In-built lighting - another go

103Alex1

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 29, 2012
2,228
67
Can't stop thinking about this :rolleyes:. Drawn out a schematic based on the circuitry diagrams using 4-way relay here to try to get to what I'm really after :

2 12V 1600LM LED Light Suzuki V-Strom Yamaha Super Tenere Triumph Tiger Honda XL | eBay

Basics first, have drawn this as I think it's easier to follow in pictures :



The lo-beam lights would be these at £10 the pair and about 500lm between them ('sociable lighting') :

Waterproof 3W 1000~1300lm LED White Light Motorcycle Headlamp - Black (12~80V)

The high-beam light would be the highest powered 1-3LED CREE light I can get away with running at <1amp preferably 0.5ish. Could also be a modded version of this aimed at being more weatherproof (I already have it but it needs work) :

12V 5W LED CREE Home Garden Waterproof Day Work Spot Decoration Light Outdoor | eBay

Since the light is 'killable' by switching to low, it doesn't matter that it's too bright for using with cars approaching head-on but would be good if it was bright enough to be seen round corners at night by oncoming vehicles. Otherwise hunt is still on for a suitable hi-beam light which can be run on quiet lanes.

Step-down converter would be this (stepped down to 12V) :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250823464468?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Will have to source the dip switch and 4-way relay (if needed) plus inline fuse.

Perhaps something like this might do if the handlebar fitting was modified :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrome-2-Position-Dip-Switch-Kill-Button-7-8-Bars-/400303146229?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo=SIC&its=I&itu=UCI%2BIA%2BUA%2BFICS%2BUFI&otn=21&pmod=271042872911&ps=54

If the "lo-beam" lighting is compatible with a dimmer it can be pre-set to varying brightnesses by inserting one of these between step-down converter and the lo-beam lights for £10 and get a remote on/off thrown in ... it will be by-passed when the hi-beam is on :

Motorcycle LED Lighting Wireless Remote Dimmer 1600 3000 CREE Farkle My Ride | eBay

So ........ does this work ?
 
Last edited:

Scimitar

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 31, 2010
1,772
40
Ireland
I see from that diagram you want to keep your low beams on all the time and simply switch the high on and off. No need for any dimmer or relay at all then.
They'd just be in parallel and the feed to the high beam switched on/off.
We're not dealing with loads and currents that are unusual in automotive terms; they are quite low, so any motorcycle grade switchgear would be up to it.
So, the layout would be; an inline fuse and master switch from the main battery to the DC/DC converter, a simple feed to the low beams; from the same point a simple feed to the high beam via an on/off switch on the bars.