Ever since I realised VeeChai's courtesy light has burnt, I was on the lookout for a replacement. This time, I preferred something along the lines of NOT being a incandescent bulb. Like any other bulbs, this W5W is not different. It does give you a nice light but at the same time, because it can get hot and affect the clear RM30.00 plastic cover.
Using COBs
I replaced the roof lights in my first Bengmobile quite some time ago and the LEDs were OK. It was not spectacularly bright but it was alright. Fast forward more than a decade later, it is VeeChai's turn. And so, I got this off the Internet or to be more specific, Shopee.
This time, this is a COB (Chip on Board) version as it is supposedly brighter than LEDs.
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| This is a 48 LED version and it comes with at least three different connectors. And this COB is quite thin. The thickness you're seeing are actually the double-sided tape. Mine was a W5W connector (lower left) |
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| Damn, my roof is dirty after all these years. Anyway, I just need to pry off the cover (from near the switch side) and I can start with the replacement. |
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| The W5W bulb is held by a very strong set of metal connectors. I just have to push the left connector a little to the left and the bulb will drop out. Inserting the W5W adaptor is quite tricky since it is fighting me all the way. |
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| Finally, the COB plate is in and boy, I am so underwhelmed by the 48 LED's brightness. Actually, two LED elements are out, with another two on its way. |
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| The W5W bulb which is burnt. |
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| The term sucker immediately comes to mind. I need to make the surrounding darker so that I can use the dim COB LEDs... or maybe, cover the whole car with a black cloth instead... |
Summary
So, yeah, I am not too happy about this dim COB. Which means I would need to get another set somewhere. One day. Soon. Maybe.
