According to statistics, about half of nocturnal accidentsoccur precisely because of poor lighting. First of all, this applies to automotive optics, which are based on halogen lamps. This is affordable and familiar source of light, so far not many are hesitant to find an alternative. However, a good choice when changing headlamps can be xenon devices. They are distinguished by many advantages, among them - high brightness values of radiation. However, in the pure form, such lamps are rare. And here it is important to answer the question about what a bixenone is. These are headlights with xenon lamps, capable of providing both near and far light.
Lamps are based on the device of classicalxenon, therefore, there is no usual incandescent filament. Electrodes have come to replace this source of luminescence, between which an electric arc-like discharge forms. Actually, it provides a bright glow, for which bixenon is valued. The headlights contain an ellipsoidal flask with gas and metal salts. This mixture is constantly exposed to pressure. During operation, the lamp generates a beam of light, which exceeds the radiation strength of standard halogen lamps. For this reason, in some cases, the headlights are supplemented with special lenses or reflectors.
Since there is no filament,operation of conventional xenon can not get a transition in the modes of passing and driving. To understand what a bixenone is, you should turn again to the reflector. It is due to its function that it is possible to use different modes of light delivery. The traditional design provides for the installation of two flasks in one plinth. The reflector, in turn, serves as a curtain, switching which allows you to change the dipped beam to a distant one.
If we talk about technical and operationaladvantages, first of all there is a wider light beam in comparison with halogen, the supply of radiation with a warm spectrum, low power consumption and stability of the lens. Bixenone significantly improves the quality of glow in bad weather and at night. Again, in comparison with halogen lamps, xenon practically does not give rise to heating. As a result, the car headlights do not overheat, and the dirt on the surface does not dry, which is convenient in the maintenance of optics.
In addition to savings in terms of energy conservation, the ownerAlso can count on cost reduction due to the longevity of the lamps. Here it is necessary to recall what a bixenone is from the point of view of the device. This is a light source that does not have a filament, that is, the device does not burn out. For comparison: the operating life of xenon headlights reaches 3000 hours, and halogen provides only 400 hours.
The main part of negative factors of applicationThis type of lamps refers to low-quality devices, which were also incorrectly installed. In such cases, there is a risk of blinding oncoming vehicles if background illumination exceeds acceptable values. Spread and external defects, which reduce to zero all the advantages of the lens. Bixenon in this case can distort the color reproduction, providing rainbow light. This is an important point, since the spectrum for automobile headlights is very important for perception. For example, the predominance of blue and violet shades does not allow drivers to quickly adapt to areas with poor lighting. And this, not to mention the possible deviations in the direction of the light beam. In proprietary optics, for example, the electric arc is oriented in a strict direction, ensuring a stable and even light. But, when planning the purchase of high-quality xenon, one should prepare for another unpleasant factor - high cost.
Lamps of this type are presented in different versions,characterized primarily by structural design nuances. The most common is a bicapsulin bixenone. In this case, the working element is divided not into two flasks to provide two operating modes, but the capsules enclosed in the lamp. Such models are characterized by precise focusing, high reliability and minimal mobility of composite parts. Two-horn devices have already been considered as an example of an approach to providing the possibility of switching light. This option is good as an illustration of what a bixenone is and its basic design, but in practice it is not the best solution. Firstly, the alignment of the bulbs does not allow achieving a good focus, and secondly, such lamps are large in size, which causes inconvenience during installation.
There is also a hybrid option, in whichA halogen light source and a gas discharge lamp are combined. The bixenon is realized in this way: the first element is responsible for the passing light, and the second element is responsible for the far radiation. But according to users, this is the worst application of optics of this type, because the devices quickly fail because of differences in the operating parameters of halogen and xenon.
The right choice involves taking two importantcriteria - compatibility of the device design with the socket and compliance with voltage requirements. As for the design, first of all pay attention to the standard of the socle. This, for example, can be bixenone H4, which is widely distributed in Russia. Also there are standard sizes of rulers HB, D2R, D2C and others. It will be superfluous to evaluate the quality of the compound. This is the filling of a flask on a synthetic basis, which must comply with the standards of resistance to temperature expansion. Now you can go to the voltage indicators, which in the case of bi-xenon vary from 8 to 18 V. This value depends on the ignition unit, through which not only the glow of the lamp will be provided, but its stable operation.
Today in the market of automotive optics prevailthe Chinese manufacturers, therefore it is necessary to approach cautiously to a choice of production. The best quality models are offered by Osram and Hella. These manufacturers work on the basis of Philips patents, so their original lamps should not be doubted in quality. In terms of cost, of course, these are not cheap goods, but a long service life will be guaranteed. In the higher segment, the bi-xenon H4 costs about 2.5-3 thousand rubles. Less attractive options for quality are estimated at 1-1,5 thousand rubles. Similar proposals can be found in the line of the company Sho-Me, which is also widely represented in the domestic car market.
First you need to remove the previous halogenlamp. After removing the headlight covers, you must disconnect the contacts from the glow element and pull them out. Bixenon is installed in the corresponding socket and fixed with a special spring. But it is important to perform this operation so that the wires from the lamp pass through the spring and come out into the engine compartment. Depending on the purchased kit, the bixenone installation may require the creation of a hole in the headlight plugs to pass the cable. Next, the place for the ignition unit is selected. The optimal solution will be a site protected from moisture and located as close to the headlights. Mounting of this module can be done with a special clamp or tape. After that, the lamps are connected to the ignition unit, which, in turn, is connected to the main electronics of the car.
Reviews of motorists using xenon ingenerally positive. Drivers note the pronounced brightness values, as well as the stability of the radiation, which forms bixenone. The price of such optics, amounting to an average of 1.5-2 thousand rubles., Of course, frightens off many motorists. On the other hand, clearly directed light at night and detailed objects on the road in fog conditions compensate for financial costs. The main thing is to make the right choice of lamps during the purchase and not miscalculate during the installation.
