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LED License Plate Frame

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by jdigital, Apr 13, 2006.

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  1. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    I just picked up one of these (link) LED license plate frames, and am planning to install it tomorrow. I really like the idea of being able to display my current MPG or any other message on the back of my Prius.

    The frame has a +12V and a GND wire, which I will need to connect somewhere near the back license plate. I am thinking the cargo light in the back area might be a good place to plug it in (ahead of the switch).

    Is there a better (or closer) place I could tap into? If not, does anybody have any tips on getting into the cargo light? It looks pretty straightforward from what I've seen of others doing it. Any insight would be appreciated, thanks.
     
    #1 jdigital, Apr 13, 2006
  2. Vagabond

    Vagabond Active Member

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    I... have to say it. Smug alert!
     
    #2 Vagabond, Apr 13, 2006
  3. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    Hmm? Sorry, 3 posts under my belt, not exactly experienced here... What's the problem?
     
    #3 jdigital, Apr 13, 2006
  4. Vagabond

    Vagabond Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jdigital @ Apr 13 2006, 12:26 AM) [snapback]239003[/snapback]</div>

    Nothing sorry. I was just quoting a South Park joke.
     
    #4 Vagabond, Apr 13, 2006
  5. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    #5 jdigital, Apr 13, 2006
  6. benighted

    benighted New Member

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    I really wouldn't want to brag about my MPG in an "in your face" type of manner with gas prices on the rise.
    Who knows, if the guy behind you just got done ordering from the dollar menu at McDonalds because he spent $80 at the pump this morning might take it the wrong way, and to top it off his car is depreciating faster than he is paying for it.

    But thats just me and I'm possibly a bit too tired for rational thought. ;)
     
    #6 benighted, Apr 13, 2006
  7. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    MPG-related violence... the road rage of the future.
     
    #7 jdigital, Apr 13, 2006
  8. benighted

    benighted New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jdigital @ Apr 13 2006, 12:44 AM) [snapback]239009[/snapback]</div>
    Indeed. Make everyone so mad they are forced to buy hybrids. :evil grin:
    I am thinking of ways you could really taunt someone with an LED sign like that. :blink:
     
    #8 benighted, Apr 13, 2006
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    cool... how much?
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Apr 13, 2006
  10. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Apr 13 2006, 02:49 PM) [snapback]239419[/snapback]</div>
    If it's like the one sold by Sign Waves Z, it's $199. I didn't see a price on the above link.
     
    #10 aaf709, Apr 13, 2006
  11. TUK

    TUK New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Apr 13 2006, 04:57 PM) [snapback]239425[/snapback]</div>

    I found on EBAY. $49.95
     
    #11 TUK, Apr 13, 2006
  12. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    #12 jdigital, Apr 13, 2006
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    cool
     
    #13 Tideland Prius, Apr 14, 2006
  14. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    Ok, I'm running a bit behind schedule, but today I had a chance to look for possible places to plug the frame in. I opened up the passenger side tail light compartment:

    [​IMG]

    And I have these two wires to plug in somewhere:

    [​IMG]

    I thought about plugging into the brake light wires on the bottom, but then the frame would probably only turn on with the brakes applied, making it very hard to configure the messages ahead of time.

    As an alternative, I am considering the white plug above the brake light fixture. My question is, where within that white plug can I connect my +12V and GND wires if it is even possible? I'm not sure exactly what the plug does, although I've seen it used as part of a trailer hitch installation in another thread here, and am hoping that it provides the 12 V needed.
     
    #14 jdigital, Apr 15, 2006
  15. Scott_W

    Scott_W New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jdigital @ Apr 15 2006, 08:54 PM) [snapback]240320[/snapback]</div>
    I haven't researched this yet but can't you simply spice it into the the rear licence plate bulb connectors? They are obviously right next to the plate itself and the current is always on.
     
    #15 Scott_W, Apr 15, 2006
  16. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Carefully pull off the plastic panel on the inside lower portion of the hatch. It's just push clips that hold the plastic on. Take your multi-meter and start looking for voltage. I bet there's some always-on circuit back there. Certainly the plate lights are an option.

    You wouldn't want to power the frame from either of the back lights or the cargo area light because then you couldn't open the hatch. You have to power it from the hatch door and run the wires in under the plastic panel above the license plate area.

    Oh, and get some security screws to attach the frame, people will want to rip it off and feed it to you.
     
    #16 Bill Merchant, Apr 16, 2006
  17. jdigital

    jdigital New Member

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    Awesome, thanks for the advice. I will give it a try next chance I get. I started to pull at the panel a bit today, but didn't quite have the nerve to pull hard enough. The license plate lights would probably work, as long as they're on all the time and not just with the headlights.
     
    #17 jdigital, Apr 16, 2006
  18. jbarnhart

    jbarnhart New Member

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    Isn't the 12V battery back there in the trunk somewhere? Why not go through an inline fuse and go directly to it?
     
    #18 jbarnhart, Apr 16, 2006
  19. mssmith95

    mssmith95 Michael

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    Yes, and be careful where you use it.

    I think that they are illegal in some states, because they think it distracts other drivers. The orginally started banning them when they created the ones with the rotating lights a number of years ago.
     
    #19 mssmith95, Apr 16, 2006
  20. Bob Allen

    Bob Allen Captainbaba

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    I saw one yesterday. Looks cool, although it might invite road rage if you put out a provocative message. Are these things legal (in Washington State)? I'd consider getting one. It should connect to the license plate light wiring.
     
    #20 Bob Allen, Jan 8, 2008
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