Turn Signal Relay

[jakethesnake]

I have read on a couple of posts that people run car relays instead.  I assume this is because they are easier to get and most likely cheeper.  I need to replace mine, so do I try and find Suzuki GS500 replacement or go with an auto one.  If you are running one other than the stock one please let me know.  Also if there is a good place to buy replacement parts online that would help too.

The forum is great and has helped a lot on fixing the bike.

Jake

[The Buddha]

Get an automotive one, $1.99 at napa ... I have a wagner 552 flasher unit. Straight plug in ... and works with LED's in the tail lights ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[John Bates]

I have read on a couple of posts that people run car relay instead.  I assume this is becouse they are easyer to get and most likly cheeper.  I need to replace mine, so do I try and find Suzuki GS500 replacment or go with a auto one.  If you are running one other then the stock one please let me know.  Also if there is a good place to buy replacment parts online that would help to.

The form is great and has help a lot on fixing the bike.

Jake

Looks llike the OEM ones from Ron Ayers and Alpha Sports are more than $30.
I've never tried anything else but
according to my calculations the turn signal ckt draws about 3.75 amps so any two wire 12V turn signal relay rated at about that value should work.  However it may require custom mounting.

[jakethesnake]

Thanks I will pick up one tomarow at the auto store.
Jacob

[Eklipse]

The car one worked for me, 2 bucks from Walmart. But It cycles slow, and it takes a full cycle (about 1.5 seconds or so) before it even lights up when you flip the switch.

[se7enty7]

get a "heavy duty" flasher... they are mechanical.  Work better... I paid like $5 for mine at advance/autozone/pep boys and it works fine

[The Buddha]

Custom mount ... yup ... I used a blue zip tie ... to match the blue of my bike ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[starwalt]

Just on a lark, after reading this last night, I bench connected my turn signal relay. It would not cycle with just one lamp connected. I thought this odd and took it apart (why not?). Not seeing anything obviously wrong, I attached another from the donor bike. Same deal.

What's up with this? With little internet searching for alternatives and information on the technology, I found a mention of some Harley flashers that were not "load dependent."  Aha!

I then connected two lamps in parallel. BLINK-A-BLINK-A-BLINK....!

A quick sketch of the relay circuit revealed the designers are using the amount of current drawn by the lamps to force a collapse of the field holding the relay OFF. While unenergized (OFF) the NC (normally closed) position of the relay allows the current to pass through a large diameter wire coil , until a cap charges up through the small diameter wire of the relay core and a resistor. Once charged up, the contacts open, the field collapses, the contacts close, and the cycle begins.

The relay uses mechanical connections for the resistor and cap. I had to fiddle with them on one relay to get it working. A good solder joint will solve that issue.

So make sure both lamps are working before making a declaration of death for your signal relay.

Looks llike the OEM ones from Ron Ayers and Alpha Sports are more than $30.

Now that's just wrong! This is Faraday technology, not Intel.

[jakethesnake]

Well due to a short on the front left turn signal.  I have a nice bubble in plastic case for the relay and it smells of badness.  So im sure it is bad.  Thanks for all the input.