Headlight modulator

[davidl]

I just recently installed a SDC headlight modulator but I am having a problem with it not modulating. I was wondering if it is due to the Kawasaki headlight protection of if the hi-beam goes out it will automatically light the low-beam light. I have the light sensor mounted on the fairing next to the instrument panel. The instruction state the sensor needs to be mounted "on a rain protected area facing the pavement". Could this be the reason my modulator doesn't work. Does the sensor need t be mounted facing down? I appreciate your feedback

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

I have my sensor tie-wraped to the clutch cables on the handle bars (facing the sky) and it works fine.

[ghostler]

I just recently installed a SDC headlight modulator but I am having a problem with it not modulating. I was wondering if it is due to the Kawasaki headlight protection of if the hi-beam goes out it will automatically light the low-beam light. I have the light sensor mounted on the fairing next to the instrument panel. The instruction state the sensor needs to be mounted "on a rain protected area facing the pavement". Could this be the reason my modulator doesn't work. Does the sensor need t be mounted facing down? I appreciate your feedback

I don't have this device, so YMMV (your mileage may vary). According to their web page for the device on http://www.signaldynamics.com/headlight-module/, it modulates the headlight from 18% to 100% intensity 4 times a second. The headlight reserve module detects when you have a bulb out (no load condition), so I'd think that it would still function. I'm not sure if it modulates the low beam or high beam, or which ever one is on. Low beam is 55 Watts, assuming a linear relationship with Amperage versus light intensity, it would average 59% intensity, say 32 Watts. (This is simplistic and not meant for accuracy that physicist could explain by.)

I downloaded the instructions at http://www.signaldynamics.com/instructions/. In essence it states to mount the sensor so that it basically sees the light reflecting off the road surface. Further clarifying, it mentioned a good location inside the fairing pointed at the fender below. My guess is you've got the sensor pointed downward seeing through the tunnel provided by the front fork well of the fairing. There is just not enough light reaching the sensor to let it know it is daylight.

Scott-(Altoona, PA) mounted his sensor toward the sky, where direct daylight could fall upon it. You could by trial and error rotate it up like he did and see if that makes a difference. Mounting it inside the fairing will require taking apart the fairing and windshield. That is not a difficult task, but a little involved for the first time one does it (BTDT).

Anyway, my 2 cents for what it is worth. Good luck in your troubleshooting.

[chevyman1]

For the SD modulator to work on a Voyager XII you must pull the ground pin on the plug coming out of the reserve lighting device then put a shrink sleeve over it in case you want to use it again.
It's the black with yellow stripe wire.
The SD modulator has a reserve lighting built into it.
Somewhere on the form there is or was someone that came up with doing this to make the modulator work.
I have a SD modulator and with the ground unhooked it works great.
Also I have the photocell mounted just behind the windshield on the dash, I drilled a hole to mount it.

[davidl]

Thank you chevyman1. I knew there was a way to make this work. This forum is awesome. I was going to have to return the SD & find another one. Now, simple fix with the knowledge of others willing to share. Worth the price of joining the AVA.

Thanks again, chevyman1

davidl

[voyager55]

Get a Kisan headlight modulator. Simple plug & play. Takes 10 minutes to install

[Bill O]

Get a Kisan headlight modulator. Simple plug & play. Takes 10 minutes to install

Is there a model # for the Kisan Modulator?

Bill O

[chevyman1]

Kisan website

http://kisantech.com/mag/index.php/path ... p115w.html

signal dynamics website

http://www.signaldynamics.com/plug-play ... s-adapter/

the signal dynamics works on both high and low it can also be turned off when riding, Like in a group.
I don't know anything about the Kisan.
You should always ride with high beam on in the daytime with or without a modulator

[grayblob]

Okay, stupid question here...

What is the purpose of a headlight modulator?

[Tonyvdb]

It causes the headlight to flash between high and low beam or just on and off depending on the modulator making you more visible to oncoming traffic.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Okay, stupid question here...
What is the purpose of a headlight modulator?

The purpose: It causes on-coming and side traffic to notice you! The modulation of the headlight (from 100%-17% power) is recognized by the human brain more easily than a static or solid lit light. Modulators don't flip from hi to low but from full to partial power. This preserves the life of the bulb as well as {IMHO} saves you from a percentage of fools pulling out in-front of you because "they didn't see you"!

Copied directly from the website for PathBlazer: pathBlazer circuit modulates the hi-beam current - from 100% ON to about 17% OFF.

[Me Again]

What is the purpose of a headlight modulator?

There only purpose is to annoy other drivers so that they cannot see and move toward the light and run you over.
I must admit that in some cases they will move away from the light and go where they are looking and just crash in the ditch ,sparing the motorcycle rider.

[chevyman1]

What is the purpose of a headlight modulator?

There only purpose is to annoy other drivers so that they cannot see and move toward the light and run you over.

If it annoys other drivers that means they see you

[davidl]

Great thing about this forum is that we can all express our opinion, for or not, and continue to learn . I will use a headlight modulator if it will keep another driver from turning in front of me. The better I can be seen, the better I like it. Just my opinion....