E29: RC Car Lighting Kit Review, PART 1 - "Common Sense RC 12 LED Realistic Lighting Kit, No Solder"

[@RCJEDI]

Brilliant, I just got back into the RC car hobby and wanted some cheap LEDs for my drift car build, great review and information on the lighting kit, old school ✌️😎

[@AMPROEngineering]

Any time man.

[@thqp]

Thanks for this lengthy demo! Very helpful and honest! This will be a great add to my RC, thank you!

[@AMPROEngineering]

this one is OK....the later ones I have covered, I think E36 and 39, are way better

[@jevries]

Thank you VERY much for this series on light units!

[@AMPROEngineering]

Glad you liked it!

[@timvanasen6711]

Thank's for the LED review I bought the "Common Sence" kit you used in demo and you solved a couple of my issues

[@AMPROEngineering]

Glad to hear it!

[@timvanasen6711]

AMPRO Engineering so I have an axial scx10 ii 69' chevy blazer with this light kit in it already ran very well until I rebuilt my taillight assembly put lights back exactly the same way and my break lights are constant, I also have a tactic 3 chanel trigger could it be I bumped another channel?

[@justinw523]

Wild. I think I got the brake lights and turn signals, so how do I wire the headlights up for constant brightness? I don’t like them slowly getting brighter during acceleration setup

[@AMPROEngineering]

Sadly yes. This is a terrible unit.

[@vinceguerra1310]

Hi. Would you have any idea how to have the rear lights on the fms k10 working with the headlights and not only in reverse? I have tried wiring them up to the headlights in parallel but then none of them work! All I need is the rear lights to stay on with headlights! Great reviews by the way. Keep up the great work. From uk.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes, the simplest way is to attach the rear lights to the power switch. You need to validate how much voltage is at the switch as you do not want to burn out the tail light LEDs. It is likely it will be the 2S lipo voltage to a resistor will be needed. Search an online LED calculator and you will be all set. Using the switch means the lights will turn on when you power it. the only caveat is that it needs a 3 pole switch and for the life of me I cannot recall what the FMS cars have. I know the WPL and LDR/C cars have 3 pole switches that you can pull about 40mA from, no more (or they wont work like you saw with the head lights). Hope this helps!

[@thedumpydustman6088]

Got a couple of these kits GTpower and un-named one but not really got into their functionality so this video was extremely useful. Nice one and didn't know Tamiya even did a cheaper light kit than the big rig and high lift light 'n' sound units so again thanks buddy!

[@AMPROEngineering]

Not a problem!

[@94BrunoO]

This is such a clear and extensive video on this. And it's 7 years old! What a great job. Mind if I pick your brain on something? I am DUMB when it comes to these connections. My RC is a nitro and it has a simple 2 channel receiver. I thought I couldn't hook lights to it. Do you mean I can use this box in channel 1 and that'll get them working, or was it just something you used to power it and would have lost steering inputs? All I want is 4 LEDs to do basic front/rear lights haha

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thank you! I have a couple more to review soon. So nitro/electric, there is no difference. Channel 1 will still control the turn signals and channel 2 will still operate the brake lights. If you just want lights, the battery port on the receiver will still power it but you will not have functionality.

[@jrmayun]

Was thinking of ordering one but not anymore. Thanks for the review.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Glad I saved you!

[@autoscotty2711]

Thanks for the review. I had already placed an order and after watching this review i wish i has not. Your tips were helpful for the setup. Like your self I preferred the headlight to stay on permanently.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh im sorry. These have such bad descriptions that it makes it easy to get one that performs poorly or, in our case, not the way you want them too. You can still wire up your own head lights so that is always an option. If you do not know how to do that, i went over it in great depth in episode 33.

[@josephprzystal2727]

This is really awesome !!!! I purchased the Lunchbox and 2 bodies and I am hoping that I can do this same thing to it. Very new at this so if you have a link to purchase the light kit and a video to install, it would be cool !!! Have seen the vid on the lens install and saved the link for reference.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I dont have any links as they sellers always change. So annoying. I get them all on ebay.

