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  • xci_ed6

    Dec. 13, 2009 10:28 p.m. xci_ed6 Reader

    So I'm having trouble using something for other than it's intended purpose, surprise, surprise.

    I got a Hopkins trailer light converter from the local parts store, $26, not the first time I've bought one of these handy gadgets. If you're unfamiliar with them, they isolate the turn & brake circuits for cars that use separate lamps. This is the first time that I've used one to combine the turn & brake lamps on the intended vehicle. In this case, I installed it on my motorcycle, a Honda CB600.

    Stock I have two brake/tail lamps, and gaudy amber turn signals that stick 3 feet off each side. I cut the gaudy things off in Iowa, now I'm in Georgia. I had a Sheriff's Deputy inform me that while I'm not required to USE turn signals, I am required to HAVE turn signals...OK. My idea was to use this doohicky to make me two brake/tail lamps function as turn signals. They won't be very distinct, but they will flash, and I'm not going to use them anyway.

    So I installed it per the directions, like I said, I've done these before. Bolted it all back together and...failure. My turn signals work, but when I hit the brakes it back feeds the signal circuit, the signals stop flashing, and it actually lights up both the front signals and the instrument cluster indicators. I've checked the wiring over a few times, and can not find the problem.

    Did I get a defective device, or am I missing something? I don't want to give up, the factory signals could double as training wheel mounts.

  • Trans_Maro

    Dec. 14, 2009 12:49 a.m. Trans_Maro HalfDork

    Sounds like it's defective.

    I'm using one in my '67 Jeep to run the taillights.

    I installed ne of those aftermarket turn signal stalks but it required a fair bit of jiggery-pokery with the electrical system to get everything to work with a single bulb system.

    The only alternative was separate turn signal lamps.

    Whne I changed over to a flatbed I wanted to simplify things so I ditched the separate signal lamps and used heavy-duty trailer lights (single bulb) and a solid state light convertor to combine the separate units into one system.

    Mine's been working without a hitch for three years now. I'd say you have a bad unit.

    Shawn

  • Dr. Hess

    Dec. 14, 2009 9:58 a.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

    Keep in mind that the Hoppy 5->4 wire gizmo you have is all solid state. This introduces strange things to other solid state devices. For example, you loose ~0.7 volt at each junction, and if you check the voltage coming out of the thing, you'll see it's around 8V. This won't work with most aftermarket LED tail lights, for example including those sold by GRM advertiser SuperbrightLEDs.com. Your Honduh turn signal controller may also not like this for a similar reason.

    I'd suggest disconnecting the Hoppy gizmo and testing the whole thing with jumper wires. That is, put the tail lights to the hoppy thing wtih aligator clips, then on the in side, jumper the signal lines to +12v and see if the correct bulb is lighting up. Then add a jumper to the brake line, etc. If it all works on the bench (or bike but disconnected from the driver circuits), but still doesn't work hooked up to the bike control circuits, I'd say you have a compatibility issue. You could try adding some relays to isolate the 2 circuits. I had to do that for my LED lights on my bike trailer. I'm still not 100% happy with the results, but it was good enough for that trip. Also make sure your ground is good, as that can cause problems too.

  • xci_ed6

    Dec. 14, 2009 9:10 p.m. xci_ed6 Reader

    Yup, bad module. Swapped in a new one, and it works.

  • wherethefmi

    Dec. 14, 2009 9:17 p.m. wherethefmi Dork

    And why wouldn't you WANT use turn signals, seriously give me giant strobe lights as turn signals and I'll use them. E36 M3 being seen is better than being dead.

  • xci_ed6

    Dec. 14, 2009 9:38 p.m. xci_ed6 Reader

    I've have rarely had drivers pay attention. They seem to respond better to hand signals, and I operate as if they don't see me at all, anyway.

 
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