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Auto-not-so dim Gentex Mirror

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Mobile Video, GPS, and Navigation
Forum Discription: Mobile Video Head Units, DVD Players, LCD and TFT Monitors, Navigation, GPS, PS2, PS3, XBox, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=37874
Printed Date: July 13, 2025 at 11:18 PM


Topic: Auto-not-so dim Gentex Mirror

Posted By: Chromic-Chris
Subject: Auto-not-so dim Gentex Mirror
Date Posted: August 22, 2004 at 12:33 AM

Is anyone aware of dimming characteristics of Gentex (and Donnelly) mirrors?

The plain old Donelly I had seemed to get very dark, and the new Gentex dual display 177 doesn't seem to dim quite as much. Any info out there?




Replies:

Posted By: Chromic-Chris
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 11:20 AM

I did my own test.

I re-mounted the old Donelly auto dim mirror (placed next to the new Gentex). Then I parked my other car (not SUV/truck) behind with the lights on.

The Donelly darkened about 30-40% more than Gentex. The best way to describe it, is that it was just as dark as the old manual mirror flipped to dark. Glare was practically eliminated.

The Gentex did dim, but the reflection was still somewhat bothersome.

I can only imagine it would be worse with trucks and SUV's with higher headlights, or Xenon lights.

Too bad Donelly didn't make compass mirrors (or did they????)

It's a real bummer (love that compass!) but I think I'm going back to Donelly.

I understand Donelly was sued and lost to Gentex for patent infringement.

Only difference was they used a semi-solid vs liquid voltage sensitive film.


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