Remote light for radar
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 74
Likes: 9
From: Douglas County
First post, so hopefully I don't goof this up.
I designed an interface module for the Bel 915R (built in remote) radar detector on my Honda VFR motorcycle. The unit connects to the positive side of the detector's speaker and uses the audio, rectified, to switch a couple of transistors. This drives a small 20 watt quartz halogen bulb that's installed in the motorcycle dash. It's dimmed at night and gets your attention in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
A LED is not bright enough to always attract a motorcycle rider's attention as the light has to be mounted much lower than it could be in a car. A bright LED mounted higher would doubtless work well, so a single transistor would work to drive the LED. Shouldn't be too hard to build the driver.
The interface circuit design will be radar detector specific, as some detectors use piezo sounders etc or may have a positive DC voltage on the speaker leads even when the sounder is off. Also, if the detector doesn't have a headphone jack (The Bel 915, now 975, didn't), then wiring into the unit will void the warranty.
My S2000 is supposed to be at the dealer in mid December. I have an 8500, so I may be tackling the problem myself if I don't get a Bel remote mount for the car. Won't know until I get a chance to look at the car.
There are pictures of my bike RD install on someone elses site, including the interface schematic. If anyone needs them, ask and I'll try to find the url. If I can't find it, it's been awhile, I can send the schematic privately to anyone who needs it. Note that as designed, its output can be up to 7.5 amps . . . overkill for driving a LED (g).
bumper
yellow 2002 (soon) and wondering if anyone is getting their S2K for less than full sticker.
I designed an interface module for the Bel 915R (built in remote) radar detector on my Honda VFR motorcycle. The unit connects to the positive side of the detector's speaker and uses the audio, rectified, to switch a couple of transistors. This drives a small 20 watt quartz halogen bulb that's installed in the motorcycle dash. It's dimmed at night and gets your attention in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
A LED is not bright enough to always attract a motorcycle rider's attention as the light has to be mounted much lower than it could be in a car. A bright LED mounted higher would doubtless work well, so a single transistor would work to drive the LED. Shouldn't be too hard to build the driver.
The interface circuit design will be radar detector specific, as some detectors use piezo sounders etc or may have a positive DC voltage on the speaker leads even when the sounder is off. Also, if the detector doesn't have a headphone jack (The Bel 915, now 975, didn't), then wiring into the unit will void the warranty.
My S2000 is supposed to be at the dealer in mid December. I have an 8500, so I may be tackling the problem myself if I don't get a Bel remote mount for the car. Won't know until I get a chance to look at the car.
There are pictures of my bike RD install on someone elses site, including the interface schematic. If anyone needs them, ask and I'll try to find the url. If I can't find it, it's been awhile, I can send the schematic privately to anyone who needs it. Note that as designed, its output can be up to 7.5 amps . . . overkill for driving a LED (g).
bumper
yellow 2002 (soon) and wondering if anyone is getting their S2K for less than full sticker.
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