on Sun Apr 14, 2019 10:42 pm, edited 3 times in total.
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

User avatar
Ducklakeview
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6362
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2016 4:08 pm
Location: Merseyside

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by Ducklakeview » Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:40 pm

Cracking write up! I may just attempt this when I get a min..

Mike

User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:42 pm

Ducklakeview wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:40 pm Cracking write up! I may just attempt this when I get a min..

Mike
Thanks :)

If you get stuck or need any help / info just give me a shout
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

User avatar
Ducklakeview
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6362
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2016 4:08 pm
Location: Merseyside

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by Ducklakeview » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:00 pm

IAmOrion wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:42 pm
Ducklakeview wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:40 pm Cracking write up! I may just attempt this when I get a min..

Mike
Thanks :)

If you get stuck or need any help / info just give me a shout
Did you use the 30 or 60 LEDS/M? I'm guessing 30? Waterproof or not?

Can they be sourced in orange for those of us that have clear side indicators?

Mike

EDIT - Ignore, I presume the colour refers to the backing strip, as the LED colour is controlled by the Arduino..

User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:04 pm

Ducklakeview wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:00 pm Did you use the 30 or 60 LEDS/M? I'm guessing 30? Waterproof or not?

Can they be sourced in orange for those of us that have clear side indicators?

Mike

EDIT - Ignore, I presume the colour refers to the backing strip, as the LED colour is controlled by the Arduino..
60 leds/m non waterproof - simply because when the unit is resealed it should be waterproof anyways.

Colour is background and a matter of preference really. I’m awaiting some white pla so I can print the lens part in white and try with white background leds as I think it’ll look better

Correct, led colour is controlled by the arduino :)
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

firebobby
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 9529
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:09 am
Location: South west Buckinghamshire

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by firebobby » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:11 pm

Stop biting your nails :poke:
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:15 pm

firebobby wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:11 pm Stop biting your nails :poke:
Force of habit :headbang: lol
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

firebobby
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 9529
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:09 am
Location: South west Buckinghamshire

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by firebobby » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:31 pm

IAmOrion wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:15 pm
firebobby wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:11 pm Stop biting your nails :poke:
Force of habit :headbang: lol
My son used to bite his back like yours, he's stopped now and his hands look so much better. You need will power :wink:
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

Scooba_Steve
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 5277
Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:01 pm
Location: NW London

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by Scooba_Steve » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:44 pm

Ducklakeview wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:00 pmCan they be sourced in orange for those of us that have clear side indicators?
I've got a set of white backed and black backed orange LED strip to try. I'm just going for on and off replication, nothing fancy.
3.0si Sport: F10 Illuminated ZHP, Retrofit Cruise, OE Stubby, Gaptech RCH+, Kenwood BT73DAB + Handsfree, HIDs, LED Sidelights, OE LED Number Plate Lights, Custom LED strip bootlight.

User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:47 pm

Scooba_Steve wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:44 pm I've got a set of white backed and black backed orange LED strip to try. I'm just going for on and off replication, nothing fancy.
That would be super easy! The only reason for the arduino is to give the animation to the led strip
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

User avatar
thecremeegg
Member
Member
Posts: 733
Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2016 11:43 am
Location: North Hampshire

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by thecremeegg » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:16 am

Nice one! How much to 3d print me the bits you used as I don't have access to a 3d printer and they look great?

User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:20 am

thecremeegg wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:16 am Nice one! How much to 3d print me the bits you used as I don't have access to a 3d printer and they look great?
They’re printed with low infill so I’d say £10 including postage
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

User avatar
85genius
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1857
Joined: Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:20 pm

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by 85genius » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:03 pm

That is properly awesome work!!
Audi quattro driver :o
NOW SOLD - Ruby Black 3.0 SI Roadster :(
Image
Previous - E85 2.5 Ti Silver - See avatar photo - R.I.P Destroyed by a Tranny

User avatar
IAmOrion
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1611
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 8:29 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by IAmOrion » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:44 pm

85genius wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:03 pm That is properly awesome work!!
Thanks :)
NO LONGER OWN A Z4 SO NOT AS ACTIVE HERE ANYMORE (IF AT ALL).
I STILL OFFER FREE CARLY CODING & EWS KEY/TRANSPONDER CODING AT MY HOME
IN CAMBRIDGE CB22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Z4DIYCustomMods/

User avatar
Magicarcher
Member
Member
Posts: 543
Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2016 9:12 pm
Location: Warwickshire

HOW-TO: DIY "Phantom" Side Indicator.

Post by Magicarcher » Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:13 pm

Don't want to be a killjoy, because I love what you have done and Audi indicators are my favourite. but what is the legal/MOT/Insurance implications.
Z4 3.0L 2005. Titan Silver. Audio Upgrade Second Stereo Pioneer X8700DAB, Sony Xplode 4 x 70W Amp, 6.5" Reckhorn Subs in rear cubby, Focal AS165-3 in fronts.

Post Reply