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6/5/2014 7:31:33 PM EDT
I want to wire some 3 wire LED lights on a motorcycle. How can I do this and get brake light, running light, and turn signal functions from each light? My search fu is weak tonight so Google has been no help.
6/5/2014 7:38:46 PM EDT
[#1]

Quoted:


I want to wire some 3 wire LED lights on a motorcycle. How can I do this and get brake light, running light, and turn signal functions from each light? My search fu is weak tonight so Google has been no help.
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Are you replacing the existing incandescent lighting or augmenting it.

 


6/5/2014 7:43:01 PM EDT
[#2]
There is no previously installed lighting. All new wiring.
6/5/2014 7:47:41 PM EDT
[#3]
Trailer tail light converter
6/5/2014 7:47:59 PM EDT
[#4]

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Quoted:


There is no previously installed lighting. All new wiring.
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No existing wiring, how is that?????
No brake actuator switches, no turn signal switch and associated flasher unit, no running lights, nothing???

If not it just got hard to do.
6/5/2014 7:50:01 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I want to wire some 3 wire LED lights on a motorcycle. How can I do this and get brake light, running light, and turn signal functions from each light? My search fu is weak tonight so Google has been no help.
View Quote


By three wire do you mean multi-color LEDs? Usually they'll have a common anode(+) or cathode(-). It should be documented in the instructions. If you can't find it, an ohm meter will tell you the polarity.

Do you know what kind of sensors you have for the brake, turn signal, and running lights? You'll need to know whether their output is positive or negative. If it's just a relay then you should be able to wire that straight to ground or your fuse box. Some documentation would help.
6/5/2014 8:05:48 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
No existing wiring, how is that?????No brake actuator switches, no turn signal switch and associated flasher unit, no running lights, nothing???
If not it just got hard to do.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
There is no previously installed lighting. All new wiring.
No existing wiring, how is that?????No brake actuator switches, no turn signal switch and associated flasher unit, no running lights, nothing???
If not it just got hard to do.

Brand new construction. I get to install everything myself.
6/5/2014 8:15:22 PM EDT
[#7]
I know that this can be done. I seen many factory bikes that use the rear turn signal lights for all 3 functions.
6/5/2014 8:16:28 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:

Brand new construction. I get to install everything myself.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
There is no previously installed lighting. All new wiring.
No existing wiring, how is that?????No brake actuator switches, no turn signal switch and associated flasher unit, no running lights, nothing???
If not it just got hard to do.

Brand new construction. I get to install everything myself.


Do you have any documentation for the hardware? You will need to know the polarity of your LEDs. After that you can figure out how to route your wires.

For example, if your LEDs share a common anode, then you'd run the anode to a fuse attached to your +12 rail, and then each of your switches and flashers would provide a ground to the appropriate light. If the LEDs share a common cathode, then the circuit would be reversed.
6/5/2014 8:22:15 PM EDT
[#9]
Model of bike?
6/5/2014 8:37:39 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:


Do you have any documentation for the hardware? You will need to know the polarity of your LEDs. After that you can figure out how to route your wires.

For example, if your LEDs share a common anode, then you'd run the anode to a fuse attached to your +12 rail, and then each of your switches and flashers would provide a ground to the appropriate light. If the LEDs share a common cathode, then the circuit would be reversed.
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
There is no previously installed lighting. All new wiring.
No existing wiring, how is that?????No brake actuator switches, no turn signal switch and associated flasher unit, no running lights, nothing???
If not it just got hard to do.

Brand new construction. I get to install everything myself.


Do you have any documentation for the hardware? You will need to know the polarity of your LEDs. After that you can figure out how to route your wires.

For example, if your LEDs share a common anode, then you'd run the anode to a fuse attached to your +12 rail, and then each of your switches and flashers would provide a ground to the appropriate light. If the LEDs share a common cathode, then the circuit would be reversed.


I don't have documentation for anything. I have been searching online and haven't found anything yet.
6/5/2014 8:37:59 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
Model of bike?
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Custom build
6/5/2014 9:58:59 PM EDT
[#12]
Just to make sure, do you have any of the hardware yet, or are you still researching it?
6/6/2014 8:25:19 AM EDT
[#13]
It will be a bit hard to explain here.






Here's one option:




First, since you have nothing you will need to diagram your wiring install -


You'll need a fuse block, electrical brake switches on the hand and foot brake levers, left AND right momentary contact turn signal switches (one on each handle bar to use the Signal Dynamics controller), and a signal dynamics Penta-Star XP Self Canceling Turn Signal System + Running Lights, and two or three wire (depending upon how you want the system to operate) LED signal lights.






The hand and foot brake switches will be wired in parallel so either can supply +12V to the Penta-Star Brake Input.

The supply line to the running light input of the LED signal lamp will also feed the running light input of the Penta-Star (or not depending upon how you want the system to operate).





Here is how to connect the Signal Dynamics Penta-Star XP:






This is just a very rough explanation......

 
6/6/2014 8:46:45 AM EDT
[#14]
In addition to what's already been said, are these LEDs packaged for 12 volt automotive use, (actual housing, reisitor and wiring harness included) or are they something you are going to build yourself?

If the latter, you'll need to know the forward voltage and current rating of your LEDs so you can pick the correct current limiting resistors you will need. Failure to include the resistors will result in the failure of your LEDs.