Electrical Geniuses?? (Taillight Integrator)

79MKII wrote:

It states in the add that it will work with LED's. I don't think he actually said "current" or "voltage", but only called it "% output". Here's the add:

Illuminator Sport

It does say that you need an electronic flasher if used with LEDs though, so I'm not sure what that indicates??<br><br>Post edited by: 79MKII, at: 2008/02/20 20:38

Thanks

It may not work with a standard flasher because they require the full current load of two regular lamps (front and rear) to make them flash properly. LED's only use about 1/5 as much current.

Post edited by: bountyhunter, at: 2008/02/21 12:15

bountyhunter wrote:

[It may not work with a standard flasher because they require the full current load of two regular lamps (front and rear) to make them flash properly. LED's only use about 1/5 as much current.<br><br>Post edited by: bountyhunter, at: 2008/02/21 12:15

That makes sense - the flashers won't work if a bulb is out. I still can't make up my mind if I should go ahead and use this unit or go with the trailer type.:S

Post edited by: 79MKII, at: 2008/02/21 12:23

79MKII wrote:

bountyhunter wrote:

[It may not work with a standard flasher because they require the full current load of two regular lamps (front and rear) to make them flash properly. LED's only use about 1/5 as much current.<br><br>Post edited by: bountyhunter, at: 2008/02/21 12:15

That makes sense - the flashers won't work if a bulb is out. I still can't make up my mind if I should go ahead and use this unit or go with the trailer type.:S

The standard flasher is just a relay with a bi-metallic strip inside. Two different (very thin) metals sandwiched together to make the strip that makes contact to let current go to the light. As the current flows into the strip, the metal heats up: one is designed to contract and the other expands so it forces the piece to "curl" which breaks the connection. As it cools, it returns to original shape and keeps cycling until the current stops.

If there isn't sufficient current, the strip doesn't get hot enough to move and it never flashes.

Post edited by: bountyhunter, at: 2008/02/21 12:27

On the custom bikes I build for customers I always use LED's exclusively.
I find the $10 electronic flasher(ADVANCE, AUTOZONE, etc)as above does the job perfectly.
And it plugs in to the existing location.
Simple and reliable.

FYI: I finally got around to building up and installing the solid state tail light converter that allows both rear turn signals to work as stop lights and still work as turn signals.

Unlike the $15 converters, the rear signals don't "flip polarity" with the brake light on. The front and rear blink in unison regardless of whether the brake light is applied.

The circuit is somewhat more complicated, EE geeks would have no problem but it might not be worth the trouble if you aren't used to building things up from scratch.

PDF file is available to anybody who wants the schematic.

I'll send my email by PM. I'd like to have a copy. Still don't know if I should use the trailer converter or the illuminator sport. I hadn't thought of the turn signals flipping the way they do - I wouldn't like that on a motorcycle (I don't have a rational reason why, I just don't like the idea).

Maybe your schematic holds the answer. I'm thinking it would work as a taillight integrator too, right? I should be able to use my dual taillights as tail/brake/turn and remove my turn signals, right?

bountyhunter wrote:

EE geeks

Alright, I admit I'm interested. Can you post a link? If you need a place to host it, I can put it in my file storage and put a link to it.

loudhvx wrote:

bountyhunter wrote:

EE geeks

Alright, I admit I'm interested. Can you post a link? If you need a place to host it, I can put it in my file storage and put a link to it.

I'm pretty much brain dead on working PC's, it would be easier if you all send me a PM so I can email it to you.

If somebody knows how to link it up and post it, that would be OK with me.

79MKII wrote:

I'll send my email by PM. I'd like to have a copy. Still don't know if I should use the trailer converter or the illuminator sport. I hadn't thought of the turn signals flipping the way they do - I wouldn't like that on a motorcycle (I don't have a rational reason why, I just don't like the idea).

My reason is I don't want to give the cops any reason to write me a fix it ticket. That wierd double flicker that could happen if you are tapping the brakes with the turn signal on would do it.

loudhvx wrote:

bountyhunter wrote:

EE geeks

Alright, I admit I'm interested. Can you post a link? If you need a place to host it, I can put it in my file storage and put a link to it.

I just sent the schematics of the converter and the solid state flasher I use with it to 79MkII.

Hopefully, he can do the magic to post it where everybody can get it.

If not, I can email it to you.

I'd like to see that. I decided not to give up turn signals. I like the idea of the turn signals coming on with the brake light, but still work independantly as turn signals.

Hey I got the washer for sale for a Turn Signal integrator for sale on ebay here:
ebay fun
Check it out.