AlexTheUkrainian
Expert Class
'08 ZX-14 SE
Posts: 144
|
posted June 30, 2009 09:38 AM
LEDs flash/blink too fast - help with resistors plz
I installed these Rumble Concept LED flush mount turn signals and they flash too fast (my front stock bulb signal flashes like a strobe).  I understand it's b/c the LEDs have such high resistance that control unit thinks a bulb is burnt out, so it initiates the frequent flashing warning code. I've read that to fix it, I need to install some resistors, get a relay, or put a new control unit from part store. But I couldn't find specs for the resistors for ZX-14... and do I put one on each wire (red and black) or just on red? 
What do you know about each option and which would you recommend? If resistors, what wattage and how many ohms?? Tight on money right now so need cheapest way that works... I don't really care if it's a hackjob as long as it's safe and it works - no one sees the wiring under there anyway.
HELP!! Need bike in working order for tomorrow. Thanks! 
  
|
KawaBonzai
Zone Head
Leader of the Back.
Posts: 537
|
posted June 30, 2009 02:37 PM
You may find some answers to your questions here ...
http://superlumination.com/equalizers.htm
I do not know your entire setup and if you just need a load balancer or a new flash relay. These sites that sell LED blinkers and such are a great resource and often sell accessories to make everything blink correct and protect LED's.
I hope that helps.
____________
PC-III w/USB, Muzzys M14 + Carbon Oval + M10, BMC Race Filter, Flies Out, Buell Pegs, Heli Risers
www.TucsonSportRiders.com - Tucson's Premier SportRider Community
|
AlexTheUkrainian
Expert Class
'08 ZX-14 SE
Posts: 144
|
posted June 30, 2009 03:22 PM
Thanks!
I actually found this article on eBay and that helped. Got 2 10 Watt 10 Ohm resistors (1 per side) and connected as per diagram - works like a charm!! They cost 1.99 together + tax. They do get a bit hot, but after 3 minutes of blinking they didn't seem to get to water boiling temperature yet so 105Celsius-rated electrical tape should do it - I just taped the resistor and connector to the metal frame, right next to where the middle bolt goes for that side fairing by the seat.
A hack job? Of course. But I have a feeling it will last forever.
|
pazx14rider
Zone Head
Posts: 953
|
posted June 30, 2009 03:36 PM
keep an eye on them...resistors can get very hot
|
14nooby
Zone Head
Posts: 987
|
posted June 30, 2009 04:09 PM
Do the front and rear work off of the same circuit? Maybe try putting a different bulb in the front turn signal. Believe it or not the rate of the blink is caused by the wattage of the bulb. For example if the front signal uses a 194 bulb it is design to blink at a certain rate. Try putting a 168 bulb instead of the 194. If it has a 168 already, try a 168 instead. Ever notice when some cars blinkers blink either fast or slow? Well its due to either a bulb being out or the wrong bulb in the car. Hope it works
|
JDC
Zone Head
Posts: 570
|
posted June 30, 2009 05:24 PM
 Edited By: JDC on 1 Jul 2009 01:30
quote:
Thanks!
I actually found this article on eBay and that helped. Got 2 10 Watt 10 Ohm resistors (1 per side) and connected as per diagram - works like a charm!! They cost 1.99 together + tax. They do get a bit hot, but after 3 minutes of blinking they didn't seem to get to water boiling temperature yet so 105Celsius-rated electrical tape should do it - I just taped the resistor and connector to the metal frame, right next to where the middle bolt goes for that side fairing by the seat.
A hack job? Of course. But I have a feeling it will last forever.
Perfect!
and scads cheaper than those damn gadgets you buy!
Did you try the higher rated resistors in the article, 25Ohm/25Watt?
thanks
|
AlexTheUkrainian
Expert Class
'08 ZX-14 SE
Posts: 144
|
posted June 30, 2009 05:41 PM
Thanks, nooby, not a bad idea. For now I'm happy and confident it's safe, and if I do upgrade front, I'd rather it be more LEDs, not conventional bulb.
No, JDC - RadioShack only had 10 Watt 10 Ohms or 25 Watt 8 Ohms... I had no idea which is better so I got 10/10, but now I think 25/8 would run noticeably cooler. I say this because 10 watt 1 ohm ran significantly hotter than 10 watt 10 Ohm... the 10/1 went over water boiling temp within 20 seconds (when I spit on it, it made the whizzing water evaporation sound lol). 10/10 ran hot to touch after 3 minutes but would not evaporate spit... felt like 80 C or so. So I think 25 watt / 25 ohms or something like that would be perfect and only get warm, not very hot. Resistors seemed to cool down to warm temp within a few minutes so I figured that's enough between turns... rarely do I need to flash for 3 minutes straight.
W/e resistor you get, I definitely recommend taping it to a metal part with electric tape to make sure plastic is safe.
|
FastestBusaAround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
|
posted June 30, 2009 06:21 PM
quote:
Thanks!
I actually found this article on eBay and that helped. Got 2 10 Watt 10 Ohm resistors (1 per side) and connected as per diagram - works like a charm!! They cost 1.99 together + tax. They do get a bit hot, but after 3 minutes of blinking they didn't seem to get to water boiling temperature yet so 105Celsius-rated electrical tape should do it - I just taped the resistor and connector to the metal frame, right next to where the middle bolt goes for that side fairing by the seat.
A hack job? Of course. But I have a feeling it will last forever.
Ya, but, you now have a slight power leak to ground...meaning you have more current drain. If the circuit isn't on while the bike is off, you'll be just fine. I did this in one of my Busa's. Better than electrical tape, is friction/hockey tape. Make damn sure that you soldered all the connections and not crimped, or they will one day melt and catch fire. Don't ask me how I know - 
____________
FYYFF!!!
|
masszx14
Pro
A mind beside itself!
Posts: 1806
|
posted June 30, 2009 08:20 PM
Pics when installed would be good too 
____________
universal@mind
|
northernkaw
Expert Class
Posts: 215
|
posted July 05, 2009 09:01 AM
I got a flasher on ebay that plugs right into the stock connector that is for led lights. it works great. just watch the resisters they can melt plastic
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC