LED help...

[annguyen1981]

OK...  I know the LED topic has been torn apart MANY times, but I'm too lazy to search.

I'm trying to put amber LED strips in the fairing slots on my '04f.  Kinda like hidden turn signals.

How do I figure out what resistor to use, or what device do I need to attach in addition to the LED strips?

[CirclesCenter]

The blinker unit is load dependant, meaning that the "lighter" load of the LED's will blink hecka fast or really slow, can't remember. So you need a resistor methinks. You have to make the load the same as stock. Numbers wise I have NO idea.

[annguyen1981]

You have to make the load the same as stock. Numbers wise I have NO idea.

REALY?!?!?  I didn't know that...  I thought I needed a resistor of some sort to make the load same as stock.

[starwalt]

Do you want these LEDS in addition to the stock signals? I can think of a way to do this....probably....maybe...I'll have to experiment to be sure.

It would involve two relays -- one for each side -- if it worked.

Much wiring and splicing would also be required. A difficult thing to do well and pretty unless you've had much practice and experience.

Regardless, you will have to either buy 12VDC LEDs (resistor is already part of the package) or regular LEDs and add the correct value. I haven't research this either to determine if the price is worth it.

[annguyen1981]

I'm not sure if I want the LED strips in addition or as replacements.  I think on the GS as a test, I'm gonna just use in addition, that way I get some practice.  On my soon to be new bike (hopefully), I can clean everything up.

The strips will be premade from the mfr:

[TragicImage]

I can totally see that being awesome at night...


But oncoming traffic may have a hard time seeing them....

[annguyen1981]

Actually, I read the site a little more closely...

http://www.customdynamics.com/Light_bars.htm

According to the site, those LED strips are already 12v DC, 1/4 amp.

Do I have to worry about the amps?

[annguyen1981]

Or I might go this route...



Same website.  Just has a wider viewing area, but sure as hell MORE expensive.

[starwalt]

Actually, I read the site a little more closely...

http://www.customdynamics.com/Light_bars.htm

According to the site, those LED strips are already 12v DC, 1/4 amp.

Do I have to worry about the amps?

I wouldn't think a 1/4 amp would add too much load. One idea -- IF you do it right -- would be to put them in series with the appropriate leg of the turn signals. The device will light up connected only one way. That way you do not worry about relays, resistors, etc.

You could buy one and try it with gator clips to see if it works. That way you are not out a bundle.

[NightRyder]

This thread has many cool possiblities. Someone be a Guinea pig, and tell us if we can just stick them in series and have no problems.

Here is a question though; increased amperage make it flash slower? I don't know exactly how flashers work.. I would think it would go either faster or slower, but which?