I had recently installed
Skene Designs LED "conspicuity lights" on my front forks. The installation instructions mentioned that if the front turn signals were also LED, they could be wired into the electronics module and will have the same flicker as the fork mounted lights while retaining the turn signal function. This will essentially turn the turn signals into marker lights. I was originally thinking of changing out the turn signal bulb socket to allow a dual filament bulb to be used and have the front turn signals also function as marker lights. But using the Skene module to accomplish the same thing seems to be a much better option.
With an old bike like mine, simply replacing the bulb would cause the turn signals to flash too quickly. Since I couldn't get a definitive answer regarding a replacement electronic flasher module, I decided to take the well established route and simply add resistors to the turn signal circuit mimicking an incandescent bulb and drive the turn signals off of the Skene Designs module. I was unable to find 6Ω 50W resistors locally but Amazon came through. Both the LED bulbs and the resistors were available and with Amazon Prime, free shipping.
By using resistors, you lose the lower power consumption benefit of LED lights. In fact, the stock P21W bulbs are 21 watts so they would draw 1.75 amps when blinking. The 6Ω resistors would draw 2 amps while the turn signals are blinking. In addition, the LED bulbs draw about 120 ma so I would be increasing the load on the charging system. To dissipate the heat, the resistors will be mounted on an aluminum plate within the fairing to act as a heat sink.
It looks like I have another wiring project this evening.
I am planning to replace the motorcycle battery with an automotive battery this winter. This should eliminate the need to carry around the battery booster box when the temperature drops below 0°F and the stock battery is unable to turn the engine over fast enough to start. I just need to find a good place to mount the battery box. If I can find a good place to mount it on the sidecar frame, I will probably leave it there full time. If it ends up replacing the seat, it would only be for the winter.
On the riding front, I've been taking the rig everywhere since I've been back from Oregon. Bridget and my middle son have been passengers (he had his eyes closed for the entire trip). The sidecar adds a lot of utility though I still have no way to lock up my riding gear, specifically my helmet. Having to carry gear around while shopping or while I was at the fair is inconvenient. The tonneau cover allows me to hide things but is not secure. Not sure what the solution is yet...
Friday Morning Update - Got the wiring project finished last night and I think that overall, it is an improvement. The fork mounted lights are still the most visible especially on a foggy morning like today. In this photo, the turn signals look white but they are behind amber lenses. Maybe I should've looked for amber LEDs. The turn signals are just as visible to the side as the front as they are mounted on the corner of the fairing at about a 45° angle.
Today, I dug out the unheated liner as it's more comfortable to wear as a standalone jacket. The fog made it feel colder than the thermometer indicated.
I too have worried about stuff being secure in the sidecar when out shopping and such. Have spent countless hours thinking on how to secure stuff....have gotten more relaxed about it since Alaska. Of course, the valuable stuff I can lock in the trunk, perhaps fashion a lock on yor sidecar? You can also run a chain/cable thru sleeve of jacket and pant leg and lock it to the sidecar along with the helmet. It can be a PITA though, just remember: locks are there only to keep honest people honest, crooks will always be able to defeat locks.
ReplyDeleteEven the tonneau cover seems to be adequate for the honest people. I was thinking of putting an eyebolt in the floor of the sidecar to attach a cable lock to. Another thought would be to replace the old top box with a taller one that would fit my helmet. The rest of the gear fits easily into the side cases.
DeleteRichard have you thought about adding a hinged flip down door over the foot compartment of the side car? You could have one fabricated and a locking mechanism added and you would have to mount a latching mechanism to anchor it to the inner top part of the side car when you have a passenger.
ReplyDeleteThe shape of the foot compartment opening is more round than rectangular so it would be challenging to put any sort of rigid door. One suggestion that got more than a passing consideration was to replace the tub with a truck toolbox. Much more utilitarian but you could then carry a lot of stuff...
DeleteWe have cable locks for gear and helmets if we need them but most times don't need to use them.
ReplyDeleteWith your light changes it is a good thing you are good with electrical.
Is it wrong that I like to say conspicuity? It is just a neat word to say.
Since I've always had plenty of storage, I never really thought about it much. It has never been a problem and if I really want to lock things up, I could just wear my old helmet which fits into the side case.
DeleteI still enjoy playing around with electrical. I have it all done with the resisters on an aluminum plate just behind the right front turn signal. There is room on the plate for additional indicator lights or switches. It doesn't look too bad but the BMW purist would have a heart attack....
The vendor markets the Photon Blaster as "conspicuity lights". I don't know whether or not it is a real word but I think the flickering in your peripheral vision really does stand out. The turn signals are aimed at about 45° from the front so they are visible to the sides as well.
I don't worry about people stealing my used clothing. want a sweaty helmet? here you go....mind you I don't suppose you sweat much in August...fog?
ReplyDeleteI'm only concerned since I don't carry around a spare helmet. Many places, no problem.
DeleteYes, there was fog that morning and it was 42°F. Starting to feel a little like Autumn.