Signal buzzer (beeper)

[biker_guy]

I did some searching to make sure I'm not re-posting old news if it is I'm sorry. In the technical forum I posted looking for a mechanical push to cancel switch that I liked on another bike I was on. Through searching for that I ran into wiring up a buzzer in with the signals. Even some guys with the push to cancel that don't not have auto cancel like it. although they do remember to push the button eventually with in that time they forgot is enough time for someone to pull out in front of them. Even though a lot of bikes have the blinking light (and it works) it can be out of veiw. Anyway some will like this and some will say they're just fine with out it, but for those that like the idea this is what I did.

I got this buzzer at radio shack (thanks to Steve for the radio shack idea)

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102817

and ran into this web site

http://2wheelerjay.tripod.com/id3.html

Gives you a part number to a rectifier from radio shack so you only have to have one buzzer and tells you how to wire it up.

I just finished a test spin with this not long ago. On my gs850gl, with 4-1 mac exhaust, baffle in I could hear it all the way up to about 50/55mph. So maybe that will give some comparison if you want to hear it at 70 you'll have to get a high db rating but it may blow your ears out at a stop or slow speeds. And everyone will know you're turning even if they didn't see you signal.

I personally am not worried as much faster than that. Because MOST of the time faster than that puts you on a 4 lane. Not that it makes leaving your blinker on safe, but there's not as many people trying to pull in front of you to freak out and slam on the brake leaving you to t-bone them. Anyway I now KNOW my blinker is off w/o looking down, and if I turned the other one on turning it off (mistake/bumpy road both have happened).

[LarryA_Texas]

buzzer

I wired an electrical probe in the seat connected through relay to the bike's stator leads. A condenser stores the charge and an old set of coils is used to increase the potency. After 20 flashes it sends a high-voltage charge through the rider's pants. The results are astonishing. Riders don't forget the turn signal after that.

Then entire kit is available for less that $300.

[biker_guy]

Is there anything that adjusts the voltage for a sweaty seat? Because that would really reduce the resistance and maximize contact.

[focus frenzy]

most don't know that Suzuki already tried the beeper route for reminding riders to turn off their turnsignal. seeing as they did it before coming out with the self cancel turnsignals showed it not to work in most cases as people got tired of the beeping and yanked them.

they had them on the 78-79 GS1000 C,N,and E and they are still available from Suzuki for around $22usd

[tkent02]

most don't know that Suzuki already tried the beeper route for reminding riders to turn off their turnsignal. seeing as they did it before coming out with the self cancel turnsignals showed it not to work in most cases as people got tired of the beeping and yanked them.

they had them on the 78-79 GS1000 C,N,and E and they are still available from Suzuki for around $22usd

I was wondering what that buzzer looking thing under the tank was.

[focus frenzy]

I was wondering what that buzzer looking thing under the tank was.

yep thats it, is it unplugged?

[spyug]

I am fairly electronics illiterate so I'm wondering what is the purpose of the bridge rectifier in the design?

If you got a 12 volt buzzer would it not work if you just wired a splitter to the positive side and ran one lead to the left side and one to the right (+)? What don't I understand?

I couldn't get a rectifier from the local Source store (used to be Radio Shack up here) and the design doesn't provide any tech details. If I need one (and can find one) what specs am I looking for?

Like Biker_guy, I think the buzzer is a great idea as I'm always leaving mine on and have nearly been creamed by cages a few times.

Appreciate all input folks.

Cheers,
spyug

[spyug]

Great mod

This is a great mod and easy to put together. It can be a bit confusing for non electronic whizes like myself but witha little more info ( than on the originator's website) it comes clear.

In the course of putting this together I learned a)the bridge rectifier is a 1 amp unit ( confirmed by biker_guys...thanks) b) in order to have it work, both leads from the buzzer need to be fitted. One to the right hand circuit + and one to the left hand circuit +. When testing, I originally only had one side plumbed in , it didn't work (obviously) and I spent a few hours scratching my bald head. I wired mine into the black wire bullet connectors on the front turn signals.

Cost wise, $1.25 for the BR, $2.50 for the buzzer and maybe $1 for wire, solder and shrink wrap. Can be done in less than 1 hour although putzes like me take a bit longer

This could be a lifesaver for many of us so I'd encourage folks to think about it and

A big shout out to Biker_guy for bringing it to us.

Cheers,
Spyug

[biker_guy]

Sorry I made you have to pm me. I thought this post sank off into the abyss. But glad you got it working.

[focus frenzy]

I am fairly electronics illiterate so I'm wondering what is the purpose of the bridge rectifier in the design?

If you got a 12 volt buzzer would it not work if you just wired a splitter to the positive side and ran one lead to the left side and one to the right (+)? What don't I understand?

I couldn't get a rectifier from the local Source store (used to be Radio Shack up here) and the design doesn't provide any tech details. If I need one (and can find one) what specs am I looking for?

Like Biker_guy, I think the buzzer is a great idea as I'm always leaving mine on and have nearly been creamed by cages a few times.

Appreciate all input folks.

Cheers,
spyug

well you dont need a bridge rectifier but you do need a couple diodes to keep current from crossing over to the other side and making all four turn signals light up.

[biker_guy]

Yeah it you can do it either way. A diode only lets current flow one way but you need two and you also have to ground the buzzer. A rectifier also only allows current to flow one way but you don't need to ground the buzzer because when one signal is on the other acts as a ground so you only need one. It's kinda a built in selector switch. Either way it's pocket change and a buzzer is buzzing when either signal is turned on.

[mf70]

I've had this on my bike for about 20 years, and found it moderately helpful. A side effect is that it doesn't work if the charging system isn't keeping the voltage up, so I have an informal voltage monitor before the battery goes flat.

[biker_guy]

so I have an informal voltage monitor before the battery goes flat.

Now that would be nice. I've had too much stuff on my bike before causing the battery to die as the bike was running. The motor will still run but you'll be running around with no lights. Not just headlights no signals or brake light. I don't know how long I drove like that I only found out because my bike wouldn't start and had to push start it.

[spyug]

I am paranoid about losing juice so I always mount a voltage meter on any new to me bike. I get a cheapo analog one from Princess Auto (Harbour Freight clone) for about $6. Nice to see how things are going charge wise. cheap insurance I figure.

Had a bit of a scare on the wekend after doing this mod as the bike seemed to stop charging. Rode it Sunday in my shake town test and with heater grips on and flasher beeper going it ran fine with a good healthy charge all the way.

Cheers,
Spyug

[Runningdog]

Signal cancelling

My '81 750 Virago had self-cancelling signals...I think they cancelled after so much time, or after leaning and straightening up at a street corner...I missed this feature when I went back to riding a GS.