[@ryanspangler1651]

So my socket 4 which is my turning signal is always flashing but the other turning signal isn’t. I know you posted this a LONG time ago but would you possibly know how I could get the turning signal to only flash when I turn right just like my other one.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes, I think you need to set the end points on your steering channel. The servo needs to be really centered for these to work correctly. That should do it.

[@enzok6414]

Thanks for the video, this is just what im looking for! a cheap and easy to set up light unit. great stuff

[@AMPROEngineering]

Glad you like it !

[@enzok6414]

​@@AMPROEngineering Got the unit on my new JJRC Q60, I replaced the electronics to add proportional controls. And this light unit worked just fine! I also posted your video link on Amazon, where I got mine, to help people if they are confused. check out my Instagram if u want to see how it looks. instagram.com/enzok_tank_reef/ again, thanks for the video.

[@shawng7902]

just bought this kit today to make 1 out of a few. As of 2-15-50 they switched 5 and 6 on the card lol they also switched 7&8. 7 is constant on, or if you flip switch off its on in forward off all others. #8 on is full on brake, and off is 50% all except brake thats 100% .

[@AMPROEngineering]

Interesting. I am not surprised to hear this.

[@blitzkriegazteca642]

7 is on but it blinks, always.

[@vincentculletto39]

Did you ever do a video on the gt power rc model number intc23385. If not please do. And if u did can u send link?

[@AMPROEngineering]

No I have not! I just ordered it. Stay tuned for a video but I don't think I can send the link as I will definitely forget! You should get a notification when I upload. Thanks for that!

[@Danielguiney6111]

Hi I just watched this as have ordered one of these kits for my WPL D12, but am looking at the ESC board it only appears to have only one servo plug (for ch 1) there is no second plug point for ch 2? (motor speed control)..will this cause issues?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes, this will not work with the D12. It needs a standard 2 channel radio system. If you have one channel, you will only have flashers.

[@Danielguiney6111]

Hi thanks for the reply, that's what I was thinking maybe just flashers on 1 ch (I never checked the pcb for ch plugs before purchase 😅)... looks like an electrics upgrade may be imminent🛠⚡. Thanks much appreciated 👍

[@Danielguiney6111]

Hi sorry me again curiosity is getting the better of me.. do You know if the headlights ports 1 and/or 2 are powered when just the channel 1 is plugged to steering servo? (am currently waiting patiently for delivery from china to get hands on unit to try it out). Thanks

[@BetterIntegra]

I was getting frustrated until I saw this. 2 things. To get reverse to work it seems you have to give it a certain amount of throttle and just the brake lights will light. If you remain near neutral and then go in reverse the reverse then light up. Also the dip switch for the turn signals is in the opposite corner and the switch for 5 I across from it. Not the one next to it. But anywho, thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@AMPROEngineering]

These are so finicky that they are hard to get sorted. I mean I guess thats why they are $9.

[@kodasterling3269]

@@AMPROEngineering 9 i had to pay 40!!

[@Hachman11]

I enjoyed your series. Will these lights work with a 2S lipo?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thank you. These get the voltage from the receiver so the battery used does not matter as long as it works with your speed controller.

[@carbonitegamorrean8368]

Great thx, but OMG! I have a couple units not in use yet I see me getting PO'd when the time comes to install in my builds. I'm a subscriber so I look forward to your vids..

[@AMPROEngineering]

I know what you mean man. It's annoying.

[@admmmanta5807]

I have the same problem with the bright ligts ,i want it to be always bright with out throttling the motor ,so i just coneected straight to the reservoir, done

[@AMPROEngineering]

I hear that man. I did the same thing.

[@narcissisticnihilist9718]

cant find any where the brake light blinks as well. frustrating. Appreciate this though, was looking for the most scale.

