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Post by zippadeedudah on Apr 12, 2008 3:42:27 GMT -5
Of those of you who happen to have headlight modulators installed on your scoots, I would be interested in learning, (a) how you like them, (2) any positive or negative experiences while riding with them, and (3) do you ever receive any complaints from cage drivers or others about them?
I overhead a conversation in a bike shop the other day where a bunch of bikers and cage drivers said they hated to encounter a modulated headlight. I already have something similar except that it is for the rear lighting of my scooter. When I apply brakes it flashes for three or four seconds and then remains solid after that as long as the brake is engaged. I have sort of hesitated about the headlight modulator because of the controversial remarks I have heard.
Thanks, Joe
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Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 12, 2008 12:06:32 GMT -5
Joe,
I always find that if you annoy someone, you get more attention... is that what you want? I think that's what everyone wants who rides a scooter...
-Rich
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Post by magnaman on Apr 12, 2008 16:14:15 GMT -5
I say modulate! I will be installing one in mine. It is on the "list".  I also use a tail light flasher.  |
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Post by rusty on Apr 12, 2008 16:25:04 GMT -5
Zipp
Wher did you find the flashing tail light? I found one on the internet but can't find it again, found LED lights which I will be ordering for my scoot, but i also want the taile light that flashes a little then stays on
Thanks
Rusty
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Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 12, 2008 16:51:50 GMT -5
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Post by magnaman on Apr 12, 2008 17:58:22 GMT -5
Wher did you find the flashing tail light? Thanks Rusty I have a unit wired inline to my stock Magna brake light that flashes it a few times, then it stays on solid. It is an easy install and they are cheap. Less than $20, and install in minutes. I will be adding one to my new scoot pronto. I highly recommend them. I also recommend headlight modulator's too, although they cost a bit more. There are cheap basic modules starting at $30, to nice kits that turn off at night and have multiple features from $70 to well over $100. Still cheaper than a hospital bill or coffin I suppose.   |
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Post by zippadeedudah on Apr 12, 2008 18:46:31 GMT -5
Rusty....I got mine at Signal Dymanics Corporation. I think I paid $34.95 plus $3.50 postage. Their URL is www.signaldynamics.com. I think maybe Rich may have given you quite of bunch of places to go also, so you can compare prices. Hold it in the road and be safe. Joe |
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Post by oldkid on Apr 12, 2008 19:05:09 GMT -5
I have one of the LED tag frames on the Bali. Currently have the wired version of this on order for the Mainstreet. www.brakeflasher.comOldkid |
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Post by magnaman on Apr 13, 2008 12:57:12 GMT -5
The e-bay seller I bought mine from is out of stock for about a week, but will be selling them again soon. This model is very cheap, only about $15 plus the shipping. He has 606 positive feedbacks, with no negatives, so you can trust them. The link here will take you to the last auction he had. I wrote them to ask about when they would get more as I want to buy a couple more. CLICK LINK HERE |
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Post by bigal on Apr 13, 2008 15:58:46 GMT -5
Sorry but I cant imagine what use the modulators could be. They always bother me to the point of making me angry. (no Im not going to run over anyone) but its a common feeling lots of people get. I think it triggers something akin to flashing lights bringing on epileptic attacks. Its weird but the modulated headlights always sets me and other off. the brake lights don't, Id never use them for that reason.
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Post by slowscootin07 on Apr 13, 2008 20:58:57 GMT -5
I'm going to put one on my scooter for the brake light only since it has a 50/60 watt headlight and that would be a bit much in my opinion and here's why.
I have realized I have paid too much attention to it wondering what it is, check out the bike, scan over the rider, blaw blaw blaw, and then realized that my eyes aren't where they should be and that's what's in front of me.
The brakelight LED bulbs are a different wavelength of light and they could cause some people discomfort if used in excess but the scooter/mc brake lights aren't that much. One thing that does bother me is being in the left turn lane at night behind a new Cadillac. Those LED's are freakin bright and bug the crap out of me.
