Drewski Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Hi, I've just bought one of these and wondered where might be the best place to wire it up on my '99 FiX. the lead that comes with it is about 550mm long. TIA http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-Battery-Charge-Warning-Light-voltage-indicator-/150481634975?pt=UK_AudioElectronicsVideo_Video_TelevisionSetTopBoxes&hash=item230967869f Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Hi, I've just bought one of these and wondered where might be the best place to wire it up on my '99 FiX. the lead that comes with it is about 550mm long. TIA http://www.ebay.co.u...=item230967869f The issue with some indicators like that, they dont operate and respond to the Voltages need on a healthy Vfr. Meaning, a car may show 12.5v on that indicator , and show no issue, on a vfr out on the road at speed 12.5 volt is an issue, and warning lights should be going off. I would look for a more accurate direct read out unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewski Posted September 29, 2011 Author Share Posted September 29, 2011 I would look for a more accurate direct read out unit. Like a digital meter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Yeah, thats the simplist and most accurate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer carlitos92 Posted September 30, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hi, I've just bought one of these and wondered where might be the best place to wire it up on my '99 FiX. the lead that comes with it is about 550mm long. TIA http://www.ebay.co.u...=item230967869f The issue with some indicators like that, they dont operate and respond to the Voltages need on a healthy Vfr. Meaning, a car may show 12.5v on that indicator , and show no issue, on a vfr out on the road at speed 12.5 volt is an issue, and warning lights should be going off. ...Which is why I would just have them program the appropriate thresholds, which is something they offer per the eBay page. Thanks Drewski, this is exactly what I have been looking for to fill the hole where our HISS LED should be. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 This is the perfect light for someone who doesn't need a constant readout but wants to be reassured that their voltages are within range. If they weren't based in the UK I would order them to sell on my site! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewski Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 This is the perfect light for someone who doesn't need a constant readout but wants to be reassured that their voltages are within range. If they weren't based in the UK I would order them to sell on my site! Yup, that's all I'm after really. The guy that sells them seems helpful and aimiable and includes an instruction sheet, even taking the time to add a hand written "thankyou" on it. You should get in touch, he may be able to do you a deal. Once I find the best place to wire it up, I'll see how it works. I have one of those Inforad speed camera warning lights which is permanently green and flashes red once near a camera - with this other light, it'll be like riding a carousel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewski Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 BTW Tightwad, (and everyone else in The States), if any of you need something shipping over from the UK, for eg if a seller in the UK doesn't post overseas or overcharges, just give me a shout. I source, (mainly stroker), parts for people and regularly ship parcels of varying sizes all over the place so it would be no bother to add another one or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer JZH Posted September 30, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hi, I've just bought one of these and wondered where might be the best place to wire it up on my '99 FiX. the lead that comes with it is about 550mm long. http://www.ebay.co.u...=item230967869f I actually just received mine! I had him program it to better suit the a motorcycle electrical system in actual use, so the LED goes amber at 12.5v, green at 13.5v, and red/green alternating at 15.5v. However, I have to admit these thresholds are still guesses. An actual voltmeter is obviously more accurate, but for this application, I wanted to just have low- and over-voltage warnings. (Hmmm. I still have a Datel around somewhere, maybe I'll add that, too!) As to where it should be hooked up, the closer to the battery the better. Ciao, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 I have been in contact with him...very nice and helpful and willing to program them to any specifications we choose. They are available in 3 sizes even...5mm, 8mm and 10mm. 5 and 10mm are the common LED sizes. I am planning to order one of each to evaluate. He offered me a bit of a discount on a bulk buy, but not enough to make it a money maker...if I stock them it would be as a convenience for those stateside or people who would rather have one stop shopping. Of course the ones I stock (if I do) will have custom VFR centric voltages...might be worth it for people. As far as where to connect...I would be tempted to use a relay to be sure I read battery voltage. A fuse panel connection works well of course, if you have an auxiliary fuse panel with a spare spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer rangemaster Posted October 1, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 1, 2011 What's the difference between these and the little LED voltage monitor that Signal Dynamics markets? I'd be interested in getting one of