Monday, March 21, 2011

Flexible Array with Turn Signals


I am getting asked constantly this question. I have answered it in the past but its been awhile so I think its time to tackle it again. "I want to put a Flexible Array with Turn Signals on my rear fender. What else do I need?". Before I begin I have to say that if ever there was a load question this is it.
These are the most commonly asked and answered questions when it comes to add a Flexible Array with Turn Signals.

Is this going to be your only source of a motorcycle brake light and turn signals? If so, then you need to add a Dual Element Circuit to the brake light portion for it to function as a running light. All states require that you have a rear running light and in 99.9% of cases your motorcycle brake light illuminates as a running light also.
In the simplest terms, a Dual Element Circuit is a "Y" shaped wire that attaches to the brake light power wire coming out of the Flexible Array Light Bar giving you 2 power wires. One will be for running light and the other brake light. This will allow the brake light portion of the lightbar to illuminate at 1/2 intensity as a running light and then full intensity as a brake light. If you also want the 2 turn signal sections to be running lights you will need a Dual Element Circuit for each side.

Now the most important question. Do I need a Load Equalizer?
Yes, Yes, Yes. In case you were wondering, the answer is yes!! When ever switch to LEDs you always need to add a Load Equalizer. I know that they sound technical but do not worry, they are easy to install as long as you have a test light ( available at any auto parts store for checking wires). If you are adding LEDs turn signals to just the rear (or front) only a Dual Load Equalizer will do the trick. However, if you are planning on installing LEDs for both the rear and front turn signals of your motorcycle you will need one that handles both. Yes, you can put in 2 of the Dual Load Equalizers but there is even an easier way. If you have a Harley Davidson model there is a product called a Smart Equalizer that plugs into the stock wiring harness located under the seat. It doesnt get any easier than Plug-N-Play and the Smart Equalizer just screams EASY!
Now if you have a metric model, there is a product called Metric Signal Stabilizer that does the same this as the Harley version but it's not Plug-N-Play. It still handles the entire bike but it needs to be spliced into the turn signal wires with the included Posi-Tap connectors.

Question #3 is asked quite often as well. I want my Turn Signals to function as brake lights also. How do I wire them in? In a word, you can't...without adding a separate Run- Brake-Turn module. The Flexible Array light bar has only 1 power wire coming out of it for each section. One for the brake, one for the left turn, one for the right turn, and one for the ground. Even if you add Dual Element Circuits to each of the power wires that still isn't enough to get Run, Brake, and Turn functions out of each section. Starting to make sense?? This is where we learn about the Run/Brake/Turn module. A Run/Brake/Turn module is a controller that attaches to your stock running light, brake light, and turn signal wires located under the seat of your motorcycle. This module is specially designed to make your turn signals handle all 3 modes. Once a one of these modules are installed you would then only need to wire the single power wire from each turn signal of the light bar to the stock turn signal wires of your motorcycle. All 3 functions would then work. There are Plug-N-Play modules for many bikes and wire-in styles for just about any application.

Find them all at www.ChromeGlow.com. Visit our website and email us any questions you may have.

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