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Post by magnaman on Apr 14, 2008 14:17:46 GMT -5
Sorry but I cant imagine what use the modulators could be. They always bother me to the point of making me angry. (no Im not going to run over anyone) but its a common feeling lots of people get. I think it triggers something akin to flashing lights bringing on epileptic attacks. Its weird but the modulated headlights always sets me and other off. the brake lights don't, Id never use them for that reason. You proved the point of using one... it gets you noticed. You do not have to see it long, only as it passes, so it should not bother you that much. |
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Post by magnaman on May 1, 2008 10:02:41 GMT -5
The brake light flashers are back in stock with the e-bay seller I used. $15 for one. I have one I bought a few years ago. Works great, I will be getting more for the new scoots. - LINK HERE _ |
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Post by scootdoggydog on May 6, 2008 21:39:52 GMT -5
i want headlight modulaters im sick and tired of cars cutting me off and turning out in front of me
but i have some questions first
i have dual front headlights will they both go on and off at the same time or alternate or does it depend on the modulater i buy?
and is there a switch or something so that they will only modulate when i want them too?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2008 21:52:42 GMT -5
The law requires that both headlights modulate in sync. If you get a plug-in dual headlight modulator, it'll have connectors for both sides to make sure that happens. If you get a wire-in modulator, both sides will be getting the same signal so they'll also modulate in sync.
Most headlight modulators are setup to only modulate on high beams. High beams on, modulator on. Low beams on, modulator off.
All headlight modulators are also required to have an ambient light sensor so that they don't modulate at night. You can put a switch in the light sensor circuit to manually disable the modulation when you want steady high beams during the day.
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Post by domc on May 14, 2008 22:54:48 GMT -5
I could just see me coming up behind a car with the modulator running and them thinking I was a cop. <grin> This would be great. Wonder how many one finger salutes I would get as I pass them on my 150cc scooter and them realizing I'm not a cop. <grin> The next stop light would be an interesting conversation.
I'm thinking of getting the brake light thingy though. I've noticed a lot of people coming up on my rear to fast lately.
--
Dom
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Post by Aerostudent on May 23, 2008 1:13:33 GMT -5
I'm thinking of getting the brake light thingy though. I've noticed a lot of people coming up on my rear to fast lately. Same here. It's summertime. Everyone around here get crazier in the summertime. It's like they need entertainment, so they go out and harass other drivers for fun or something (apparently scooters/bikes are high on their fun-value list) or they're just stupid. I support both theories with a higher emphasis on the latter ;D Aero |
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Post by isawhim on May 23, 2008 7:23:45 GMT -5
I think it triggers something akin to flashing lights bringing on epileptic attacks. Its weird but the modulated headlights always sets me and other off. the brake lights don't, Id never use them for that reason. I am sure it sparks a psychological trigger, but not epilepsy. Epilepsy is triggered by fast flashing pulses over 80-100Hz. (Lights in your house flicker at 60Hz, which is where they obtained that specific frequency from, as the "Safe flicker".) Strobes do not cause attacks, as it is often portrayed, unless inherent drugs are related, as is always the case. (Which case the brain is slowed, so 20Hz, is the neurotic equivalent of 80-100Hz.) Only about 2-3% of people who are seizure susceptible, are photo-sensitive. That is 2-3% of the 2-3% of people susceptible to seizures. Those people usually know about it, and do not drive, or are on medication. They have been triggered in the past, as children, and conditions usually do not migrate into adulthood, past the age of 14. Odd fact... Children playing video-games, is the best way to diagnose photo-sensitivity seizures. The screens flicker, in addition to the surrounding lights. The combined frequency, due to game-flashing sequences, is 80-120Hz at times. (Thus, the reason for the study. Unlike all lights flashing on and off at the same time. TV signals are processed, and the Hz is still 60Hz, but it not in sync with lighting, in many TV's. Many new TV's have a sequencer, to match the incoming pulse of power, they fire in the OFF state, to make the TV brighter, and ON state to darken the TV when the photosensor detects light from a photosensor. During the day, you never see light flicker, because surrounding sun-light over-powers the generated flicker.) Odd fact... Electricity once ran on 40Hz and 50Hz, which could visually be seen. (Some places still use 50Hz.) Odd fact... Most computer screens operate at 60-75Mhz. Screens that operate over 75Mhz were pulled from production, due to seizure activation, in people not normally prone to seizures. Odd fact... Strobe = On/Off, Pulse = High/Low. (Strobing can trigger other ailments, unrelated to seizures, but related to photo-sensitive neurological conditions, from anger to excitement. Pulse, in those same frequencies, can trigger calming to euphoria.) Flashing head-lights, via modulation is illegal by DOT, and in all 50 states. Only police, ambulance, and certain other vehicles can have a "Flashing" or "Blinking" modulated light. (Not to be confused with "Hand toggle of High-Low beams", where the stated legal instances allow it. (All other use of a flashing light, is illegal.) Legal use... To warn others of road conditions, of OFF lights, of ON highs, of trouble. Break-lights, can be modulated, as the DOT encourages "Break light flashing", to alert drivers of stopping conditions. (It specifically says "Fast stopping", but that is not a requirement, just a legal allowance. There is no specific measure of "Fast stopping".) I naturally flash my breaks, to gather attention, as I stop. I am looking forward to getting, or building my own modulator. |
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Post by cableman2 on May 24, 2008 17:20:41 GMT -5
ISAWHIM:
If am reading your reply right, you say headlight modulators are illegal in all 50 states? I just completed my MSF course last Monday and that question was brought up in class- they are LEGAL in the state of WISCONSIN and all 3 of my trainers have them on their MC's.
