lrd (12/22/82)
The devices referred to in a couple of recent articles are referred
to, generically, as headlight modulators. They are available from
several manufacturers under brand names such as "Q-Switch",
"Fire-Fly", etc. They modulate the headlight current at about four
cycles per second. Note the use of the word "modulate" -- they do
not switch the headlight off during the low-intensity portion of the
duty cycle; the current is merely reduced. This avoids shortening
bulb life due to thermal shock -- in fact, bulb life is claimed to
be extended because average power, and heat, dissipated in the bulb
is lower.
The modulators are all equipped with bypass switches. Recommended
installation places the modulator in series with the high beam
("bright") filament only. For daytime use, the low beam is normal;
the high beam, when selected, is modulated. For night use, the
bypass switch is used so that both high and low beams are normal.
Some (most?) manufacturers supply modulators in both a normal and a
high-power version. The normal version is generally claimed to
handle 60 watts (this covers standard sealed-beam headlights, which
generally draw less than 60 watts, and standard H4 bulbs, which are
rated at 60 watts for high beam). The high-power versions are
typically rated at 100-120 watts. "Non-standard" H4 bulbs are
available with high beam ratings of 80 or 100 watts (I'm not sure
about legality for road use).
I have seen list prices range from ~$30 to ~$60 for these devices.
If the high-power models are not significantly more costly than the
normal, I would buy the high-power, based on assumptions of longer
life, reserve capacity (in case of going to a more powerful
headlight or modulating more than one light), etc.
I know a large number of bikers who use these (probably 50 or more)
and my observation is that they are very effective as
attention-getting devices ("but officer, I never saw him..."),
although this may be biased; I, as a motorcyclist and a motorcycle
safety instructor, am probably much more aware of bikes on the road
than the average car or truck driver.
As for where to get them, check with the parts/accessories guy at
your local motorcycle supply outlet, or check the ads in any of the
major motorcycle magazines. The lowest list price I have seen
advertised is from the makers of "Carb-Stix" (vacuum columns for
synchronizing multiple carburetors) -- I don't have the company name
or address handy, but if anybody wants it and can't locate it, send
me mail and I'll look it up and get back to you, or post it.
L. R. DuBroff
BTL -- Naperville, Illinoisdob@ihmax.UUCP (dan o'brien) (05/22/86)
I am in the market for a headlight modulator. The only one I could find so far is in SEARS Motorcycle Specialog ~$49. Anyone have any experience with it? Does anyone have one they especially like? I have heard of modulators that automatically disable the modulation at night; the SEARS has a switch. Also, some modulate the lowbeam, others the highbeam. I don't know how the SEARS unit works. Any other makers? Mail order? Since this is a timely subject with all the discussion of headlight use, let's keep it on the net! Cheers, -- Daniel M. O'Brien (ihnp4!ihmax!dob) AT&T Bell Laboratories IH 4A-257, x 4782 Naperville-Wheaton Road Naperville, IL 60566
langet@ecn-pc.UUCP (Timothy Lange) (05/23/86)
I bought a Firefly brand modulator for my Suzuki GS1000G about five
years ago. Still works fine. Only thing I do not like is when I go
from low to high beam it takes about one second to bring the lamp up to
full intensity. This of course is with the modulator turned off, but
still wired in. From my understanding, all modulators should be wired
to run the high beam only, and they all should have a switch to turn the
modulation off. Oh yea, the cost of mine was $49 also.
It is a good feeling to see drivers come out of crossroads stop, look,
look again and track you as you go by. Slow passers tend to get out of
the left lane on multilane highways faster too.
Another safety light I have seen around town is a pair of 2" diameter
red lights mounted level or just below the tail light. The light flash
alternatingly when the brake is applied. You can't miss it, but it is
not obnoxious.
--
Tim Lange Engineering Business Offices
317-494-5338 Rm 120 Engineering Administration Bldg.
Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907
{decvax|harpo|ihnp4|inuxc|seismo|ucbvax}!pur-ee!langet