The Ford Barn

Lenny Bruce · 10-21-2023, 05:51 AM

Hey Guys I have been saving up for some signal lights and all that goes with them. Temporarily I just installed some wireless LED bicycle turn signals that
We’re discussed on the forum not too long ago. They work very well until the car is running. Something interferes with the remote frequency to the lights. I’m running a 6 volt alternator. Is there something I can do to prevent this? Thanks

nkaminar · 10-21-2023, 06:21 AM

It is likely the ignition system. The high frequency of the sparks causes radio waves to be generated in the spark plug wires, the straps that connect the distributor housing to the spark plugs. Your best bet is to replace the original style distributor housing with one that uses the more modern flexible rubber coated cables and then make up a set of cables using resistor wires. These wires have a carbon core that offers some resistance to the spark current. That reduces the radio waves emulating from the ignition system. Because the radio waves carry energy away from the ignition system, the resistor wires actually produce a hotter spark at the spark plugs. Also replace the high tension wire from the coil to the distributor housing with a resistor wire.

Another thing to do is to add a capacitor to the output of the alternator. The alternator can also produce radio waves that are broadcast through the wiring system. An ignition capacitor (condensor) can be hooked to the output terminal on the alternator and the other side grounded with some sort of bracket. Don't tighten the bracket too much or you will damage the condensor.

Other than that, you can continue to save up and buy a wired turn signal system.

If you have the indicating lights outside the car at the rear, try mounting them inside the car at the rear window. They will get a stronger signal there.

Lenny Bruce · 10-21-2023, 06:47 AM

Thank you very much! Your information is greatly appreciated. I will try mounting them closer as you mentioned inside. If all else fails I will just be patient and save for the proper signal setup.

MilwaukeeMike · 10-21-2023, 10:52 AM

The LED turn signals are great. The best feature is the 4-way blinkers. They are great when you have to stop unexpectedly. Get a good set.

Lenny Bruce · 10-22-2023, 04:47 AM

This set was highly recommended but the interference while running is an issue. I have them mounted to the bumpers which to me are in the perfect spot. But…. While running they don’t work so well…

Pete · 10-22-2023, 07:50 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

One note, applying a standard capacitor to ground on the alternator output while having a slight noise reduction affect, can be done much more effectively by using a coaxial capacitor. These have a terminal on each end and are put in series with the output lead. The case is grounded. They are rated in amps that should correspond to the rating of the alternator. They can be had at electronics supply stores or 2 way radio shops.

nkaminar covered the high voltage system suppression very well.

Badpuppy · 10-23-2023, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

The case is grounded.

Negative ground, I presume.

Pete · 10-23-2023, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

Negative ground, I presume.

All of the ones we use are but I have never checked to see if they make them the other way.

Lenny Bruce · 10-23-2023, 03:54 PM

Here’s an update…I mounted the front turn signals up on the arms of my side mirrors just to see if they would respond better to the remote control and yes they do!! They actually don’t look bad at all and tested them in the dark garage they are as bright as can be!! So I’m going to keep them there until I save some money and install the proper set. Thanks once again to all you helpful folks!

nkaminar · 10-24-2023, 06:58 AM

Good call, Lenny.

mhsprecher · 10-24-2023, 10:22 AM

I bought these, as well. The fronts work fine, but the rears do not. I think the roadster body interferes with the signal. If I hold the switch outside of the car, they can work, but that is hard to do while driving. I have mounted mine to the bumpers. I will see what I can come up with as an alternate mounting. I am not sure there is one. Maybe the luggage rack.

katy · 10-25-2023, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenny Bruce

Here’s an update…I mounted the front turn signals up on the arms of my side mirrors

Where are the side mirrors mounted?

Lenny Bruce · 10-28-2023, 06:33 AM

My side mirrors are mounted to the top door hinge on each side of the car.

Lenny Bruce · 10-28-2023, 06:36 AM

I have the front signals mounted to the side mirrors and the rear mounted on the bumpers.
They are great for a temporary safety feature. I’m sure they aren’t as noticeable during the day but very bright at night.