[@AMPROEngineering]

No you wont find that on these cheap units. The ones that do that are from MyTrickRC that I have covered here. The UF7 does that and is what I installed in my Starsky and Hutch Torino build .

[@P_double_H]

How would that work for a Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3? All videos I've seen are for brushless RC cars, but haven't seen any for nitro cars, let alone with reverse (ch3).

[@AMPROEngineering]

Should work the same way. It is just getting a signal from the receiver.

[@P_double_H]

@@AMPROEngineering yes but Traxxas nitro vehicles that have the reverse kit installed use a micro servo (3rd channel) to engage the reverse in the transmission. I am sure Ch1 and 2 will work the same way. BUT the white LEDs for the reverse might not work. At least not when you work the 3rd channel on the remote. Not sure exactly how the reverse lights work on brushless cars.

[@ThisLadWayne]

I want a constant red. Then a brighter red for braking. A dim white. Then able to put a second bright white on. Not fussed about indicators. What kit you recommend?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Well, I think this one is the best for that. I have it installed in one of my cars and It used to do that until I bypassed the headlights since I wanted them bright. The lamps on mine used to come on under 1/4 throttle. Still, it would be best to look at the spec sheets on the units before you buy them as commonly the exteriors stay the same but the PCB's are changes. It is very annoying.

[@rczone9830]

is it good for WPL C24 truck 1:16 scale ?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes if you can get the control unit to fit and make holes for the LEDs.

[@dylanrice6707]

what lights would you recommend for a rock crawler and it suck that i don't have a 3d printer because i want a lot of the stuff that people have made and they don't sell them any where else

[@AMPROEngineering]

Hi Dylan, right now it depends on your rig. Do you have a lot of AUX lights? Is it a scaler? Currently I cannot recommend any of these sets. I think they are all quite poor. I will be uploading a video soon (episode 33) about how to wire the lighting on the car. Check that out as I think it could help.

[@alagarrdovakiin8118]

Are the Fast Attack Vehicle Lights available? I wonder if I can adapt them to my Hornet or Grasshopper for headlight and taillights. Thanks!

[@AMPROEngineering]

Soon, very soon! My plan is to also make Hornet style direct replacements but yes, these will work.

[@AMPROEngineering]

There will be a video when they come out!

[@ryanl140]

great video! found it helpful. is there a way for me to wire in a on/off toggle switch for the led kit. i crashed my rc hard, now light kit turns on as soon as i plug in the lipo, Always on ... any ideas?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh man...no idea....

[@subwayracing]

How would this work if u have a gyro?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Holy crap I have no clue! Man I never thought of that. I think I may need to test that out one day. Great question.

[@andrewbranson8539]

From what I can tell while installing mine is that the turn signals only light up when you actually turn the steering knob, not when the gyro is turning the wireless with no input from you. I haven't finished installing it yet so I don't know 100% yet though.

[@nsvaluto48328]

can answer a question I have the Genuine jpv2015 where do I plug in to the receiver can I have a switch so it's not on constantly thanks

[@AMPROEngineering]

Sadly I don't know how to set that up with a switch. I usually just leave mine on.

[@purrungas2012]

excellent review, unfortunately for me I had already place the order on ebay..... so I guess for the price is not really too bad whish the light controller would be smaller thanks for the info

[@AMPROEngineering]

Not a problem. They are usually so poorly described that it is hard to know if they are any good.

[@rcbuilder111]

Can it work on channel 3

[@AMPROEngineering]

It can get power there but it wont get any of the correct signals.

[@bel_976]

Which Tamiya lighting unit is that? Looks kinda vintage..

[@AMPROEngineering]

Honestly, I have no idea what part number it is. It isn't vintage but it is a flaming pile of .... I will review that in a couple days.

[@nicholasharootunian9624]

what is the link to were u bought the lights?

[@AMPROEngineering]

It is in the description but that was years ago. You can find these on eBay.

[@jaredsayrc4947]

You need to start putting in links to products so we can have a choice to buy it

[@AMPROEngineering]

These are on ebay. Sellers change constantly.

