Headlamp Dipping by Electronics
Page 49
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AS reported in The Commercial Motor last week, R.C.A. Great Britain, Ltd., Lincoln Way, Windmill Road, Sunburyon-Thames, now offer electronic apparatus for automatically dipping headlamps, either for original installa'tion or the conversion of existing vehicles. The equipment comprises three main units and is of American mannfact u re.
A small light-sensitive tube, known as a photomultiplier, is fitted at the bottom off-side corner of the windscreen, inside the vehicle, and aimed at a predetermined point ahead so that it will not pick up too much light from the vehicle's own main beams. The setting can be done in a garage with the aid of a screen.
Glare from the lamps of an oncoming vehicle is picked up by the tube (the sensitivity of which can be adjusted), and a signal is passed to an amplifier. This is contained in a sealed unit measuring approximately 5 in. by 3 in. by 3 in. together with a coil and armature. When the vehicle's main beams are on, the dipswitch is operated by the armature, which returns when glare falling upon the tube diminishes. Brilliant street lights will also cause the lamps to be dipped.
The dipswitch is of a Special type to provide over-riding ordinary control of the headlamps by the driver, with a certain position for use when automatic control is desired. The equipment is stated to require no more skill or knowledge to install than an automobile electrician would normally possess.
At the moment the company arc assessing the likelihood of demand in this country before deciding upon the quantities to import or even themselves to manufacture here. The Commercial Motor was told that a set of components would cost about £25, to which the installation cost would be additional.