Topic: I just replaced the idiot lamps...

[babyfood1217]

, or, rather, I installed the new ones but have yet to hook them up.  I used these sweet little LED lamps with a little chromed housing, and I mounted them in holes drilled in my headlight bucket.  The way they are mounted, I can see all of them through the gap between my two gauges.  I do have a question however.  I know many of you have replaced the original filament bulbs with LEDs, but are any of you adding a resistor to the circuit to compensate for the lower draw of the LED?

-Chris Gerber

[adams77]

Lower current draw on CBs is a good thing

Unless you are using the LED as a turn signal where you will need the current to trip the flasher.

[Greg]

hey babyfood - those are sweet. where did you get them?
greg

[ProTeal55]

If using them as just a idiot light , no resistor or anything funky will be needed.
When you want them to blink , thats where things get intresting..

Post some pics of your work their buddy.....

[ProTeal55]

I have bought some LED's from here in the past ------->

http://www.superbrightleds.com/led_prods.htm

[cben750f0]

i think LED's only draw about 3.2 volts, so a 12 volt system will burn them out reall fast... i usually use 120ohm resisters for Xbox 12volt systems.... though the one you are goin to have to really watch is the nutal switch light... that stays on longer.... NEway hope this  helps...peace

[csendker]

i think LED's only draw about 3.2 volts, so a 12 volt system will burn them out reall fast...

...unless you buy the 12V version.  And I got them from the superbrightleds.com also.

[Tim.]

i think LED's only draw about 3.2 volts, so a 12 volt system will burn them out reall fast...

...unless you buy the 12V version.  And I got them from the superbrightleds.com also.

Which ones did you order?  I couldn't find much resembling the one in the photo above.  I did find license plate bolt 12v LED's, but couldn't see a detailed pic of them.  I need a small light panel to illuminate my license plate (side mount) and found a perfect light, but also could use to replace my idiot lights in a similar fashion.

[csendker]

I think this was the thread where I detailed everything --> http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=7931.msg72438#msg72438

Everything was from Superbrightleds.com; and in a nutshell: 

Idiot lights: 4-led version, matched colors: VERY bright.

Gauge lights: 4-led version, white: DIM, bummer

Plate bolts: 1-led, red: you can never have enough lights behind you...also, kinda 'rough' looking, I've seen nicer elsewhere, but good enough for my purposes now.

[babyfood1217]

Look closely between the gauge pods and you can see the lamps all lined up.  The colors all match up with the original colors
(Green - Neutral, Red - Oil, Yellow/Amber - Turn, Blue - High Beams), and I have a feeling they will be bright.  The blue lamp unfortunately came with a clear acrylic LED body, but oh well.  I almost regret taking this picture.  Makes me realize how #$%*ty my bike looks.  Nothing a little elbow grease can't fix.

[cben750f0]

that looks great mate, and give the 'ol girl a break she looks great to, BTW that clear blue led is goin to be ultra bright, if it is a high output led then it will throw a beam about 30 feet, and be seen from space!!! (just kidding but you get the idea)... i found using a bit of acetone on the tops diffuses them a bit, you can also colour the top of the led in with a blue indelible marker pen, that will give you the blue look and my be tone it down some more, but get it workin b4 you worry bout that, you have done a great jub.... keep us posted...peace

[csendker]

I went with the 4-LED direct drop in version.  I keep having to fend off small aircraft wanting to land on me they're so bright.  It's great for daytime running, which is 90% of what I do, but a bit distracting while running at night.

[Chris Liston]

Is this where you got them?

http://www.theledlight.com/panelmount.html

[babyfood1217]

I got my lamps at the local farm and fleet (or fleet farm...same thing.)  You are right about the blue, it is superbright.  Luckily the angle that it emits super-bright light is just past my eyeballs when riding, so it's not bad.  I wasn't able to hook up the turn yet as when I did, it flashed when I had the left blinkers on, but didn't do a thing with the right.  I thought it odd because I hooked up the wiring as I took apart the old ones, so apparently I need to check for continuity/shorts in the rats nest of a wiring harness I have.

-Chris