[@brianclark8354]

Do they work with spectrum receivers

[@AMPROEngineering]

Though receiver models should not matter, I do not have an spectrums to test on. I do own 10 different brands and they make no difference for me.

[@_n_e_r_0_0_42]

Are the lights water resistant??

[@AMPROEngineering]

Nope, they have a bare PCB.

[@dangavin]

What colour are the 3mm leds

[@AMPROEngineering]

Amber

[@dangavin]

AMPRO Engineering thanks, I ordered one for my trx4 sport kit the other day along with some pre wired 3mm red and white leds

[@thyristor419]

🙀😺5:23 in the lower right corner case is inserted the small tool for operating the switches...

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes it not do anything on mine.

[@thyristor419]

😃😃😂🤣even on mine you can not use,there is a little space between switches and connectors ...

[@NordicRC]

Good review.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thank you! Part 2 should be out soon.

[@toletolejoos8140]

I want common sense,but how can i get this item.i am home industri Malaysia and how much money do i have to pay for this item.please help me get this common sense lighting rc car

[@AMPROEngineering]

Ebay or banggood i say are the best bet.

[@toletolejoos8140]

@@AMPROEngineering hi, thank you for the information , There is one more thing i need, friend ,please help me,i want the RC CAR ALUMINIUM OR METAL FRONT + REAR AXLE for 1:8 RC CAR , please my friend find this item ,i Will transfer you via western union easier to pay from Malaysia .what is the price please help my friend tell me how much it costs , thank you.

[@karlvondrak6080]

I got a kit and it says www.facalhobby.com on the bottom corner. It only has input for 1 channel. Basically it is a flashing light kit and h=not brakes or turn signals. Piece of junk. Has anyone else come across this style kit? It came with blue lights also, which I could make up a police car body, but to get the lights oi flash, I need to push the button to get to that mode. When I turn the car off and back on, it goes back to all lights on. Anyone know how to keep it set to certain modes?

[@AMPROEngineering]

I have not and that website isnt working. It is so hard to get these things that are any good!

[@JoinR]

New versions are fixed now, the description is corrected but there is no more strobing LED through the 7th connector.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh thanks for the info!

[@Absilum]

Lol mine works completely different but still not the way the directions say

[@AMPROEngineering]

Haha! That is not a surprise.

[@CarmineRC]

OMG! I predict a migraine coming. I bought one of these for my Landfreeder.

[@pintosnfiats]

Haha! Well take a look at the wiring video...

[@pintosnfiats]

Episode 33

[@CarmineRC]

I took a look at what I had.... it looks more like the one you showed in E35. I will definitely be using that episode as a reference. Apparently, the Chinese can make a good enough product..... they just can't write directions!! 😁

[@AMPROEngineering]

Uhg....right! I mean they do make good things but why are there no instructions?!

[@tubmay]

thank you for the review!

[@AMPROEngineering]

My pleasure!

[@charlesspidell1447]

The product called common sense rc

[@AMPROEngineering]

Ironic isn't it.

[@akclan33]

Yeah that Common Sense LED control board is complete crap I threw it out and wasted $25 on that kit. I kept all the lights but the control board is a joke

[@AMPROEngineering]

Agreed. Nothing "common sense" about it.

[@jkl7987]

Complete garbage don't waste you're money. Just wanted to add some lights to my truck socket broke wires too short and didn't work right.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I hear you. I have had this for years and still have no idea where to use it. It really is bad.

[@doogidunrite4290]

I have this light set and this is very good to know before I got in to it and got mad cuz it didn't work. Lol. Thank u

[@AMPROEngineering]

I have so many of these that are crap, lol

[@doogidunrite4290]

@AMPRO Engineering I just hooked it up to my trx4 high trail chevy and the steering started going ape shit on me. It was just sitting there and started turning left and right all crazy light. So yeah. It sucks. Who sells good sets like these. Blinkers. Running lights and brake lights and all that good sheeit