Subject: RE: Bar-end signal fun
Author: Greg Bender
Date: Jan 10, 2005, 4:59 PM
Post ID: 1718186105
Hi Charlie,
I just got done playing around with resistors while I was working to
make my turn signals operate as combination turn signals and running
lights. I found that 1 Ohm, 10 watt resistors from Radio Shack worked
well for making blink rate nice. However, they got VERY hot. Using the
vast scientific resources I had at my disposal (an instantly slightly
burned finger upon touch), I determined that they were too hot to
operate unless I attached them externally to some chunk of metal away
from anything that could melt (especially skin).
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F002%5F014%5F004&product%5Fid=271%2D131
I also tried using Electronic Flashers units, but found that 2 of the 3
identical flashers didn't work for my application. In the end, I
adjusted the resistance I needed by using higher wattage bulbs. For
flashers, I purchased cheap, $2 Buss units from Walmart. Hope this
helps.
For more info on what I did, go to:
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender/turn_signals_as_running_lights.htm
Charlie Mullendore wrote:
Hi All,
My bar-end Hella replica signals arrived today that I ordered Thursday
from Domi-Racer. Very nice folks (at least Tony anyway) to buy from if
this purchase is any indication. Although made in Taiwan, the quality is
very good and the price is right ($67.80 including shipping). Whoever
posted to check with them on my original query, thanks!
I don't have the wiring on my project yet, so I hooked one to a battery
through a flasher unit. It was very bright for a few seconds then
nothing! Just as I suspected though, 6 volt bulbs are installed. Found a
12 volt festoon (dome light style) bulb in my Mercedes stash and it
worked much better but wouldn't flash properly.
Got me to wondering - will I be able to find a flasher unit that will
work correctly with just one 10-15 watt bulb drawing current. I won't
even have an indicator light (figure that if I can't see the bloody
thing flashing right there at my hand, I ought to quit riding!). Or
could I wire in a resistor to fool the flasher? What ohm value? Don't
want to go down the road with my turnsignal flashing like a strobe.
Cheers,
Charlie
http://www.loopframeguzzi.com/
Regards,
Greg Bender
1971 Ambassador
2000 Quota
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender