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Author Topic: Minimalist LED charging indicator  (Read 2534 times)

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Offline aperry

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Minimalist LED charging indicator
« on: September 27, 2012, 11:51:53 AM »
Once I got my 750 on the road, the thing I found myself most worried about was being left stranded at the side of the road due to a charging issue.  It seems like a lot of other problems are fixable, but the 750 is dead in the water without charge in the battery.  And it would arrive without warning too.

After looking around at lots of different voltage indicators, I finally got one of these for about $20:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12v-LED-Battery-Monitor-voltage-and-charge-indicator-/150479033981?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item23093fd67d

It's awesome!  I mounted it up front using an old brake light switch bracket (which happens to have the required 14mm hole) and connected it into unused black and ground in the headlight.  It shows amber or blinking red when I first switch on the bike.  But it changes to green when I fire up the engine and get it above 2 or 3k.  As long as it stays green, I'm good.  It's nice having a visual confirmation that I'm running above 13v.

Anyway, I see this issues coming up from time to time and I thought some folks might find it helpful.

Aaron

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CB750K3 with F1 frame/swingarm

Offline tlbranth

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2012, 11:56:15 AM »
I share your concern. I put a "Battery Bug" on my Goldwing which helped out a lot when my alternator died on the way back from Alaska last year. I think I may put one on my CB750.
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Offline aperry

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2012, 12:02:42 PM »
The Battery Bugs look pretty cool.  And that's certainly a more robust solution.  I was interested in something real small and simple (and cheap!).  I think these guys also make smaller versions that might even fit in existing 8mm holes. 
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CB750K3 with F1 frame/swingarm

Offline Bluegreen

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Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2012, 12:07:20 PM »
This looks awesome
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Offline Dyrden

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2012, 12:58:01 PM »
That's perfect. Good find, I'm ordering one.
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Offline jason41987

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2012, 03:02:04 PM »
are you guys referring to an LED built along the charging circuit lines, so that should the alternator die and no longer charge your battery that the light would go off and indicate a faulty alternator?
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2012, 03:03:09 PM »
Click the link and get all the info on it.
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Offline tlbranth

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2012, 05:15:10 PM »
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Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good

1970 CB750 K0
1975 GL1000
1999 GL1500
2002 VT750-CDA ACE - Momma's bike
Terry

Offline Bluegreen

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Re: Minimalist LED charging indicator
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2012, 05:42:35 PM »
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