Headlight Modulator Anyone?

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Bonwit

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I'm thinking about installing a headlight modulator to help increase visibility on the road. The one I'm looking at, Diamond Star by Signal Dynamics, is specified as 12v negative ground. I called the company to enquire whether it would (or could be modified to) work on a positive ground system and was told that they did not know. They said I could try it and return it if it didn't work. Before I go to that trouble I thought I'd ask if anyone has had any experience with these devices and if in fact positive ground is an issue?

Thanks
 
FWIW, I tried installing a Kisan BRAKE-LIGHT modulator and couldn't get it to work.

It's a worthwhile project. I run the headlight and brakelight modulators on other bikes and swear by them.
 
If you're using a powerbox or similar and not the Zenner diode it's not much of a job to change the system over to negative earth.
I done mine several years ago so that I can use a modern 'electronic' type flasher unit, this means that the flashers still flash even when in traffic at low revs with the headlight on ! (and the volts are a bit too low to operate the bi-metal flasher unit)
Dave.
 
Hate modulators Paul? Why? They only work during broad daylight (if set up correctly) and the flashing, while it attracts attention (the whole idea - conspicuity!) doesn't seem to me to be something that would be particularly "annoying" to other drivers.

I do try to remember to turn it off (switch to low beam) if I'm stopped behind someone at a light, but I've always thought I was being a little over-sensitive in doing that.
 
The only few times I've encountered them happened to be with them FOLLOWING me. Talk about the most irritating thing a following rider could possibly do...
 
Well, as I've said, I try to be sensitive about it. I don't ride with groups often but I've done it and no one's ever said a word about the modulator. I guess it's one of those things that don't bother some people but drive other's nuts. I can relate...
 
grandpaul said:
The only few times I've encountered them happened to be with them FOLLOWING me. Talk about the most irritating thing a following rider could possibly do...
Click to expand...

I must agree I just find it distracting....
 
Flo said:
What on earth is a headlight modulator?
Click to expand...

Headlight Modulator Anyone?


Its a device that alternates hi-beam/lo-beam on the headlight for higher daytime visibility.

GP's right - annoying as hell when followed by one.
 
Its a device that alternates hi-beam/lo-beam
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I don't think so Bill, from what iv'e read it only varies the current on the high beam,
Dave.
 
Bugger that.
Bad enough on a pushbike.
Don't ride with my lights on anyway, only when I,m on my K1200s 'cause I can't turn the thing off.
Well actually, don't mind them on a fast bike because it is safer when overtaking at the speed of stupid.
 
To be precise, it doesn't alternate the high-lo beams. It works on one circuit or the other (usually high beam) and modulates (four times per second, usually) the amount of power (current) the headlamp gets, from 20% to 100% t0 20% to 100% etc. - again, four times per second.

Dunno why folks find them annoying, but to each his own.

They are 50-state legal by DoT regulation. CANNOT be made illegal by state law.
 
Looks like another "must have" gimmick that must be bought.
I would be annoyed if one was stuck behind me. I expect that car drivers would all want to let them past, or is that the point of them. They would be better off pointing out to sea to warn ships.
 
Their safety-improvement effects are pretty well documented.

Me, I'd rather annoy some cager than have him not see me.

But to each his own.
 
Flo said:
I expect that car drivers would all want to let them past
Click to expand...

If it was the same bike as in the link above I suspect they might get a tad disappointed!
 
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