Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: markh1 on 25 October 2010, 15:42:16

Title: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 25 October 2010, 15:42:16
Does anyone know what the maximum permissible wattage bulb you can fit in the reversing lamps on the mig? Would like to be able to see a bit better when going backwards!
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Andy B on 25 October 2010, 17:12:10
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Does anyone know what the maximum permissible wattage bulb you can fit in the reversing lamps on the mig? Would like to be able to see a bit better when going backwards!

Is there an option of a bigger wattage lamps of the same physical size & base fittings? My understanding of reverse lights are that they're for others to know you're reversing, not for you to see where you're going ...... my caravan has a reverse light, but I can't see where I'm going with it  ;D  ;D  ;D   :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: majesticlarge on 25 October 2010, 17:15:42
i must admit i would like them brighter but only because my rear window is tinted so at night its a nightmare, sometimes had to use towbar to park  ;D
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: john6177 on 25 October 2010, 17:20:07
road legal! = 21watt. have your reflectors faded?
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Andy B on 25 October 2010, 17:31:11
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road legal! = 21watt. have your reflectors faded?

I very much doubt there's a road legal maximum .... I'm willing to be proved wrong, but the MOT tester has never ever tested my reverse lights in 30 years  :y The fashion years ago used to be a huge spot/fog light wired up to the reverse lights.  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: TheBoy on 25 October 2010, 17:32:01
Remove the tints ;)

Or drive like a man, and use the door mirrors ;D
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: dbug on 25 October 2010, 19:09:24
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Remove the tints ;)

Or drive like a man, and use the door mirrors ;D

Yep  :y :y :y :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: tomoco on 25 October 2010, 20:58:42
Try a set of those LED replacement bulbs from Halfords. Same fitting as the standard bulbs but much brighter yet they only use the same wattage.  :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Ralph on 25 October 2010, 21:04:11
LED replacement bulbs from Halfords. Same fitting as the standard bulbs

Tried them, they look brighter but don't throw much light.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 26 October 2010, 08:17:13
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Remove the tints ;)

Or drive like a man, and use the door mirrors ;D

So the darkened part of the glass is just a sticker stuck on the inside by the factory??

I do use the door mirrors, the trouble is reversing out of the garage then driveway onto a pitch black road.

Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Andy B on 26 October 2010, 08:20:49
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Quote
Remove the tints ;)

Or drive like a man, and use the door mirrors ;D

So the darkened part of the glass is just a sticker stuck on the inside by the factory??
......

That was in reply to majaesticlarge' window tints.  ;)
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 26 October 2010, 08:39:10
Oh thought you were on about the darkened tail lamp units!.....It's too early in the morning  :D
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: feeutfo on 26 October 2010, 08:59:10
Wire up a rear spot to the reverse lights as said IMO...
or if it's just the drive way fit a motion sensor security light above the garage door perhaps?
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 26 October 2010, 09:02:39
The drive way is not really a problem it's when I am backing out onto the lane that has no street lighting and a drainage ditch the other side. I will have a hunt on Ebay and see what lights I can find that don't look too 'aftermarket'
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Sixstring on 26 October 2010, 09:20:37
Buy yourself a pair of the reversing lights that have a "beeper" in them, they have a small Halogen bulb in them which is MUCH brighter, then cut one side of the feed to the beeper.
done this myself, MUCH better light reversing up my dark drive at night.
SIMPLES.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 26 October 2010, 09:42:53
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Buy yourself a pair of the reversing lights that have a "beeper" in them, they have a small Halogen bulb in them which is MUCH brighter, then cut one side of the feed to the beeper.
done this myself, MUCH better light reversing up my dark drive at night.
SIMPLES.

I presume these are what you are referring too?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12v-REVERSING-WARNING-LIGHT-BULB-BEEPER-CAR-VAN-/260645462500?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3cafae21e4#ht_658wt_905
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Sixstring on 26 October 2010, 09:48:59
ABSOLUTELY!!

But buy TWO...................................