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2008 7:36:20 GMT -5
Headlight modulators are legal in all 50 states per FMVSS 108, S7.9.4.1. Flashing headlights (switching from full on to full off) are reserved for emergency vehicles. Brake lights are not allowed to flash/modulate per FMVSS 108 S5.5.10(d). That particular section doesn't seem to be very highly enforced on motorcycles, but per the law flashing/modulating brake lights are clearly illegal. |
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Post by scooterollie on May 26, 2008 13:35:00 GMT -5
Just ran my Linhai through our yearly state inspection here in WV and absolutely no mention was made of the modulated brake light. Mostly, they are only concerned that the lights work and many have enough experience to recognize the safety factor for scoots and cycles. Any good site selling headlight and brake light modulators will indicate that the headlight modulators are 50 state Federal approved while the brake light modulators may not be approved in all states
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Post by mortar235 on May 27, 2008 0:35:35 GMT -5
idk when i see motorcycles that have these i usually do get distracted... to the point where i am like a moth looking at a flame. I fear these will draw people too them much like accidents/cops giving tickets on the side of the street.
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Post by griff10 on May 27, 2008 0:53:35 GMT -5
Motar,
That's exactly why I don't have one. People tend to fixate on things that catch their attention, can cause accidents rather than prevent them.
Bill H.
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Post by scooterollie on May 27, 2008 13:18:32 GMT -5
Do what you wish but studies have proven a 200+% increase in visibility. For me that is a good thing! The same kinds of things were said about the "Cyclops" lights folks began installing on the fronts of cars years ago - they have become what we know of today as "Daytime Running Lights" and have a well proven track record of reducing accidents.
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Post by griff10 on May 28, 2008 4:00:35 GMT -5
Yep, day time running lights have helped with car accidents while at the same time increasing motorcycle/scooter accidents. Used to be only the two wheeled vehicles had lights on during the daytime.
Bill H.
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Post by scooterollie on May 28, 2008 5:14:44 GMT -5
Bill, out of curiosity, your source for DRLs increasing scoot/cycle accidents?
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Post by griff10 on May 28, 2008 17:02:17 GMT -5
What the heck is a DRL?
Bill H.
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Post by griff10 on May 28, 2008 17:05:03 GMT -5
Bill, out of curiosity, your source for DRLs increasing scoot/cycle accidents? Still don't have a clue what a DRL is, but the study was done as I remember was done a couple years after the day time headlights came out on cars by one of the motorcycle mags. Been quite a few years back, don't remember which one, sorry. I read a heck of alot of stuff, it's impossible to remember every one Bill H. |
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Post by scooterollie on May 28, 2008 17:25:30 GMT -5
Bill,
Thanks. DRL = Daytime Running Lights.
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Post by ZootScootRiot on May 29, 2008 3:09:09 GMT -5
I seem to remember at one time it was going to be Federally mandated that all car makers were going to have to install daytime running lights, but that was a while ago and it's still not mandatory. Leads me to believe there might be conflicting data floating around out there somewhere.
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