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Buell Forum » XBoard » Archive through October 10, 2010 » Making A Custom Tail Light...I have questions « Previous Next »

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Xbtwelver
Posted on Monday, September 20, 2010 - 12:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I am interested in making a custom led tail light. I have an idea of what I want to do but I don't have much experience with circuits. I need to know how I can make the LEDs dim for the running light but bright for the brakes. I want to make it so all of the LEDs are on as running lights at about half bright and when you hit the brakes they are full bright. Thanks
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Nik
Posted on Monday, September 20, 2010 - 06:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What you want is a PWM (pulse width modulation) circuit. You can find diagrams to build them online from a 555 chip, or you can find kits to make them on ebay.
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Sifo
Posted on Monday, September 20, 2010 - 07:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I just dimmed mine with resistors. You can also "dim" the tail light by simply not lighting all the LEDs for the running lights.
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Srwitt
Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 10:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm working on the same thing at the moment. I'm using 3w leds mounted to a star board. I'm going to cut a plate of aluminum at work to mount the leds to and mount into the stock housing.

I'm just going to power so many as a tail light, and light the rest for the brake light. I haven't figured out the amount and spacing of the lights yet, but do have drivers built and tested.

I'm using a LM317 in a constant current setup. Its a simple circuit, can be efficient. Just do a search for lm317 led driver on the web and you should get results.
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Nillaice
Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2010 - 12:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

XBlights.com DELIVERS! money well-spent
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Sifo
Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2010 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

XBlights makes some great lights. The only thing is that they are a simple plug and play that keeps you from learning things... Like the fact that XBlights are a good value too. I still liked making my own light though and may do another in the future.
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Xbtwelver
Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2010 - 11:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah I am looking for something more custom than XBlights. I know they are of high quality and I did consider it as an option but for $200 I'll make exactly what I want for a fraction of the cost. I'm not putting XBlights down. It's just not what I am looking for. Srwitt I'll probably do the same and power some on for running and then have the rest come on for the brake. Are you making an integrated tail light?
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Sifo
Posted on Friday, September 24, 2010 - 08:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I didn't do an integrated light. I don't feel the turn signals are visible enough on integrated units. I put my safety higher than my desire for a slick looking bike. I posted up what I did a while back in this thread... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/441042.html?1236122813
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Nillaice
Posted on Sunday, September 26, 2010 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

sorry. i admire your ambition, but i have found it is often easier/better to just buy the item/mod then to waste just as much money/time trying to DIY with the wrong tools and set-up. -speaking from my own experinces-

i agree some resistors will cut down the current/light out-put. radio shack has an impressive selection and is pretty-much nation wide.

although you will be making the tail-light yourself, XBlights may still be of some help as a reference. Robert Hall is a stand-up guy, and humored me for several correspondences even though i did not buy my XBlights tail light directly form him, but from here on the classifieds. im not speaking on his behalf when i say that he may have a few clear lenses for sale. just guessing, really
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