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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: MrIronButt on June 10, 2014, 01:45:37 PM

Title: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: MrIronButt on June 10, 2014, 01:45:37 PM
Hi!

I've just noticed, that my neutral light is gone.
I've found only 12 V, 5W light bulb (W5W) , what fits (I think) into the socket of the neutral control light.

What do you think, can i use it with 5W instead of 3.4? Or is it bad for electric consumption, maybe for the cables?
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: JAS6377 on June 10, 2014, 02:27:28 PM
If you're going to have the panel off to replace one bulb, I'd say spend an extra few bucks (quid?) and replace them all with LEDs. They're brighter, last longer, and use less power. Superbrightleds.com is generally where I go. I'm not sure what size you'll need, though...
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: gsJack on June 10, 2014, 03:24:56 PM
I've used the auto 194 bulbs available in any auto parts or Walmart store for the instrument lights.  About same 3.4-3.5 V approx. as the others except a bit brighter than 1.7 V high beam indicator where I also use it.
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: jsyzdek on June 10, 2014, 04:58:20 PM
I swapped all 4 indicator lights(*) with these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007G67JCS/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They draw only 0.4W (instead of stock 1.7W, or 3.4W for high beams) and are brighter than a standard 5W bulb. It's by no means blinding at night, but I can see them crystal clear during the day (which was not the case with stock bulbs, hence swap).
If you want to buy a smaller pack, look for SMD5050 (or 5630 or 5730), they are brighter than 3528 and 12xx.


(*) - the turn signal indicator still runs on the standard 1.7W bulb. I need to solder in a couple of diodes to go around the polarity reversal when you turn right or left turn signal, but the diodes are already on their way
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: eee-zee rider on June 11, 2014, 12:19:08 PM
Any good LED solutions for turn signals themselves?
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: DoktoroKiu on June 12, 2014, 05:57:15 AM
I would be very hesitant to put in bulbs that draw more current than the system was designed to handle.  Less is generally OK, but can also cause problems if you have too little draw.

Also, as JAS6377 said, it is worth your time to just replace all of the lights with some LEDs.  This thread has everything you need to know about the LED replacement:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=53436.0

My speedo light is out, so I plan to do this once I get my valves finished.  I might also get some lights for the fairing as well.
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: jsyzdek on June 12, 2014, 06:16:35 PM
I finally put in an LED turn signal indicator. Job complete.  O0
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: bombsquad83 on June 12, 2014, 07:39:24 PM
Quote from: jsyzdek on June 12, 2014, 06:16:35 PM
I finally put in an LED turn signal indicator. Job complete.  O0

What product, and from where did you buy the turn signal indicator?
Title: Re: 5w instead of 3.4w in instrument lights?
Post by: jsyzdek on June 12, 2014, 08:29:19 PM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on June 12, 2014, 07:39:24 PM
What product, and from where did you buy the turn signal indicator?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007G67JCS/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just had to add two diodes
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HCB8CA0/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

according to Adidasguy's (RIP) schematic
http://www.gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=60035.msg690197#msg690197

You can get the diodes in Radioshack, but I thought - if I need to spend $2, I'd rather get 100 of those than just 2. They might come in handy in some other projects.