Automatic assistants in the electronic filling of the car today cover almost all of its control functions. This applies more to security systems, but with the advent of sensory sensors, the coverage of intelligent assistants has expanded significantly. So, the light sensor in the car becomes more and more popular. What is this device? This is a kind of detector that captures threshold lighting values at which the optics can automatically turn on or off. In more advanced systems, the sensor is also able to monitor lighting conditions in intermediate states, more precisely tuning automotive equipment.
What is a light sensor?
The sensor device can be divided into two parts - this is a typical electrical infrastructure, due to which the device is connected to the optics control relay, and a sensitive component. Connecting to a relay enables the sensor to quickly interact with car lights, activating their function in a timely manner. The main element of the device is the detector itself in the form of a photocell that responds to lighting parameters. The most common standalone light sensor in a car. How does this modification work? Its feature is independence from the main power supply network. That is, the signal to the relay comes even in case of failures on the trunk wiring. Of course, we can speak of a guarantee of the operability of this circuit only if the optics and the control controller are stable.
The principle of operation of the device
During the movement of the car, the sensor constantly monitors the zone entrusted to it, evaluating the lighting parameters. Usually this is the elemental brightness of the light, to which photocells react. When the limit values are reached, the sensor sends a signal to the aforementioned relay. In turn, the controller instructs the optics to turn on or, conversely, turn off. It is important to emphasize that the system does not only affect inclusion. Such systems belong to active safety means, therefore, the activation of light in a dark alley, for example, is a key objective of the device. But also when fixing the threshold brightness values, the device turns off the optics. It is worth noting the features of signal processing, which sends a light sensor in the car. How does the control unit work in this circuit? Initially, the microcircuit is programmed to work on several channels associated with certain optics - lights, headlights, "fog", etc. Also, the sensors are responsible for specific zones, conditionally associated with these channels. Thus, in each case, one or another group of optical devices of the machine is involved.
Coverage areas
The basic separation involves processing signals from two coverage areas. First of all, it is a global zone. It refers to the space directly at the car. The second zone is the front. It applies to the stretch of road in front of the car. Modern sensor models are able to distinguish between these zones by sending corresponding signals to the relay. It would seem that if under current conditions there is a reduced level of illumination, then optical devices corresponding to traffic conditions should be activated. But the difference lies precisely in the features of the near and far headlights, for which the light sensor in the car is responsible. What does this separation mean in practice? In the absence of visibility, the main-beam headlamps must be activated, and during the daytime-running lights with dipped beam. However, the boundary states between these lighting conditions are not always available for fixation by electronics. Therefore, it is desirable that the sensor also provides for the ability to track intermediate illumination characteristics.
Sensor Settings
In part, the task of separating border light readings can be solved using basic settings. Typically, there are two modes of operation of the device:
- At dusk. Light activates at dusk, when the night has not yet arrived, but it is already visibly darkening.
- At night. The sensor turns on the headlights when it is completely dark.
In some configurations, a specific purpose of the headlights is also provided, which under certain conditions includes a light sensor in the car. What is it in terms of signal processing by electronics? These are program parameters that are logically processed under certain conditions. For example, in the first mode, the dipped beam will still work, and in the second, the distant headlights will be activated.
Special Sensor Versions
There are models of sensors that are also responsible for regulating the light in the cabin. In particular, they not only turn on, but also control the brightness parameters of the dashboard. Actually, the second function is of paramount importance, since during movement the panel in any case works. But in such systems, with a heavy load of signals on the relay, problems are possible. So, according to users, the light sensor in the Kia Rio car sins by incorrectly controlling the backlight of the same dashboard. For example, at night, the system justifiably activates the high beam, but in the cabin the backlight can turn on with maximum brightness, which makes the driver uncomfortable. Most often, such problems arise due to violations of the wiring connection or its damage - the resistance drops, resulting in inaccurate signals.
DIY installation
First of all, the installation locations are determined. There can be two of them - either behind the rear-view mirror in the area of the windshield, or on the front panel - also near the windshield. In both cases, it is important to organize a free, uncovered space in which the light sensor in the car will work. Doing it yourself is easy to do with your own hands - complete fasteners are involved in the work. In some cases, it is enough to carry out glue fastening, and in others, to realize mechanical fixation with hardware.
Wiring deserves special attention. It is desirable to make the cable as short as possible in a visible place and, if possible, immediately lead from the sensor behind the dashboard. The selector will become the final destination to which the light sensor in the car is directly connected. What is this in the connection diagram of the detector with the control relay? A selector is a transition link that performs a kind of signal preprocessing. He can correct its parameters, determine the same channels of the optics groups and eliminate interference.
Conclusion
The presence of an automatic light control should not be taken as a guarantee of security at all - albeit in one aspect of control. There are dangers that a light sensor in a car can pose. What does this mean for a motorist? Electronics in the form of automatic assistants give a sense of third-party control, but this impression is misleading. Indeed, in most cases, such sensors are useful, but there is also a risk of electronics failure. And then the untimely inclusion of headlights can turn into a tragedy. Is it worth it to abandon the light sensor because of this risk? Perhaps not, but you should definitely not rely only on its function in controlling optics.