Can I hook up LEDs to the indicators?

**Oakie** · 27th July 2005, 09:02

Originally Posted by bugjuice

Found it. This is the answer to everyone's problem...
http://www.datatool.co.uk/productA.asp?ProductID=236

Just got an e-mail back from these guys and the product is no longer available.
Still, I've got enough info now though to do a DIY ... as soon as I buy a wee soldering iron. Cheers all!

**Silage** · 27th July 2005, 14:31

Originally Posted by Oakie

Brilliant! Thanks for the R&D on my behalf. One thing though. You said you made sure the wires were soldered the right way around because everyone knows that LED are polarised ... so which way is the right way around? And do you have to get a stronger resistor for the larger LED (thinks not but decides to ask anyway). And yeah, I'd love to see a photo

LEDs are polarised. So before soldering it onto the wires, hand-connect the LED and resistor one way and if it goes then it is the right way, if not try the other way (being careful not to short out across the leads with the legs of the LED otherwise the indicator fuse will pop). You will not damage a LED by connecting it the wrong way but will if you forget the resistor when it is the right way. Essentially a LED has really high resistance one way (the wrong way) and low the right way (thus the need for the resistor). The same (about 500 ohm) resistor should do most LEDs (there are some special types ie more $$ that I don't know about). Ask at the shop. Will get a pic.

**R6_kid:Me** · 27th July 2005, 14:40

i press the button on nearly every corner (when i turn off) to make sure...
my problem is actually my indicator not coming on but i always check to make sure its cancelled.

**Silage** · 27th July 2005, 18:06

The pic is a bit blurry as it gets dark early down here (excuses excuses). I should have mounted the LEDs a little higher on the top curve of the blade so that they were pointing me in the face a bit more.

I know I could/should take more notice and cancel them every time but 100% is hard for me. This is something cheap and easy enuf to do, is pretty subtle as a mod and (Oakie) is a good idea.

btw I had the hazard lights on - that is why both indicators are on at the same time.

**Oakie** · 27th July 2005, 20:33

Brilliant! Exactly what I had in mind.
Hmm. Perhaps I could patent them. 'Oakie-lights' has a nice ring to it.

Random thought ... my bike's indicators also double as running lights (two filaments in the indicator bulbs). I wonder if that will cause problems?

**sAsLEX** · 27th July 2005, 22:14

Originally Posted by Oakie

Brilliant! Exactly what I had in mind.
Hmm. Perhaps I could patent them. 'Oakie-lights' has a nice ring to it.

Random thought ... my bike's indicators also double as running lights (two filaments in the indicator bulbs). I wonder if that will cause problems?

shouldnt just get a multi meter and find the wires that come on and off when your blinkers are on

**Oakie** · 28th July 2005, 07:42

Sweet!
I'll add a wee multimeter to my Dick Smith shopping list. I've needed an excuse to get one.

**Silage** · 28th July 2005, 15:12

Originally Posted by Oakie

Random thought ... my bike's indicators also double as running lights (two filaments in the indicator bulbs). I wonder if that will cause problems?

I think mine have double filaments also so it is a matter of finding which is the indicator circuit. Also, I might be right in saying that the indicator switch makes the return to earth and so there is a live lead that goes thru the bulb to the switch. Didn't seem too hard to work it out with a miltimeter when I did it.

Originally Posted by Oakie

Brilliant! Exactly what I had in mind.
Hmm. Perhaps I could patent them. 'Oakie-lights' has a nice ring to it.

?

I have been calling them "Altzheimer beacons" but "Oakie-lights" is fine by me (so long as there are no royalties).