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Message started by Tocsik on 10/05/14 at 07:11:38

Title: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by Tocsik on 10/05/14 at 07:11:38

I know many posts exist here about signal flash rate. I searched and read but didn't find this particular issue so thought I'd reach out for help.

I moved my rear signals to the license plate mount so I can add saddlebags using these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATZMKX6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) signal lights.
Even though they're incandescent, the flash rate has increased on my bike when just using the normal signals. Lower resistance bulbs?
But the flash rate is normal when using the hazards; maybe more resistance when all 4 lights flash so the circuit balances out?

When I put a stock bulb in the new housing, they flash at a normal rate. But the stock bulbs are too long to fit in the new housing with the lenses on so that's not an option.
I'm heading to the auto parts store to see what I can find but wanted to use the hive-mind for input first. Can I replace the bulbs in the new lights with higher resistance ones (if they exist) so the flash rate normalizes or am I going to have to replace the flasher unit even though I'm not running LED's?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/05/14 at 07:57:20

Youve come OHH so close to answering the question.. You KNOW the circuitry is good, because the Old Blub forks wine.. Ferethore,, the problumb Hazta BEE a difference in current flow rates Threw them blubs..

Sucking a lotta current thru a Bi-Metal strip makes it hot, making it pop open quicker, I GUESS,, I dunno,, seems Ive heard about quick flash rates w/ LEDs,, so,, maybe Ive got something bakkerds in the electricalities.. BUT, Id take both blubs to the auto parts store and axe someone there for guidunce..

Hey!

I KNow a bit about the old ones,, 1156's and 1157s.. one filament & 2, respoecrively..

So,, whats did ya re[lace them with?

Look up wattage of Old & New bulbs..

Theres some electronic guys here who know Ohms law and can convert watts to amps and all that stuff.. Im sposta be able to,, Buuut,, I didnt l;ike electronics school, cuz I just couldnt wrap my head around it..

DB is a measure of sound.

You coulda justifiably called me crazy when I was trying to grasp the concept of a negative DB.. Never did get that,, Never did balance a REDox reaction in chemistry, either, But, carried a mid range B , while I, a high school drop out, unable to do math, took TRigonometry, Algebra, Chemistry and Chemistry lab, and got a Cum Laude certificate,, and scored the highest grade in the school on the lab mid term,, BUT, some things just wont soak in,, a negative DB is one of them,, and I could see where the electron came from and where it went on the ReDiox reactions, but couldnt do the algebra that proved it.. Prof said I had the hard part down,, NOOO,, the MATH is the hard part for me,,

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by Dave on 10/05/14 at 08:11:45

Trade in the flasher module....for an electronic one. The flash rate will not change regardless of the load you use. You need a 2 pin flasher module, and you might have to change the wire connectors to make it work...unless you buy one that is specifically designed to be a "plug and play" for a Suzuki.

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by Serowbot on 10/05/14 at 08:12:38

Deep thoughts, JOG... ;D...

Yup,.. you need a solid state flasher... $10 or so, at any auto parts place...

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by Tocsik on 10/05/14 at 08:45:57

Thanks everyone; I really appreciate the help.
Shoot, was hoping I didn't need to pull the tank for this. :-/

Stock bulb is an 1156 with: P21W 37R stamped on it. The stock housing also has P21W in it plus 12V 21W

The new lights are also 1156 bases and the bulbs have: R10W 12V plus 282 4R on them.

Hey Bot, about the solid state flashers at the auto parts stores. Are they difficult to fit to our bikes? Searching the site, I found that this one (https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/motorcycle-accessories/lf1-s-flat-universal-motorcycle-electronic-flasher/787/842/) is described as plug 'n play. Is that because the connector is identical to our stock?

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by Serowbot on 10/05/14 at 09:14:28

Well it can't be all that hard... but, I don't have turn signals... ;D...

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/05/14 at 09:31:50

Hey, Dave,, can you explain zaklee what it IZ that makes a flasher module c
"click" off and then back on? I always thit it was a Bi-metal strip, resistive on one side, getting hot, expanding in length, causing the contacts to seperate, cooling, closing, rinse and repeat.. How do it KNOW when to open and close?

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by Dave on 10/05/14 at 17:00:07

5E4147405D5A6B5B6B53414D06340 wrote:

Yep.....it is a set of points....connected to a strip of metal that is made from two pieces of different kinds of metal. One is resistant to current flow and becomes hot when the current passes through.....and one is very expansive when it gets hot (but I don't know which side that is on). Anyhow....when the turn signal lights are burning, the metal in the flasher module becomes warm and when the metal expands it curves the strip in a way that pulls the contact points apart. Then as the metal cools the curve straightens out and the points again touch and the turn signal lights come on. The tinny "click" sound you hear in the flasher is that metal strip bending and pulling the points apart. When you install LED lights, or smaller wattage bulbs, or have one bulb burned out.......the current is not sufficient to heat the element up and it flashes at the wrong rate - or doesn't flash at all.

Title: Re: Help with turn signal flash rate
Post by gizzo on 10/06/14 at 01:55:26

Had the same thing when I swapped the stock indicators for some bullet ones. The supplied 10w bulbs made it flash too fast. I found it quicker and easier to visit my local Harley parts place and buy $8.00 worth of short 21w bulbs (I wish I could tell you the part no., but I didn't record it) instead of buying a LED flasher and the tank off routine. FWIW.