(and don't forget to cut the bleeper wire, its SO annoying otherwise)

Thanks for the link, mate.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Agemo on 26 October 2010, 09:55:12
The reversing bleeper with integral light replaces a normal bulb, so would probably give you LESS illumination.
You have the legal maximum at the moment i.e. two 21 watt lamps. You could turn on your rear fogs & hazards for even more light, although reversing INTO your drive is a better option.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Andy B on 26 October 2010, 09:59:59
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....
You have the legal maximum at the moment i.e. two 21 watt lamps.  .....


As said, I very much doubt there's any legal maximum wattage lamp or legal maximum number of lights. No mention of reverse lights in th MOT http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/mc_section_one.htm  :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: henryd on 26 October 2010, 10:09:44
reverse lamps are not part of mot,front fog lamps aren't either which is odd :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 26 October 2010, 10:12:19
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The reversing bleeper with integral light replaces a normal bulb, so would probably give you LESS illumination.
You have the legal maximum at the moment i.e. two 21 watt lamps. You could turn on your rear fogs & hazards for even more light, although reversing INTO your drive is a better option.

The trouble is that would mean reversing into a dark garage which is even worse  ;D

In all honesty it's not exactly a huge problem but if I can solve it fairly easily by finding some brighter bulbs then that would be great.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Agemo on 26 October 2010, 10:15:56
As for the number fitted:-
"Not more than two"
"Wattage–
The total wattage of any one reversing lamp shall not exceed 24 watts"
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
1989 No. 1796SCHEDULE 14

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/14/made

So I was wrong about 21 watts, you could go up to 24, or some say that the ones with bleepers emit more light  ::)
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Agemo on 26 October 2010, 10:18:25
I think if you don't have enough light when reversing into a dark garage, you may have defective lights, have you compared yours with another Omega?
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: PhilRich on 26 October 2010, 10:23:39
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Oh thought you were on about the darkened tail lamp units!.....It's too early in the morning  :D







Are you saying your car has darkened light covers? :-/
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 26 October 2010, 10:30:41
I will check the bulbs and see what state they are in, maybe they are filthy and that's why the light emitted is poor.

The reversing lenses are smoked grey are they not? However I presume this colour is in the perspex/plastic and cannot be altered. I think it is probably a moot point.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Andy B on 26 October 2010, 10:37:55
Quote
Quote
Oh thought you were on about the darkened tail lamp units!.....It's too early in the morning  :D







Are you saying your car has darkened light covers? :-/

Prefacelift cars do.  :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: PhilRich on 26 October 2010, 10:38:02
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I will check the bulbs and see what state they are in, maybe they are filthy and that's why the light emitted is poor.

The reversing lenses are smoked grey are they not? However I presume this colour is in the perspex/plastic and cannot be altered. I think it is probably a moot point.





Yes sorry :-[ I should have looked closer at your model! ;)
It's a bloody silly styling gaffe by VX imo though :-/ :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: henryd on 26 October 2010, 10:43:39
its a bit drastic I know but you could cut a slot in the rear bumper and fit one or two of these flush fit lamps
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-Bongo-Ford-Freeda-Rear-Reversing-Lamp-Flush-Fit-/260465458180?pt=UK_C
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Agemo on 26 October 2010, 10:47:30
Those lamps would not be legal, but I like them, I could never admit they were off a BONGO though!!!   :-[
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: henryd on 26 October 2010, 10:55:30
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Those lamps would not be legal, but I like them, I could never admit they were off a BONGO though!!!   :-[

 :D :D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: lightfj on 26 October 2010, 11:33:56
How about a reversing camera? I bought one from Costco about £60 IIRC. It has infra red for night vision and just wires in to a reversing light . It fits on the No.plate,or you could put it in the bumper. The screen just plugs intothe cigarette lighter and has a (very) sticky pad on the dash with velcro to attach the screen to. I used it on my previous Volvo - you couldn't seethe back at all. If you pm me i'll send you some pics. I'll dig it out . :D
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: bigdods on 26 October 2010, 14:53:38
Other option, just switch your rear fogs on they throw a lot of light
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 26 October 2010, 14:56:05
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Other option, just switch your rear fogs on they throw a lot of light