10-21-2023, 05:51 AM	#1
Lenny Bruce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 362	Signal lights Hey Guys I have been saving up for some signal lights and all that goes with them. Temporarily I just installed some wireless LED bicycle turn signals that We’re discussed on the forum not too long ago. They work very well until the car is running. Something interferes with the remote frequency to the lights. I’m running a 6 volt alternator. Is there something I can do to prevent this? Thanks

10-21-2023, 06:21 AM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,855	Re: Signal lights It is likely the ignition system. The high frequency of the sparks causes radio waves to be generated in the spark plug wires, the straps that connect the distributor housing to the spark plugs. Your best bet is to replace the original style distributor housing with one that uses the more modern flexible rubber coated cables and then make up a set of cables using resistor wires. These wires have a carbon core that offers some resistance to the spark current. That reduces the radio waves emulating from the ignition system. Because the radio waves carry energy away from the ignition system, the resistor wires actually produce a hotter spark at the spark plugs. Also replace the high tension wire from the coil to the distributor housing with a resistor wire. Another thing to do is to add a capacitor to the output of the alternator. The alternator can also produce radio waves that are broadcast through the wiring system. An ignition capacitor (condensor) can be hooked to the output terminal on the alternator and the other side grounded with some sort of bracket. Don't tighten the bracket too much or you will damage the condensor. Other than that, you can continue to save up and buy a wired turn signal system. If you have the indicating lights outside the car at the rear, try mounting them inside the car at the rear window. They will get a stronger signal there. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 10-21-2023 at 06:26 AM.

10-21-2023, 06:47 AM	#3
Lenny Bruce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 362	Re: Signal lights Thank you very much! Your information is greatly appreciated. I will try mounting them closer as you mentioned inside. If all else fails I will just be patient and save for the proper signal setup.

10-21-2023, 10:52 AM	#4
MilwaukeeMike Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 40	Re: Signal lights The LED turn signals are great. The best feature is the 4-way blinkers. They are great when you have to stop unexpectedly. Get a good set.

10-22-2023, 04:47 AM	#5
Lenny Bruce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 362	Re: Signal lights This set was highly recommended but the interference while running is an issue. I have them mounted to the bumpers which to me are in the perfect spot. But…. While running they don’t work so well…

10-22-2023, 07:50 PM	#6
Pete BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,423	Re: Signal lights Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) One note, applying a standard capacitor to ground on the alternator output while having a slight noise reduction affect, can be done much more effectively by using a coaxial capacitor. These have a terminal on each end and are put in series with the output lead. The case is grounded. They are rated in amps that should correspond to the rating of the alternator. They can be had at electronics supply stores or 2 way radio shops. nkaminar covered the high voltage system suppression very well.

10-23-2023, 03:54 PM	#9
Lenny Bruce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 362	Re: Signal lights Here’s an update…I mounted the front turn signals up on the arms of my side mirrors just to see if they would respond better to the remote control and yes they do!! They actually don’t look bad at all and tested them in the dark garage they are as bright as can be!! So I’m going to keep them there until I save some money and install the proper set. Thanks once again to all you helpful folks!

10-24-2023, 06:58 AM	#10
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,855	Re: Signal lights Good call, Lenny. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

10-24-2023, 10:22 AM	#11
mhsprecher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 2,963	Re: Signal lights I bought these, as well. The fronts work fine, but the rears do not. I think the roadster body interferes with the signal. If I hold the switch outside of the car, they can work, but that is hard to do while driving. I have mounted mine to the bumpers. I will see what I can come up with as an alternate mounting. I am not sure there is one. Maybe the luggage rack. __________________ 1910 Model T Touring 1924 Model T Coupe 1928 Model A Roadster 1930 Model A Town Sedan 1939 Deluxe Fordor 1945 pickup 1951 Custom convertible

10-28-2023, 06:33 AM	#13
Lenny Bruce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 362	Re: Signal lights My side mirrors are mounted to the top door hinge on each side of the car.

10-28-2023, 06:36 AM	#14
Lenny Bruce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 362	Re: Signal lights I have the front signals mounted to the side mirrors and the rear mounted on the bumpers. They are great for a temporary safety feature. I’m sure they aren’t as noticeable during the day but very bright at night.