Author |
Message |
Needs_o2
| Posted on Monday, August 02, 2010 - 11:58 pm: |
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Tell me if I missed the boat here, but can't the auxiliary lights be tied directly into the high beam as long as the combined load doesn't exceed what the circuit is setup for (10 amps)? I'm pretty sure I'm going to get schooled on this one! |
Sleez
| Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 12:03 am: |
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best to use the high beam to trigger a relay that is wired directly from the battery |
Mikef5000
| Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 09:09 am: |
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The factory high beam switch and wiring was made specifically for the factory high beam. Add anything else to that circuit and you're taking a risk. It's much safer to do what sleez said and add a relay. It's not difficult, and only adds a few bucks to your cost. |
Johnnylunchbox
| Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 09:24 am: |
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I used a relay triggered by the accessory plug wire. That way I can't forget to shut them off and kill my battery. |
Zac4mac
| Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 07:49 pm: |
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A hi-beam and a pair of good lights will likely exceed 10 Amps. Best to run the relay, Accessory ckt is also a good idea. Z |
Needs_o2
| Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 07:54 pm: |
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Well, then a relay it is! Thanks guys |
Ratbuell
| Posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 12:27 am: |
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I run a relay. Battery to relay, relay to lights - heavy wire. Trigger circuit (on my bike, the high beam), through override switch, to relay - small wire. You can run the trigger from high beam...gauge lights...wherever you want, but I recommend something ignition switched "just in case" you forget to turn them off lol. |
Tiltcylinder
| Posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 10:13 am: |
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I like using fused power and ground directly from the battery, switched through a relay and controlled with one of the stock switches. Using an 'auto-switch' (from Aerostich) activated by the high beam 'flash to pass' switch. Using a relay eliminates the extra load on the switch, using a fused (... bought more than one toasted motorcycle cheaply due to 'fuse-less' wiring jobs)direct connection to the battery eliminates the extra load from the stock harness. Use an appropriate fuse... if the lights only draw 7 amps, don't use the 20 amp fuse that came in the holder. That's how fires start. |
Johnboy777
| Posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 11:34 am: |
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If you're going directly from the batt. to the aux. lights, you can use a 20A rocker or toggle switch instead of a relay and switch. You need the same (heavier) gauge wire throughout, though. West Marine, or the like, has water resistant ones. http://www.amazon.com/Daystar-KU80014-Light-Rocker -Switch/dp/B001GH5PX8/ref=pd_sbs_auto_2
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Union_man
| Posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 01:06 pm: |
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I use TWO Autoswitchs wired to the Flash to Pass Switch FTP) on the front of the left handset. One Autoswitch is a "Single Tap" switch. It is wired to my aux lights. I press and hold the (FTP) for 1 second and the lights come on! The other Autoswitch is a "Double Tap" switch. It is wired to my garage door opener. I tap the (FTP) twice and my garage door opens! I would also add... The free "both headlights on" mod will add more light too! |
Froggy
| Posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 01:30 pm: |
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quote:A hi-beam and a pair of good lights will likely exceed 10 Amps.
Bingo. A single 55w light bulb is 4.58 amps. Every light kit is different, but the typical PIAA kit has two 55w lights. The Aux lights alone in this case would be 9.16 amps. Running it with the stock high beam on too would be 13.74 amps. The lights fuse is 15 amps, so you would be very close to overloading it. A relay is highly recommended. |
Slyuly
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 06:46 pm: |
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I've been reading all the posts I could find for wiring Aux lights, being electrotarded, all the talk about the relay/not to relay had me worried I was in over my head. But I was able to mount some wally world lights on to the turn signal stalks with the info on this board. Fused feed from the battery to the relay switched by the high beams. Piece of cake, Now just have to wait for the sun to go down. Thanks |
Sleez
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 07:10 pm: |
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congrats! pics? |
Needs_o2
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 10:09 pm: |
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Sleez, I know you weren't asking for pictures of mine, but since you inspired me to do this, here are pics of my end results. Wally world lights, yes. Relay, yes. Method of install, my own. Thanks for the input. Jeff
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Dynasport
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 10:39 pm: |
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OK, stupid question, but do the wally world or other light kits come with relays? If not, is there a particular kind needed and where should go to get one? Thanks |
Sleez
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 11:31 pm: |
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jeff, looks good!! dynasport, most kits do come with them. |
Ronmold
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 11:33 pm: |
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These are what I always use, just as good as the Bosch. http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/26-533 |
Dynasport
| Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2010 - 11:55 pm: |
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Thanks |
Natexlh1000
| Posted on Monday, August 09, 2010 - 05:37 am: |
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I used one of the "micro relays" from here: http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec__Products/R elays/relays.html It fits behind the steel strut in the flyscreen really well. |
Slyuly
| Posted on Monday, August 09, 2010 - 11:40 am: |
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I picked my relay up at AutoZone, $5.98 Took a spin last night on some back country roads with lots of twists and was very happy with the increased visibility, especially going around the corners. |
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