Self Cancelling Flashers

[ZuluTiger]

After my disappointment with Kisan Signal Minder, I looked for a DIY alternative. There are many timer packs available so I bought a pair on Amazon that have a great YouTube setup video. Search on Valefod. I've got the units programmed and have a plan but also have a concern. The principle is to replace the flasher unit, and break into the wiring beyond the handlebar switch and add the circuits shown in my image. I'm still pondering a way to do it without doing that but it's difficult. It would mean a circuit that senses current, rather than this cheap and simple voltage version. So, to cut or not to cut? It's not major, but still not ideal. For now, I have a working bench model. I need a waterproof housing for the circuitry if I go ahead. I thought I'd share in case others have better ideas.

The timers are pretty nifty. You can control flash rate, number of flash repeats, trigger from a source or when powered on. Highly programmable. Using one timer per channel reduces load, heat and wear and tear, all for $14.

[ZuluTiger]

Another step closer and I've made peace with breaking into the wiring - probably in the section between switch and connector - and have great faith in Posi-Connectors allowing a quick return to OEM if necessary. A workout on the bench convinced me it's a go and a ride on Sunday confirmed that I am not paying attention to my signals. I think I'm doing the right thing while riding: watching the road, cagers, roadside bush for deer, mirrors for tailgaters and the oncoming lane so I can wave at all the friendly riders. No wonder I forget to cancel my signal! It happened more than once, so the mod is going ahead. I found a project box in my clutter that has the precise mounting layout of the PC board so just need to get one more from my local RadioShack equivalent.

I've settled on a 30s flash time but it's infinitely tunable so we'll see. The 0.5s on/off is perfect. Should be completely installed in the next few days. I'm starting to think about a hazard 4-way circuit but that's in the future. I might use my old LED flasher and a separate switch for that.

One more comment: I'm using the feature that starts and resets the timer from the power input, not the trigger port. Therefore, if I reset the handlebar switch it stops. I can go instantaneously from left flash to right flash, and I just need to reset and thumb it back again to begin another 30s count.

[ZuluTiger]

Help! I need another box like this. It measures exactly 2" x 3", OD across the flat edges. Good luck with Amazon. Can anyone point me to this box? That's my little circuit board sitting on the mounts. I truly can't narrow it down. I assume it's some sort of standard - maybe it is specced across the mounting holes? Off to the store tomorrow. Thanks Jeff, Elon, Richard, et al. Nothing beats a real shop, right?

[ZuluTiger]

So, this project box is unobtanium. eBay, Amazon, Hobby Town, Micro Center, naught. When RadioShack went away, we lost an amazing resource. Just found one box on Amazon that should hold both boards. Maybe. Running out of time..

[seangee]

Originally Posted by ZuluTiger

Help! I need another box like this. It measures exactly 2" x 3", OD across the flat edges. Good luck with Amazon. Can anyone point me to this box? That's my little circuit board sitting on the mounts. I truly can't narrow it down. I assume it's some sort of standard - maybe it is specced across the mounting holes? Off to the store tomorrow. Thanks Jeff, Elon, Richard, et al. Nothing beats a real shop, right?

Could it be a metric vs imperial thing? Quick search in UK showed plenty 0f 75x50 mm boxes but nobody specs them in inches anymore

[ZuluTiger]

Yeah, tried that. It seems there's just a limited number of options. I'll keep at it. Thanks for taking a look and doing the search!

[sungod]

I don't know if they send to the U.S.A. but R.S. Components sell something like your box.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/enclosures-server-racks/enclosures/general-purpose-enclosures/?pn=1&applied-dimensions=4294464427

[ZuluTiger]

I gave up on two small boxes and got a single bigger one off Amazon. Not as compact, but still okay. Ready for fitment now! I have to make an admission: The device will come in at around $20 and leave me with a spare box. It'll work fine. BUT, it's amazing that Kisan can get the functionality they offer in the size they provide. Never mind the development time. Their price is pretty good considering, and they have to support returns and troubleshooting. Not a big margin there. Also, their device has to be a replacement for the flasher, which is very difficult, electronically. They have to do all their electrickery via current-sensing, and then switch voltage. Not a trivial challenge. That's why LED vs incandescent is a big issue for them. Anyway, I have my solution, and anyone can build this with minimal fuss if you just want a timed cut-out.

[ZuluTiger]

Some of you probably saw this coming but that box is too big to mount in the cowl area, or anywhere up front, like under the tank   . It'd have to be under the seat, which means longer wiring runs. I'm going back to the drawing board. I miss RadioShack even more today 

[ZuluTiger]

Yeah, yeah, I know I'm talking to myself and that this is not a project for everyone. But, as 'Right Said Fred' said, "What a Difference a Day Makes." Or, half a day. Of thinking.

So: Half the cost, less than half the space, half the complexity, better reliability, and hopefully more interest! I was digging through my workshop and found some diodes which spurred a new plan. The latest design is much more flexible in terms of layout and personal preference. Hopefully this is more practical. I'll be hunting a relay from O'Reilly tomorrow and maybe it'll be in and working shortly.