Mod: Warmer accent lights (LEDs) on 2023 TAB 320

mikeycamps

Hi everyone! Longtime lurker, first time poster. 

I could not stand the default/factory "cool white" accent lights (light strips embedded above each window). The white balance of this type of light was way too bright and sterile. So it was first on my list to replace them. As a bonus, I added a surprise new mode, too. Here's a short overview.

What it looks like

Obviously, this is the type of improvement that doesn't photograph well. I am very happy with the results!

The color temperature of the OEM lights is about 3000K and the new lights are about 6000K.

For the simplest way to do this mod, just get an equivalent 12V LED strip with warmer LEDs & power and ground connection; plug right into the 12v.

Of course, that would be too easy! Since I was doing all the physical work anyway, I installed RGBW LED strips that are compatible with WLED. This means that, in addition to dedicated (but warmer) white LEDs replacing the factory LEDs, I have a new capability: any color of the rainbow, individually addressable and controllable. The teardrop now converts to a mobile karaoke room at the flick of a switch!

Not shown in above pictures - any other red/green/blue combo is possible (I just think most look tacky). And the lights can move and dance, either against a program or reactive to audio, thanks to the wonderful WLED project.

Parts needed

• 12V WLED-compatible LED controller
• WS2814 RGB+Warm White LED strip
• Miscellaneous connectors: DC Power Pigtail, LED connectors, jumper wire
  

Build Process

I can write this up with photos if there is interest. It boils down to:

• Remove old strips, exposing raw 12V connection.
• On drivers side, connect original power to WLED controller. Connect new strip (pwr, gnd, data) to controller via newly-fashioned wire harness.
• Run a data line from controller on drivers side to the other side (through floor).
• On passenger side, create new wire harness from original power & the data line.
• Connect everything up.

I ended up removing the microwave and access panel in order to turn the original (hard-wired) 12v connector into a barrel-style plug for the LED controller. (There just wasn't enough length in the original leads to do this without removing things.) This makes it possible to remove/service/replace the controller.

Let me know if you have any questions!

pthomas745

The Karaoke mod!   Great stuff.

Do they mention the color rendering index anywhere on the light's specs?  I couldn't find it anywhere on the Amazon listing.  Just stepping up to 6000k is a vast improvement!

mikeycamps

Thank you!

Yea, one of the product photos shows warm white as “2700K-3000K”, which seems close to my eye but it’s probably not highly precise. I’ve used that supplier before (BTF-Lighting) on other projects & have nothing bad to say!

ckjs

mikeycamps said:

Hi everyone! Longtime lurker, first time poster. 

I could not stand the default/factory "cool white" accent lights (light strips embedded above each window)
....
 

The color temperature of the OEM lights is about 3000K and the new lights are about 6000K.

...

I've done a very similar mod (to warm white) too, and it is just about my favorite in the tab.

However, I think you swapped the "old" and "new" color temperatures: warm colors are 2700-3000K or so;  the blue/daylight lights are the ones around 6000K.

mikeycamps

Oh, you’re right! Too much sun today I guess.

I am also really glad to hear that even just one other person went after the “cool” lights with such a vendetta 😂

SLJ

Interesting. I wouldn't need all the colors. I added red so I wouldn't ruin my night vision when using a telescope and camping at dark sky campgrounds. Changed the outside light to red also.

Marceline

I put a warm white strip inside above the cabinets at the back and a red strip under the clamshell galley cabinets outside. I thought about doing something fancier with colors and a controller but I mostly camp without shore power so minimizing power consumption is a priority. 

ckjs

SLJ said:

…. Changed the outside light to red also.

I’d like to do that too. Which outside  lights did you get?

SLJ

ckjs said:

SLJ said:

…. Changed the outside light to red also.

I’d like to do that too. Which outside  lights did you get?

I took it apart and put red gel paper over the lens.
I also replaced the ceiling light and bathroom light with the same except warm white and dimmable (and no glow when off) so I don't get blinded at night if I turn one on. Direct fit on my '21 320S. https://amzn.to/3Z43tCL

Horigan

I've used orange gel film to warm up the existing lights.  Cut long strips to cover the accent lights.  They are sticky on the surface, so the film held well.  For the push button mult-light level light (400), I cut squares that fit above the glass below the LEDs.