[blknwhtfoto]

Hey there guys
Any ideas on making turnsignals for my bike? I could use motorcycle signals with a transformer to power them on a coupla AAs? The freeform wiring is difficult for me. But I've rewired numerous old cars.

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[twahl]

I would approach it from an LED approach. Problem is getting enough separation between left and right for them to actually be effective. There was a discussion about it a while back, and one idea that came to mind was to have something mounted on gloves. Even on a wide bent seat, 14" isn't enough to be effective.

[karterjimm]

The double AA's won't work with a transformer as they are DC and transformers are for AC.
I agree that the way to go would be LED's and maybe the little flashing clip-ons that runners use on their belt or collars. Mount them as far separated as possible (interesting task!) without the battery and use a common battery with a switch or buttons to energize the appropriate flasher, with wires, of course. Watcha think?

.............jim

[Doug5150]

I'd think that trying to graft "real" turn signals onto a bicycle would be more hassle than it was worth, unless you're doing the low-rider/show bike thing. Getting the self-cancellation part to work would be a hassle, and having them blink automatically wouldn't really seem to be necessary IMO.

If my bike HAD to have turn signals, I'd probably just put a momentary-closed push button on each side of the bars, and run each of these back to an arrow-shaped LED array. To get the turn signal to blink on-off-on-off, just push the button on-off-on-off.

Of course, this would still only work well at dusk/in the dark, which might be when you most want it.... but if you expect them to be visible during the day, then that's another whole problem. Even using jumbo LEDs, it's going to take some fair-sized batteries to get them that bright, even if they are heavily shaded.
~

[blknwhtfoto]

I'm not too worried about the self turning off business, my thumbs are good at flipping switches. I was thinking about using arrows from a motorcycle and just mounting them on the back of my hardshell seat via screws into the seat tubing. Hmmmm, powering them is still my big issue, a block of d cells could work and wouldn't be too heavy, and could be rechargeable. Also, I could get a flasher fuse if that was neccesary.
I'm just trying to get this squared away before the fall hits. In oregon in the fall it gets dark at about 4 oclock so I'm just getting out of classes(let alone work) when its getting dark. I need lights!

[geebee]

Do an ebay search, you can buy cheaply an indicator, tail, brake light combination that runs of 2 x AA batteries and has a handle bar switch unit.
As is, it works great of a night as soon as an indicator comes on the cars behind drop back a bit, the tail light needs a normal blinky to augment it, although I just stuffed a few more leds in mine.
If you want to use it through the day effectively you need to replace the LED's with the latest super bright jobs, I just modded mine again to use on a home made velomobile in day light as I can't put an arm out.
They are light weight good looking with a surprisingly good battery life.

[Doug5150]

There is also the electroluminescent film out now too, I've seen little kits for bikes and for general electronics hobbies that is only $20 or $30 for the kit. The stuff runs off two AA batteries usually, though I don't know how bright it really is. I've not yet had any reason to buy any and play with it.
~

[Zero_Enigma]

Do an ebay search, you can buy cheaply an indicator, tail, brake light combination that runs of 2 x AA batteries and has a handle bar switch unit.
As is, it works great of a night as soon as an indicator comes on the cars behind drop back a bit, the tail light needs a normal blinky to augment it, although I just stuffed a few more leds in mine.
If you want to use it through the day effectively you need to replace the LED's with the latest super bright jobs, I just modded mine again to use on a home made velomobile in day light as I can't put an arm out.
They are light weight good looking with a surprisingly good battery life.


Geebee,

You say you've modded your unit to work in the day and modded one with more LEDs. Do you have any photos you can post to show? I am very interested in this as I've more then given up on using the arm to signal. Living in the 'burbs has a huge disadvantage to the cyclist I find. I'd say probably 10% of the cars will yield for you when you make a left turn or merge and that's a very generous percentage. It's probably more 5%.

I've had the occasional oddball stick out thier hand and give me a sideways "high-five" from the passenger side which made me go "WTF!?" and yell out "left turn" as they laugh off into the horizon. I figure if you can't teach them and they won't learn (I've tried telling some cars at the red light) you may as well go with the signal system. Honestly, I prefer the eletronic signal system as when I have my arm off the bike I tend to wobble a bit. I don't have good balance without both hands on the handlebar. The cars around here tend to not really care for a bike other then knowing that you're there and swerve around you. Make a left turn? HAH! Yah right when cars are around. It's like playing the game frogger but on wheels. I only turn left on the road when there are almost no cars and I'm able to move out two lanes.

I need something able to work in the day as well as at night. Here is some suggestions I thought of after reading the above. I do know how to solder but I'm electrically inept on how to build something like this. I just know the following battery + wire + bulb/LED = light.

Anyways to my suggestions. I would see if there is a way to make the LED superbright during the day by overvolting it or something then at night have a switch to reduce the day time brightness to give you longer run time at night as most LED's can be seen at night at normal voltage I think.


Zero_Enigma

[bentcruiser]

Hey there guys
Any ideas on making turnsignals for my bike? I could use motorcycle signals with a transformer to power them on a coupla AAs? The freeform wiring is difficult for me. But I've rewired numerous old cars.

You could buy one for $29:

http://www.global-merchants.com/home/bike.htm

[blknwhtfoto]

I've looked at that one before and it seems kinda lame. Someone on the actionbent forum pointed me towards a store in portland that has some. I'm going up there this weekend, I'll post pictures if I buy anything.
Mike