LED Controller

[TheFrugalTech]

Would anyone be interested in a controller that will allow the replacement of all the lighting on an XS with LEDs, not require load resistors, be low cost, and just plug directly to the flasher can plug?
I've been looking into designing a controller that will do all that at a much lower cost than what is current available. May add a feature to allow adjustment of the duration the light is off or on or both. Maybe also include a connection for a brake light pulser.
I'd appreciate any feedback including what other features anyone may want.
I have the resources and experience to design and produce my own PCBs. That's a cost saver.

[jwhughes3]

You should talk to ELDR...he has designed such a thing(not with programmable time delays though) - I saw it. He was just at the XS SE Rally so he is watching the board even if not posting.

John

[natemoen]

Cy Welch also came up with a flasher unit that worked with the auto cancel feature.

I am intrigued though.

[jwhughes3]

I am unsure if Cy posted a schematic anywhere....

I like the idea of programmable times - interesting.

John

[mikubuilder]

sounds good!

[natemoen]

I am unsure if Cy posted a schematic anywhere....

I like the idea of programmable times - interesting.

John

Yeah, he posted al the parts and how to assemble It. I think there was 1 or 2 people that made them from his writeup.

[TheFrugalTech]

I'll see if I can find what Cy had and how the auto cancel was maintained.
Looking around though, there are flasher replacements out there that only need .05A draw to operate LED signals and are plug and play for most bikes, the XS requires hard wiring some of them in of course. You can get a basic one for under $20. And one you can vary the rate on for $30. Not worth reinventing the wheel there.
I'll look at what Cy had and what it would take to use with a replacement flasher and maintain the auto cancel. Adding load would take away from the reasons for having LEDs.
If I get bored this winter maybe I'll see about putting the variable rate flasher replacement, auto cancel, and brake pulser onto one board (alternating the 2 brake lights on a Standard would be sweet). I haven't done much electronics design and PCB layouts since I, .... nevermind what they were for.

[CRXSi90]

... since I, .... nevermind what they were for.

You're killing were they?

[crazy steve]

I am unsure if Cy posted a schematic anywhere....

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...ighlight=prong

There are a couple of errors in the post (minor stuff) and some additional info that Cy was going to fix/add so this could be posted as a tech tip, but his unfortunate passing came before he got to it...

But this mod was simply to allow any two-prong flasher to be used in place of the OEM unit; if you wanted the self-cancel feature, you still need to keep the factory canceller. What would be nice if someone could come up with it would be a complete integrated replacement for both the flasher and the canceller. Such units do exist, but have the same problem as the stock system (need a specific lamp load) plus are expensive...

[TheFrugalTech]

You're killing were they?

Let's just say I used to design circuits to manipulate certain electronic equipment to add certain features.

I got to thinking about it and after running through Cy's design and reading about some other features and mods, I made a goal to incorporate several features in one unit. Then I thought, where am I going to mount it? The flasher will be gone so that frees up a small space. But, if I incorporate the fuse black .... more space to mount the "magic" box.

Target functions:
Blade type fuse block - 6
Turn signal flasher - adjustable rate
Auto cancel - adjustable delay
Use rear signals as brake lights/signals (with red lenses of course) and ability to turn off the function
Pulsing brake lights - adjustable rate and ability to turn off the function

Should be able to build it all into a project box that will mount to the electrical plate with the fuse block and flasher removed.

Any other functions that should be included?

[natemoen]

How would one be able to integrate solid marker lights into it to act as turn signals?

[CRXSi90]

Thanks for understanding my scrambled message - that's what I get for typing messages on my phone late in the evening! I'm looking to switch to LED's on a 6v motorcycle, so I'll definitely be following along to see what I can adapt from your project.

[Schming]

I may...

[Quote]Use rear signals as brake lights/signals (with red lenses of course) and ability to turn off the function[Quote]

...be wrong, but I beleive state inspection, at least in PA, requires amber turn signals.

[crazy steve]

AFAIK, rear turns can be either amber or red as long as that's all they do. If the light has a dual purpose (turn plus brake and/or tail), then they're required to be red. That's a federal standard....

[TheFrugalTech]

AFAIK, rear turns can be either amber or red as long as that's all they do. If the light has a dual purpose (turn plus brake and/or tail), then they're required to be red. That's a federal standard....

Steve nailed it.

I'm looking to switch to LED's on a 6v motorcycle, so I'll definitely be following along to see what I can adapt from your project.

All of it will accept 12V or 6V. All of the timer circuits will run on a regulated 5V with the outputs driving transistors to do the switching so there will be no relays.