Headlight auto-on sensor hack

[Super77]

After a few overcast days in Seattle, the sensor is still not sensitive enough even at full CCW. So, back to how to cover or shade it…

I found some “skin diversity” band-aids that come in different shades of tan/brown and used a 1/2” punch to make a little disc. It lets about 50% light through. The fabric stretches nicely over the lens and sticks well. Looks like a tiny loudspeaker.

This seems to have moved the trigger point in the right direction. Overcast again today so we’ll see how it does.

 

[SmoothLC]

After a few overcast days in Seattle, the sensor is still not sensitive enough even at full CCW. So, back to how to cover or shade it…

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I found some “skin diversity” band-aids that come in different shades of tan/brown and used a 1/2” punch to make a little disc. It lets about 50% light through. The fabric stretches nicely over the lens and sticks well. Looks like a tiny loudspeaker.

This seems to have moved the trigger point in the right direction. Overcast again today so we’ll see how it does.

So, it's still not clear to me how you turn the cap CCW.

Do you remove the rectangular panel and then turn the cap?

Or do you slide a couple pencils (picks?) between the panel and the cap and turn the cap?

I like your solution above @Super77, I guess I'm just slow on the up take.

 

[Super77]

It turned for me when I used 2 pencil erasers instead of my fingers. The rubber is grabbier. I didn’t remove the panel.

I was 1/4 turn from full CCW already, so the rotation didn’t do much to the sensitivity - just confirmed that turning was possible.

I want the lights to come on when it’s overcast, not just after sunset. The bandaid cover + full CCW gets me almost there, but rotating only will not.

 

[SmoothLC]

It turned for me when I used 2 pencil erasers instead of my fingers. The rubber is grabbier. I didn’t remove the panel.

I was 1/4 turn from full CCW already, so the rotation didn’t do much to the sensitivity - just confirmed that turning was possible.

I want the lights to come on when it’s overcast, not just after sunset. The bandaid cover + full CCW gets me almost there, but rotating only will not.

Thanks Super! I'll give it a try.

 

[SmoothLC]

Ok, gotta report back.
Tried the pencil eraser trick and couldn't get it to move.
The suggested using a small foot pad, the kind that has a sticky substance on one side.
Gave it a try and voila!
Worked like a charm.

 

[Super77]

...and I'll add that when turned to full CCW and with my band-aid hack (post #21 above), the auto headlights turn on right when I need them - rainy Seattle afternoon light or just at the start of dusk.