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09-12-2019, 09:11 PM | #1 |
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Turn Signal Switch with Relays
I installed a Signal-Stat 900 7-wire turn signal switch per the included directions. I used the 500 flasher included with the Signal-Stat. My truck is 6-volt positive ground. I built a relay panel for the rear turn/brake lights and taillights (and electric fuel pump) because I have multiple light fixtures on each side. My truck is a fire engine and I wanted upper and lower lights. The turn/brake filaments illuminate with either the turn signal switch or brake pedal, but do not flash.
>I ran a jumper from the flasher "L" terminal to the signal input of the left turn/brake relay (bypassing the Signal-Stat). The filament illuminated but did not flash. >I moved the jumper to the output of the left turn/brake relay (bypassing both the Signal-Stat and the relay) and the filament flashed. I hope someone can lead me toward a solution. |
09-12-2019, 09:20 PM | #2 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
It sounds like the relay triggers don't draw enough current to operate the flasher. Try putting a dummy load, like a light bulb, on the trigger circuit for the relays.
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09-12-2019, 11:40 PM | #3 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
40cpe is right the resistance of the relay coils is to high to let the flasher work properly...same happens when using LED bulbs.
Adding resistors used for ledīs will fix it if you donīt want some extra bulbs under the dash flashing. |
09-12-2019, 11:52 PM | #4 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
I'm trying to wrap my brain around relays. If full voltage to the relay is there. They should operate correctly.
Relays are a switch so they shouldn't have ohms till needed |
09-13-2019, 02:22 AM | #5 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
Not sure why you would fit relays to the flasher lights because this will take the load off the flasher unit and prevent it from working. Ditch the relays altogether and allow the flasher unit to take the load of the front and rear flasher bulbs as it is designed to do. My opinion of using rear stop light bulbs as flashers is its dangerous. Always better to have two stoplights working with separate indicator lamps. Some countries require this. Yes I know many of you yanks say its OK and you have never had a problem But over 50 years as an auto electrician tells me otherwise. Now Tinker I think you could use a little more study on electrical theory and then you could give some good advice to others. Not meaning to put you down at all but incorrect ramblings regarding how to fix things is not really helpful to others trying to correct problems. Regards, Kevin.
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09-13-2019, 06:16 AM | #6 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
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Putting a couple of bulbs or a resistor parallell to the relay coil would be my first thing to try... |
09-13-2019, 07:00 AM | #7 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
As the flasher relay needs two bulbs to flash at the correct rate, I'd be inclined to wire it as normal and then see if the circuit will also pull in a relay and flash at the correct rate. If it does, any number of extra bulbs can be ran off the relay.
A hazard flasher will run 4 bulbs. Is a suitable 6V hazard flasher unit available? If so that might be a way forward. Mart. |
09-13-2019, 07:34 AM | #8 | |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
Quote:
Update: I am not correct here! The resistance in an automotive coil is in the 50-200 ohm range. Much higher that I thought it would be. Last edited by JSeery; 09-13-2019 at 10:53 AM. |
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09-13-2019, 07:43 AM | #9 | |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
Quote:
The usual led resistors are in the 33-47ohm range if i remember tight...donīt take my word for it... |
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09-13-2019, 08:19 AM | #10 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
Looked up an automotive relay, and (as almost always ) you are correct, the resistance is higher than I thought. The 12v coils run in the 50 - 200 ohm range. The 6v relay coils are lower in resistance.
Last edited by JSeery; 09-13-2019 at 11:03 AM. |
09-13-2019, 08:42 AM | #11 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
Thanks for the input.
Would this flasher work instead of adding resistors or bulbs? It works with bulb ratings as low as 0.1 amp. https://www.ledlight.com/flasher-6-v...e-chassis.aspx I'll search the Barn for threads on LED bulbs and flashers/resistors. BTW I am using the Durakool relays that JSeery recommends for headlights: DG85B-8011-96-1006-M1. The coil rated power consumption is 1.6W or 0.27 amp @ 6 volts. |
09-13-2019, 10:59 AM | #12 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
That relay (6v) has 22 ohms of resistance in the coil.
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09-13-2019, 11:21 AM | #13 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
Which is not enough to trigger the flasher...... Would two relays (front and back) provide enough? I have not built the front end relay panel (planned for turn signal relays, siren light relay, headlight relays). The siren light obviously will not work with the relay and flasher.
I jumpered across the relay (signal wire to output wire) and the turn signals and emergency flashers work. Guess I tried to overdo things with the relays. Lights look nice and bright (painted inside of housings white and ran a ground wire to a mounting bolt). FWIW: I installed a heavy duty solenoid for the siren and used 8-gauge wire for power (so far just mounting bolt chassis ground). The siren spools up like it should instead of the previous "I think I can" rate of increase. |
09-13-2019, 11:26 AM | #14 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
So my memory about resistance for leds are 12v...a 21w bulb on 6v draws in the 3a range...so we are talking a big resistor in 2-5ohm range to make it work on 6v.
And power resistors that big arenīt cheap so that electronic flasher looks like a good option. |
09-13-2019, 12:33 PM | #15 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
The load resistors are not too bad a price, you can get a 3 ohm for around the $3 - $4 range.
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09-22-2019, 08:13 AM | #16 |
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Re: Turn Signal Switch with Relays
I bought a 4-pack of 50-watt 6-ohm resistors from Amazon for $12.99. I installed two and the flasher works with the relays. Thanks to everyone for your help.
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