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General Category => Modifications => Topic started by: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 07:43:58 AM

Title: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 07:43:58 AM
While looking for parts and upgrades for the Vmax, I came across this simple and inexpensive tail light modulator.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161518769345?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_3735wt_1153 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/161518769345?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_3735wt_1153)

2 wires in, 2 wires out. Super easy to install.

I have LED tail/brake lights and it works great.

Fred
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: Country Joe on April 21, 2015, 08:13:25 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 07:43:58 AM
While looking for parts and upgrades for the Vmax, I came across this simple and inexpensive tail light modulator.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161518769345?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_3735wt_1153 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/161518769345?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_3735wt_1153)

2 wires in, 2 wires out. Super easy to install.

I have LED tail/brake lights and it works great.

Fred

Fred,
Does it strobe then go to solid?
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 09:34:54 AM
Every time a brake switch is made, there is 4 super fast flashes, 4 slow flashes and then the brake light stays on until you release the switch.

I will post a video later this evening.


Fred
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: Country Joe on April 21, 2015, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 09:34:54 AM
Every time a brake switch is made, there is 4 super fast flashes, 4 slow flashes and then the brake light stays on until you release the switch.

I will post a video later this evening.


Fred

Fred,
Thank you, that sounds perfect to me.
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: ribbert on April 21, 2015, 09:59:34 AM
Quote from: Country Joe on April 21, 2015, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 09:34:54 AM
Every time a brake switch is made, there is 4 super fast flashes, 4 slow flashes and then the brake light stays on until you release the switch.

I will post a video later this evening.


Fred

Fred,
Thank you, that sounds perfect to me.

These are an excellent safety feature. Having had one for a couple of years I have had many people comment on how eye catching they are.
They only work with LED globes though.

If I'm concerned about a car approaching from behind when sitting at an intersection, I just release the brake and reapply it to set off the flashing sequence again. It is adjustable for flash rate and duration before going solid. 

A rapid flashing LED is hard to miss.

Noel
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: Pat Conlon on April 21, 2015, 11:13:47 AM
Thank you Fred, I just ordered one....It's been on my list for several years now...long overdue.

Skymaster's Check Your 6 post about the Lancaster fatality is a reminder.
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: Paul1965 on April 21, 2015, 12:45:09 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 07:43:58 AM
While looking for parts and upgrades for the Vmax, I came across this simple and inexpensive tail light modulator.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161518769345?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_3735wt_1153 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/161518769345?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_3735wt_1153)

2 wires in, 2 wires out. Super easy to install.

I have LED tail/brake lights and it works great.

Fred

I used a cheap one like this on my 84 and it worked great (I think I held out for a Chinese model that was under $5). I did the same thing as Fred, release then grab the brake again just to get their attention behind me. If you run LED turn signals with built in brake lights (the sword style) you can wire this to those at the same time.
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: movenon on April 21, 2015, 02:06:32 PM
Thanks Fred. I also put one on order.  :good2:
George
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: aviationfred on April 21, 2015, 10:33:16 PM
Here is a video of the modulator on my FJ.


https://youtu.be/GSqFIasAgJE


Fred
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: Russfjr1 on April 22, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
I like it but will it pass a UK mot?
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: FJmonkey on April 22, 2015, 07:26:37 AM
Quote from: Russfjr1 on April 22, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
I like it but will it pass a UK mot?

The install seems simple enough, when you get your MOT inspection just remove it. Reinstall after you pass...
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: 1tinindian on April 22, 2015, 09:14:29 AM
Thanks for the heads up Fred.
Placed my order this morning.
Man, we are going to be a bunch a LED flashing Mo-Fos at the rally this year!

Leon
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: aviationfred on April 22, 2015, 09:35:28 AM
Quote from: Russfjr1 on April 22, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
I like it but will it pass a UK mot?



I used Molex connectors to install the modulator. If it fails, or I need to remove it for any reason. I can un plug the modulator and connect the factory wires together.


Fred
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: movenon on April 25, 2015, 01:34:09 PM
Received mine today. I will install it Monday.  :good2: :good2:
George
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: aviationfred on April 25, 2015, 02:43:37 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on April 22, 2015, 09:35:28 AM
Quote from: Russfjr1 on April 22, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
I like it but will it pass a UK mot?



I used Molex connectors to install the modulator.

Here is the Molex connector kit that I used. A good idea is to pick up the crimper also.

http://www.aerostich.com/tools/electrical/tools-connectors/aerostich-92-piece-molex-connector-kit.html (http://www.aerostich.com/tools/electrical/tools-connectors/aerostich-92-piece-molex-connector-kit.html)

http://www.aerostich.com/tools/electrical/tools-connectors/strip-and-crimp-plier.html (http://www.aerostich.com/tools/electrical/tools-connectors/strip-and-crimp-plier.html)

Or here is a good set of crimpers that are a specific tool.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Molex-Crimping-pliers-Cable-clamp-pressed-terminal-pins-diameter-28AWG-18AWG-/331430299534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d2ac9078e#ht_863wt_1153 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Molex-Crimping-pliers-Cable-clamp-pressed-terminal-pins-diameter-28AWG-18AWG-/331430299534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d2ac9078e#ht_863wt_1153)

Fred
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: Pat Conlon on April 25, 2015, 03:11:11 PM
For the love of God....Fred....please stop... :flag_of_truce:
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: simi_ed on April 25, 2015, 04:36:03 PM
Quote from: movenon on April 25, 2015, 01:34:09 PM
Received mine today. I will install it Monday.  :good2: :good2:
George

Me too.  Monday ...?  We'll see ...

Ed
Title: Re: Installed Brake light modulator
Post by: movenon on April 28, 2015, 08:48:47 PM
Installed.. Works as advertised. Good addition. Using it with LED taillight. Cut the yellow wire spice the unit in series (the two red wires) there is an in and out marked on the box.  Take the black or ground wires and just slice/tie them into the existing FJ tailight ground wire. The blue wire in the FJ harness is the running tail light, don't cut it :).

I used bullet connectors on the splice and installed it so if the box fails I can plug the two yellow wires back in and proceed.
George