"Inverse" turn signal wiring?

[jandj_davis]

I wired up my front turn signals with dual-bulb signals in the front, so I can have running lights on the front. I really like the added visibility, but I can see a day when incandescent turn signals are things bought from antique shops. I would like to run LED signals, but haven't seen any that can be used as daytime running lights. So, I am putting out a feeler to those of you who love to think about such things.

Is there any way to wire the turn signals so that they are always ON, and blink OFF when I activate the turn signals (rather than being off all the time and blinking on). The more I think about it, the more I think it won't be possible with the current XB wiring harness and flasher unit. But, if anyone wants to challenge that assumption, I am all ears. I am ready for some nice LED flashers.

 

[Loki]

Theres a way, theres always a way. But itll be a slight challenge.

 

[jandj_davis]

Sure, I could come up with something that would involve a timer and a relay or two, completely removing the stock flasher unit. I just wanted to know if it could be done "easily" or with minor modification. I'm not a big fan of "adjusting" the stock wiring harness any more than I need to.

 

[Sirius815]

all that really needs to happen is that the relay should be a normally closed relay - to keep the "running" on and then when told to flash, open the circuit. I'm do not know if the stock relay has a normally open position on it and can't check my bike right now - but that is the easiest way. Not timer or super special relays needed (if there's a normally closed flasher relay).

 

[dave_xb12r]

I've been working on this for a while now. I have 3 ways to do this.

The first uses this http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/16052.html

The second uses relays, one for each side

The third uses diode switches, basically swapping polarity of the lights, using a second hot wire and relying on the diodes to make sure voltage only goes one way.

 

[Sirius815]

^^ Options two looks pretty and good and option three (IMO) might be best due to smaller component size. The only downside to option 3 would be installation difficulty for some less electronic savvy.

I did try to find a normally closed flasher relay that would work, however I have not yet found one.

 

[Loki]

Actually you could use a logic gate i would think. A NAND should do it.

 

[jandj_davis]

HA! I knew I couldn't be the only person looking into this. I definitely like the relay solution. I have access to relays for WAY cheaper than the solution from ASB. I would love to see some wiring diagrams for the diode setup, or perhaps the NAND-gate setup. I am wondering if most NANDs are designed to handle the kind of current turn signals would be requiring?

 

[g3STRIKES]

wat about a dual intensity module that is used for brake /tail setup with leds. running/turn.they are only bout 5 bux from custom dynamics.wont be xactly like u want but simple

 

[Sirius815]

With the NANDs you can run into complications. First off, the output is a very small current signal (digital use only) and you must therefor amplify the signal to even run a normal electromechanical relay. Additionally, most digital circuits run off of 5V (although there are some 12V available I believe) so that might be another hurdle.

@g3 - dual intensity would be the way to go IMO.

 

[Loki]

Im just learning about gates and so i thought that work since we use gates in traffic lights. You'd just have to get a beefer gate.

Ill look into it alittle.

 

[oh9bolt]

Link

Here is omething i found would this work

 

[Sirius815]

This basically converts an LED into a dual filament bulb by giving it less current for the running light. You will still have to run a wire to that device for the "always on"/running lights. But at least you won't have to worry about trying to get a dual filament blinker and can just get pretty much any LED setup (up to 300mA).

 

[jandj_davis]

This basically converts an LED into a dual filament bulb by giving it less current for the running light.

I don't think that's quite right. I was reading their sales material, and I think that harness does exactly what I am looking for. According to their website, the blinking is 100% - 0% - 100%. However, I can't tell if they sell those individually or in pairs. In pairs, not bad. Individually a bit costly for what it is.