I seem to remember the reversing (and rear fogs for that matter) of a Mk III Cavalier were lovely, like little headlamps in themselves.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 26 October 2010, 14:59:31
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The trouble is that would mean reversing into a dark garage which is even worse  ;D

Without sounding sarcastic (I know thats what people say when they ARE being sarcastic, but dont want people to THINK so! But honestly I'm not trying to be clever but...) Have you considered a light fitted inside the garage?
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 27 October 2010, 08:58:47
Quote
Quote
The trouble is that would mean reversing into a dark garage which is even worse  ;D

Without sounding sarcastic (I know thats what people say when they ARE being sarcastic, but dont want people to THINK so! But honestly I'm not trying to be clever but...) Have you considered a light fitted inside the garage?

 ;D Yes that would be quite an obvious thing! Thankfully the garage has lights but it would mean I would have to get out the car, switch them on and then get back in the car again. Me lazy?!....No!

Edited to add: I am thinking about getting some remote lights for the garage.
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: 2woody on 27 October 2010, 10:06:02
Quote
As for the number fitted:-
"Not more than two"
"Wattage–
The total wattage of any one reversing lamp shall not exceed 24 watts"
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
1989 No. 1796SCHEDULE 14

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/14/made

So I was wrong about 21 watts, you could go up to 24, or some say that the ones with bleepers emit more light  ::)

not correct -

for an approved lamp (i.e. Omega) there's no upper wattage requirement.

for any other lamp, it's 24W

Schedule 14, table item 8(a) and 8(b)
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Martin_1962 on 27 October 2010, 10:19:51
Quote
The drive way is not really a problem it's when I am backing out onto the lane that has no street lighting and a drainage ditch the other side. I will have a hunt on Ebay and see what lights I can find that don't look too 'aftermarket'

Reverse in drive out - problem solved :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Agemo on 27 October 2010, 15:33:37
I see what you mean, there is an answer there then, he can fit Xenon Headlight bulbs to his reversing lights.  :y

Quote
Quote
As for the number fitted:-
"Not more than two"
"Wattage–
The total wattage of any one reversing lamp shall not exceed 24 watts"
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
1989 No. 1796SCHEDULE 14

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/14/made

So I was wrong about 21 watts, you could go up to 24, or some say that the ones with bleepers emit more light  ::)

not correct -

for an approved lamp (i.e. Omega) there's no upper wattage requirement.

for any other lamp, it's 24W

Schedule 14, table item 8(a) and 8(b)
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: 2woody on 28 October 2010, 14:13:19
apparently so - you could fit 1000W bulbs if they could be made not to melt the lamp housing
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: mathewst on 29 October 2010, 09:33:47
Fit a switch with the remote for the lights in the garage and problem solved
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 29 October 2010, 23:48:20
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Fit a switch with the remote for the lights in the garage and problem solved


Yep! That'll do. I was going to ask how he opens the garage door, actually, but if its a remote garage door, then could easily wire up a light to come on with the door.

How about simply training one of the many polite, clean and cheerful Afghan immigrants you see selling Big Issues to both open the door/turn on the light whenever you arrive home. Perhaps with a simple beep of your horn?


Though maybe not like this system...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrB4mvq7elk
in the interests of political correctness and race-relations, I must urge that the man in the clip may not be Afghan by birth.

 :y
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: dbr on 31 October 2010, 01:49:30
Quote
Remove the tints ;)

Or drive like a man, and use the door mirrors ;D
better when possible to look where you are going. Better perifial vision, Saves lives. A few kids are killed every year by a parent reversing on to driveways using mirrors
Title: Re: brighter reverse lights
Post by: markh1 on 31 October 2010, 08:38:01
Problem solved!!

I took out the reverse bulbs to have a look at them and they were covered in years of dust!! Now they are clean they work much better!

A three page thread just for me to get my ass into gear and clean the bulbs!  :D