Today the market offers a wide range of options, but which options are better to avoid, and is it always worth overpaying?
We asked a specialist from MLux about this and more, who answered the most pressing questions about xenon in an interview format:
As they say, in secret, we will tell you that MLux xenon is the work of specialists who select and assemble all kinds of lighting for the film industry and beyond. Simply put, the filming of almost all TV shows and movies shot in Ukraine most likely did not happen without the help of these guys. And they know better than anyone about the importance of color temperature. Their advice is to choose lamps with a glow temperature of 4150K-5000K. This is the optimal color temperature for good visibility. But if the goal is to make the car's look bright, there are options from yellow to blue shades. If necessary and desired, xenon can be installed on any car. The main thing is to choose the right kit – the ballast (ignition unit) and lamps.
MLux currently has four types of ignition units: SIMPLE, PREMIUM, CLASSIC, and CARGO.
The new products are the PREMIUM and SIMPLE options.
PREMIUM. This is a 2015 new product. MLux PREMIUM series ignition units are designed for installation on any car, including those with a lamp fault monitoring system and a 12 V on-board voltage! This series of MLux ballasts (ignition units) is presented in a SLIM housing, and its main distinguishing feature is uncompromising CAN-BUS support (including on FORD Focus III, PORSCHE Cayenne, etc.).
Another feature of the new generation of ASIC chips used in MLux PREMIUM series ballasts (ignition units) is a consistently low starting current, which significantly increases the safety of the car's electronics.
SIMPLE. This budget but high-quality series is designed for use on cars without a lamp fault monitoring system (CAN-BUS) with a 12 V on-board voltage. This series of MLux ballasts (ignition units) is used on cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and other vehicles with limited installation space. MLux SIMPLE series ballasts are electronic (digital) ignition units that generate alternating current (AC) at the output and are manufactured based on an MCU chip, which significantly reduces their cost. Thanks to the use of high-quality components and improved passive cooling (the latter is especially important for this type of chip), MLux SIMPLE series ballasts have shown decent results and a justified service life during a number of tests and trials.
It is important to note that MLux PREMIUM, CLASSIC, and CARGO series ballasts are electronic (digital) ignition units manufactured using modern technology based on a 48-bit ASIC chip, similar to original HELLA, MATSUSHITA units. The ASIC chip ensures many years of stable operation and allows for constant real-time diagnostics of the xenon lamp's condition both at startup and during operation. As a result, maximum light output is achieved without reducing the lamp's service life.
Xenon lamps
According to MLux specialists, a xenon kit cannot cost less than 1000 UAH at retail. Moreover, relatively normal kits are not always found even for twice that amount. This is largely due to cheap glass or even its budget substitute. In cheap options, components are used that can not only suffer from bad weather or road conditions but simply burn out immediately after installation. Regardless of the manufacturer, professionals recommend reading reviews, consulting with specialists, and not choosing based on the principle of "at least it's cheap."
Speaking of MLux, it should be noted that these xenon lamps use quartz glass bulbs manufactured using PHILIPS technology, which provides maximum light output with minimal loss of luminous flux. In addition, the distance between the electrodes and their position inside the lamp is strictly controlled. This is done to ensure an exact match of the xenon lamp's arc center with the standard halogen one. As a result, with high-quality xenon installation and headlight adjustment, the correct formation of the light beam with precise focusing is achieved.
MLux H7R xenon mono-lamps for low beam have a special coating in the form of a shield on the bulb, similar to the D2R lamps used in standard reflector xenon optics. The shield allows for more precise focusing of the low beam cutoff and maximally protects oncoming drivers from glare.
MLux lamps D1S, D1R, D2S, D2R, D3S, D3R, D4S, D4R are designed for installation in standard xenon optics and work seamlessly with ballasts (ignition units) from all OEM manufacturers.
MLux bi-xenon lamps for bases H4/9003/HB2, H13, 9004/HB1, 9007/HB5 are used in cars with combined optics. Switching between low and high beam occurs mechanically – by changing the position of the bulb using an electromagnet. Special attention in the production of MLux bi-xenon lamps is paid to the shape of the base guides in the mechanical part, which minimizes bulb play and increases focusing accuracy. Also important is the improved shield mounting, which prevents glare for oncoming drivers when the low beam is on.
Finally
Some need xenon for beauty, others want to make driving in the dark safer. Today's selection allows you to fulfill any wishes... our advice is to choose the optimal glow temperature and give preference to well-known companies like MLux. Only reputable firms guarantee quality and efficiency.