the UK ones' through Tightwad if it had the custom voltages for a '97 VFR pre-programmed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer carlitos92 Posted October 1, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 1, 2011 What's the difference between these and the little LED voltage monitor that Signal Dynamics markets? I'd be interested in getting one of the UK ones' through Tightwad if it had the custom voltages for a '97 VFR pre-programmed. This one? http://www.customdynamics.com/LED_battery_gauge.htm#LED_Battery_Gauge_with_Remote_Flush_Panel_Mount_LED It looks like the difference is that the UK one is all housed on the LED; the Signal Dynamics one has a separate box housing the circuitry and then a lead with a "remote" LED. A little more clunky IMHO, but basically the end result seems to be the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted October 1, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 1, 2011 The UK one is too clunky, so I got the one with the circuitry in a separate unit via a member in the USA. Drawback is the shipping time involved...... Price unbeatable, only a few beers at TMAC12 But the original question remains, where to wire in to? The wires are a tad to short for a straight connection to battery and mount under/in the instrument cluster... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MuddDawg Posted October 1, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 1, 2011 Escort 8500's have a volt meter built in, so that is also an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Escort 8500's have a volt meter built in, so that is also an option. Yeah So does my STI , thats what I use, unfortunately the alarm doesnt go off till 10.5 volt , so If not paying attention , voltage can drop really fast. Once at 10.5v you have 5 miles or so run time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dgordon Posted October 1, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 1, 2011 Josh, just wanted to send a note to you on interest with this product = I for one would buy one of these units through you to support for all of your GREAT VFR products and service. I've got your fuseblock and harness and am extremely satisfied with them. In addition to supporting you, I'd also feel better knowing the device was optimally configured for our bikes. I'll be watching this thread as this looks to be an excellent product - exactly what I've been looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Josh, just wanted to send a note to you on interest with this product = I for one would buy one of these units through you to support for all of your GREAT VFR products and service. I've got your fuseblock and harness and am extremely satisfied with them. In addition to supporting you, I'd also feel better knowing the device was optimally configured for our bikes. I'll be watching this thread as this looks to be an excellent product - exactly what I've been looking for. Nobody has presented the ideal numbers to program, those would be 12.85v threshold for warning light and above 15.199 volt. There's still a lot of voltage in between , that Id like to know the actual reading as an average. That is important! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 It's a tri-color LED that has a micro-chip...it could be programmed to dance and sing in any sort of configuration...mostly I think those who opt for a voltage warning light aren't concerned about 10ths.. I am tentatively thinking of asking if the following is possible (not getting TO complex here...) <12.0 = Red blink 4 flash - repeat....deep discharge state...this means you have moments left potentially <12.3 = Red blink 2 flashes - repeat....battery in discharge state....good money says it might not restart <12.6 Red slow flashing.....this is where dragons begin to fester 12.6-13 = Amber slow flashing.....this is an acceptable charging rate, but would be a concern if it stayed here 13-13.5 = Amber/Green alternating 13.5-15.1V = Green...we like living in this range 15.1+ = Red/Green alternating....uh-oh Not that different from the standard, but geared more toward the Honda charging system I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted October 3, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 3, 2011 Wired my Signal Dynamics direct to the battery (with an inline fuse) Will see if it drains the battery or not; might put a switched relay later... Drilled a 6mm plus a bit of wiggling the drillbit (US product: needs 1/4 inch hole which is 6.35mm ) to fit the led into the inner cowl. Me likey... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Does is have a switch to turn it off, or is that light always on? It will run the battery down over time if so... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted October 3, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted October 3, 2011 always on for now................ In season, it could be 2 weeks between rides. So if that kills the battery, I'll switch it to the rear light. The alarm has a blinking led, it that has never drained the battery..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted October 4, 2011 Share Posted October 4, 2011 always on for now................ In season, it could be 2 weeks between rides. So if that kills the battery, I'll switch it to the rear light. The alarm has a blinking led, it that has never drained the battery..... current draw could be as high as 35 mA. Not much of course, especially if you ride often enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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