Electrical weird one.

No that I'm aware of .....

Looks like its a pouring over the wiring job ...... maybe I'll take the front end off and check the connections there ....

[ophic]

Just another thought - you said it was when you fiddled with the indicators that the problem started happening. Could it be that it was only when you were testing the indicators that you noticed the sidelights flash? Leaving an indicator on when setting the alarm is not a particularly normal thing to do, and certainly something i've never tested - hence me not knowing whether my bike did it or not. It could be its always done it and you didn't notice.

It is possible ....... but I'm sure its never done it before ......

Its a dealer fit Datatool ..... and the book doesn't mention is affecting the lights ....

So long as I know its not going to cause any issues, I'll live with it I suppose ....

Oh, does it on the hazards too .....

Front end off ...... check electrics ...... rear end off....... check electrics ...... I'll keep you posted ...

Thanks so far ...

[ophic]

For reference, mine is a datatool system 3 and it definitely doesn't do it. If my theory is correct, a pair of diodes would sort it. Perhaps on yours these weren't fitted - or perhaps they've stopped working.

Checking the installation instructions, they say:

1.Splice the PINK tagged wires to the left and right indicator leads. Take care not to use the motorcycle indicator negative leads (4 amps max.)


So there is definitely a 12V pulse going to the indicators. The question is why is this tracking backwards to your sidelights?

I think i'd start with the connections around the indicator relay. If you have a testmeter, check continuity in both directions from the indicator switch to the ignition feed going into the relay.

[ophic]

Reading further through the installation manual, I've turned this up:

INDICATOR CIRCUIT DIODE REQUIREMENT TEST

Carry out the following to see if a diode is required:

1.Disarm the alarm, switch ON the ignition, switch ON the headlight and activate one of the indicators.
2.Switch OFF the ignition and arm the alarm.

Does the headlight flash with the indicators? If it does, the diode unit supplied should be fitted in the indicator circuit.


I imagine your problem is exactly this one, except that on the SV it affects the sidelights instead of the headlights. It's probable that your bike doesn't have the diode units fitted.

The installation document is here: http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&sou...aPSpJQuuOz46Zg

Mate - you are an absolute star!!!

When it says diode unit ...... Would I need a specific datatool unit .....or in other words does it mean.... Fit a diode ie. Can I go to Maplins and pick one up??

Its funny how you even the smallest of problems can have you convinced that you've opened a huge can of electrical worms !!! Lol.

Thanks again!!!

Oh, for for my next trick - I've just bought a lighting kit for my Givi box, and want to wire it up for side and brake lights!!! Hopefully that ones a little easier....

Edit - sorry ....... may aswell get all the questions out of the way .....

What size diode would I need ?? 12v I assume ?? ...... but here http://www.maplin.co.uk/searchtempla...0ZENER%20DIODE they seems to go 5w, then 1500w transient !!!

Also, where do I wire it in ??....... looking at the diagram, I'm thinking straight after the fuse box on the indicator lead ??

[ophic]

The diode is just a diode - one from Maplin's would do just fine, but it needs to be able to handle a considerable wattage. Indicator bulbs are 21W each iirc, and you have 4, so something that handles at least 84W is required. They're not like resistors, they don't dissipate much heat, so most normal diodes would probably be up to this.

and Maplin's site says:

Q- can this be used in the instalation of a motorcycle alarm to avoid backfeeds through the turn indicators - robert hillidge
Answer- Yes the product does support that.


That's a OA90 signal diode, product code QH71N. I can't see its forward current capacity quoted anywhere on the website so it might be best to ask in the store or check the specs in their catalogue. It's under a quid and you only need one. You should be able to see from the diagram in the Datatool installation guide where it needs to go. You might also need some connectors and/or the ability to solder, and some heat shrink tubing to keep it neat.

Not familiar with the alarm circuit, but remember a diode only has a typical 0.6V drop across it when conducting, so the wattage isn't as big as you'd think. I=P/V so for 4 bulbs the current is 84/12 = 7Amps.

So forward current (If), must be at least 7A.

So the diode power needs to be P=IV = 7 x 0.6 = 4.2Watts.

P.S. As I mentioned I don't know this circuit, but if what's been said is true and the diode is used to pass current directly to 4x 21Watt lamps, then a signal diode will not be man enough for the job. Look for a standard rectifier diode with a forward current of at least 7Amps. Look for something that can handle 8Amps or more to be safe. The other spec you want to look for is the reverse voltage must be higher than the bikes electrical system can supply. So go for something with at least 20Vdc reverse voltage to be safe. Most rectifier diodes have a reverse voltage rating in the hundreds anyway, so i'ts not likely to be an issue.

[ophic]

Thanks Philbo. I was struggling to find the relevant specs on the diodes. Yes it does need to drive all 4 indicators.

Thanks chaps !!!

Trying to find the right diode (by someone who knows nothing about them) is like trying to find a needle in a haystack ....

Unless someone can point out what I need, I'll contact datatool and get an official part ....