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Message started by oldNslow on 10/10/12 at 06:19:19

Title: Brake light modulator.
Post by oldNslow on 10/10/12 at 06:19:19

I'm considering installing a brake light modulator on my 2006 S40. Have been looking at the Signal Dymanics 'Backoff". What do you guys think of these devices in general, and would you recommend this particular brand , or something else.

Right now the tail/brake light assy. on my bike is stock, with an 1157 bulb.

I've been eyeballing the bikes I encounter while riding around, and I have yet to see one of these things on the road.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by Demin on 10/10/12 at 08:11:25

Go to your aftermarket bike shop.They have a bulb that plugs in that modulates and rotates for about 8-10 bucks.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/10/12 at 08:53:50

A few light jabs with the toe & ,, well,, you get the idea..

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by LouSiana on 10/10/12 at 09:04:46

Add a blinker relay???

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by oldNslow on 10/10/12 at 09:33:59

4E5157504D4A7B4B7B43515D16240 wrote:

A few light jabs with the toe & ,, well,, you get the idea..

Yeah, I do that now. My thought was that in a situation where I had to get on the brakes hard, the automatic flashing might wake up the guy benind me if he wasn't paying attention.

Demin, I wasn't aware of the bulbs you mentioned. I'll try to find one. Eight to ten bucks is a heck of a lot better than the $35 or so that I've seen the "Backoff" unit advertised for.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by Demin on 10/10/12 at 11:52:43

Wow....I lied.
http://www.vtwinmfg.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/VTwinProd1_10101_10102_3306583_-1

Check around.I know I saw them cheaper than that.But that's what it is.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by oldNslow on 10/10/12 at 15:18:13

Demin,
Checked the link. That's still cheaper than the "Backoff" but if I understand the ad correctly the lights on this rotate when the tail light is on and flash when you hit the brake. I'm pretty sure that would be illegal here in New York. I don't think red running lights that flash or move are allowed here.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/10/12 at 15:39:59

Look up "astable multivibrator design", Put a switch on it.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by stewmills on 10/10/12 at 17:24:42

$14.95

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-FLASHING-BRAKE-LIGHT-1157-CLEAR-TAIL-LIGHT-BULB-/280894551540?hash=item41669eb5f4&item=280894551540&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by Charon on 10/10/12 at 19:57:54

Seems to me I read of a brake light that would begin by fairly slow flashing, which sped up to rapid flashing, which segued into steady ON. I don't remember whether it was a stand-alone light, or whether it worked with the existing brake light. If I were going to use one, I'd try to opt for an LED light and mount it above the existing light, leaving the stock light to work normally. I think there may also be some sort of LED light system that can be used as a license plate frame.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by oldNslow on 10/11/12 at 07:34:50

26393F3825221323132B39357E4C0 wrote:

Look up "astable multivibrator design", Put a switch on it.

I think this is probably the kind of circuit that the "Backoff" thing uses.
If you're sugesting I try to build something like this myself I think thats a ways over my head. I'm pretty comfortable with wrenches but electronic stuff - especially small electronic stuff - is out of my comfort zone.

I'm actually liking your first suggestion - tapping the brake lever - more and more.

I'd still like to hear from anyone who actually has something like this on a bike and is has used it for a while. If you think it makes any difference from a saftey standpoint or is just a gimmick.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/11/12 at 11:35:45

I know when someone is "Back There" & I tap the brakes. I actually prefer less gadgetry & more personal awareness to stay safe. I may relax if I believe others see me bacause I have lights jumpin up[ & down, but if I see someone setting up for a left turn & I am in a spot in traffic where they mite be tempted to try it, Ill move back & forth across my lane & use the yellow button on the bars, flipping from Low to High beam. Im pretty sure it only works if youre on Low Beam to start with,
I dont "expect" them to see me,

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/11/12 at 15:51:18

I've had the BackOff on mine for about seven years now and it works just fine. I believe the current models will handle LED lamps where my old one requires resistors to be added.

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by stewmills on 10/11/12 at 20:58:05

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-FLASHING-BRAKE-LIGHT-1157-CLEAR-TAIL-LIGHT-BULB-/280894551540?hash=item41669eb5f4&item=280894551540&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

Has anyone used one of these LEDs? I read some reviews indicating it isn't great because of the direct light pointing backwards versus a regular bulb reflecting back on the "reflecting" mirror lighting up the entire light?

Title: Re: Brake light modulator.
Post by oldNslow on 10/12/12 at 06:19:21

083A2D3A3C3E040934395B0 wrote:

I've had the BackOff on mine for about seven years now and it works just fine. I believe the current models will handle LED lamps where my old one requires resistors to be added.

Well, I think that pretty much settles the question of how reliable the "Back off" gadget is. At least to me it does. I think if I decide to go with an add-on that's the way I'll go.

I want to thank everyone who replied. This forum is amazing !