brake light pulsator as headlight pulsator?

I ordered one of these brake light pulsators and only later learned that it does not work with LEDs.

Would it be safe for the electronics to hook it up to the low beam on my headlight? It's not a flashing unit, it pulses the light.

 

Try it.
I don't think that's a Pulsator.
The drawing on its side looks like a "Flasher"
Hook it up ... see what happens.

If you are dissatisfied with what it does, ... look-in on the "Signal-Dynamics" Web-site.
They have Headlight and Tail-light Pulsators that DO work with LED's.

 

To be legal, a headlight modulator has to have certain features on it, so I don't think the unit you have will be acceptable to police. Here is a copy of the highway regulations for use in Canada, but I believe it is the same in the US. I have one on my bike and it has generated lots of discussion by bikers and cagers alike...most comment on how visible it makes you, but some also find them annoying. I'd rather be annoying than dead.

S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system

S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity, provided that:

(a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 ± 40 cycles per minute.

(b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.

(c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.

(d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.

(e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.

(f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp modulation shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a tungsten filament light operating at 3000 degrees Kelvin is either less than 270 lux (25 foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing sensors or less than 60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for downward pointing sensors. The light is measured by a silicon cell type light meter that is located at the sensor and pointing in the same direction as the sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at ground level to simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing sensors.

(g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure 9, the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all test conditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be greater than 0.45 volt. The modulator shall meet all the provisions of this TSD the standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.

(h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in either the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.

 

On modulators- - thought I'd share this from another site. . .
Somebody put a modulator on their "passing lamps". Due to the angle, a person in a car assumed it was a turn signal, and pulled out right in front of the bike.

It was also discussed that it interfered with the charging system, which would continuously need to vary it's output, due to the small battery.
I've sort of cooled off on the idea of getting one myself.

 

I don't think it would handle the load of the headlight.

Further, I believe there ARE similar DOT standards like what is outlined above for Canada. That's why there are only a small handful of manufacturers that offer true headlight systems.

 

I hooked it up to my other lights as a test, it gives off the same pulsing effect I see on many headlights. I haven't actually hooked it up to my headlight to verify this as it draws a big load.

My only real concern is whether the electrical system will be able to handle it. I plan to wire it in so that I can turn it on/off as need be but plan to have it on all the time when riding in daylight. I looked all over and couldn't find any specs as to what load it could handle. Any way for me to safely find this out?

 

I have used headlight modulators on three different bikes. Believe me everyone notices me! I have been stopped by the police in Ontario and New Brunswick. In both cases I had to explain that the headlight modulator was motorcycle specific and used to make me more visible. "They told me it works and have a nice day." :twisted:

There has been no problem with power consumption. I have not even burned out a bulb.


I wouldn't ride a bike without one.

 

They look real stupid but they actually make a lot of sence the way idiots drive these days. "Traffic's real heavy today.Guess I'll blab on the cell and rubberneck for a while". About 8 people have been killed or crippled for life in the last 2 years here in my little town. Car drivers were either drunk or just not paying attention. Scarey man.

 

Right, the above is what I'm trying to prevent.

I just want to know if this unit will be able to handle the draw of the headlight for extended periods of time.

Any one?

 

Hmm. Just found out these can only handle 2 amps. That's not nearly enough, right?

Assuming the low beam is 55 watt, divide that by 14 volts (rough estimate of voltage when bike is being ridden) and we get 3.9 amps. Is this correct?

Looks like I'm going to have to find another use for it...

 

You could use it to modulate the headlight relay (assuming you have one installed, I'm not familiar with you 700 fellows). If not, you can install one easily.

 

I rode a 1982 Honda CB900c back and forth to Montreal from Peterborough (1000 KMs) with no electrical issues. Those bikes were known for there low amp output.

I did the same ride with a 1983 Honda Aspencade with way too many lights on it.

With the modulator operating you draw fewer amps than without it.

(a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 ± 40 cycles per minute.

(b) The headlamp shall be operated at :arrow: maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.

(c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be :arrow: not less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.

In present day madness of city traffic a head light modulator gets you noticed and I am speaking from experience. Drivers flash their lights point to mine. Drivers in parking lots tell me that my light is flashing, they pull up beside me and tell me that my light is flashing, they honk and point to my lights across intersections, and on the highway I see them move over to outside edge of their lane as soon as I come in to view. We all know we are to "ride like we are invisible" and we should, but with a headlight modulator we are definitely visible!

I may look stupid with my headlight flashing but you do see me looking stupid and I need to be seen to be safe.

That's all I have to say about that.

https://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=2

 

Robert - can you point me to some more info about installing a headlight relay?

I read through Gamuru's posts about diagnosing relays and have a rough idea of how they work but would like to get better acclimated before I tear my headlight apart again.

 

I'd be happy to. I need to have a look at your schematic and we can chat about it. I'll shoot you my email and we can exchange info.

 

Schematic and instructions for solid-state Headlight Modulat

Schematic and instructions for A two-terminal solid-state Headlight Modulator.

http://www.buchanan1.net/modulator.shtml

 

:lol: I agree with everything you have said here, and love "looking stupid" too! At least they are seeing us! :roll:

 

Thanks for the schematic! I'll be trying (yet again, we got swamped at work today) to whip out a schematic for you to use on your system. I'll email it to you when it is done. Maybe you can post it.

 

This is Patrick from Signal Dynamics. Just letting you guys know we do have a headlight modulator that will definitely work on your bikes for both high and low beam usage. The Diamond Star Headlight Modulator is capable of 22 amps and 130 watts. Completely DOT legal and has the ability to be turned off if you would like. We also do have brake light modules as well that can pulsate your brake lights for you when you stop and even ones that can continue to flash to make sure people know you are there if they are coming up to you at a light.
I know this seems like a plug, but we are just letting people know that there are things out there for motorcycle enthusiasts that we hope keeps you safe on the road, especially around the holiday seasons. Happy riding!