![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi.
Posts: 1,771
|
LED install(PIC'S)
I installed a blinking red LED today.
69 Short Fleet(Doug) and I were discussing how to do this.So this is how it's done. I know,I know...it's no substitute for a REAL alarm but this was real CHEAP and only took a couple hr's to do. So here we go. I started with a "blinking " red LED.It has the Blinking circiut and resistor built in so all you have to do is connect the "Anode" to a +12v source and the "Cathode" to ground.This was about $6.00 at my local electronics store(not Radio Shack) ![]() Now that I had the flashing LED,the trick is to get it to flash while the truck is off and stop flashing when you turn the ign. on. Well to accomplish this you simply use a common automotive relay. I used a Single Pole Double Throw(SPDT) relay rated at 30amps.Way too much for my application but that's what I had on hand.Any amp rated relay will work though. The actual draw that this circuit will use is in the mili-amps,not amps. Here's the relay I used.Again about $5.00 at my local electronics shop. ![]() So the next step was to decide where I wanted it mounted. I did NOT want to drill into the face of the dash or the dash area between the front window and the dash pad,but that is where it would be MOST visable. So I removed the drivers side air duct bezel and checked my clearances.Luckly things JUST fit. I drilled a hole then mounted the LED retainer in the bezel. ![]() ![]() ![]() I then slid the LED into the bezel and gave it a test. ![]() Before installing the bezel back into the dash I "hot glued" the LED in place. Now hooking up the LED with the relay was done exactly the same as you'd make the connections for ANY relay application.The ONLY difference is that I used the 87a terminal on the relay to connect to the LED. The 87a terminal is "HOT" when the relay is not energized(relay not being triggered) Normally the 87 terminal is used and becomes "HOT" when the relay is energized. But in this application you want the operation of the relay to be opposite. So this is how the relay is wired. ![]() Here is the switched source I used for the 86 terminal.This terminal on the fuse box is only "HOT" when the ign. is on. There is no power when the ign. is off or in the ACC. position. I'm pointing to it with the tip of my circuit tester. ![]() Then just find a constant 12v+ source and connect it to the 30 terminal. Here it is back in the dash. ![]() You really can't tell from the next few pic's but this LED is BRIGHT! It blinks about once per second. ![]() ![]() ![]() Anyhow,that's about it. I now have a blinking red LED on my dash that will not protect my vehicle what-so-ever. Thanks for listening
__________________
71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE Last edited by BobbyK; 02-16-2005 at 04:37 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Designated A-hole!
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: South Mississippi
Posts: 36,450
|
I like it! It will do about as much good as an alarm would.
![]()
__________________
"If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. ![]() We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
I've done this for years, into every car/truck I've had since the early 90's, and yes, it does deter would be thiefs.
However, there is an easier way to hook it up. Take the positive, and hook it to a constant hot wire. Cigar lighter terminal is a good place. Then take the negitave wire, and hook it to an ignition switched onr circuit, IGN unfused is a good place. These take so little power, there is nothing wrong with pulling the cigar lighter wire off, and slipping the LED wire into the spaid connector, and back onto the terminal, and the same with the other wire. The way that this works, the positive will be hot all the time, the ground circuit on the light will be interupted when ever you turn on the power, which will turn off the light. But when you kill the power (turn off the ignition) then the IGN UNFUSED is turned off, and esentually becomes a ground. There is absolutly nothing wrong with doing the relay deal as dem onstrated above, however, this way is easier, quicker, cheaper...and I garuntee it will work. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada
Posts: 1,086
|
Great thread Bobby!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: DFW TX
Posts: 769
|
Nice detail, good post.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
67-72 Addict!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The TAX State!
Posts: 7,857
|
Nice post Bobby!
Andy- how do you attach the wires to the thin leads on the LED?
__________________
Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 1,371
|
I did that on my old dodge charger with the positive to constant power and negative to the ignition. Worked great, except make sure not to wire it up sharing wires with your stereo, or it will turn the radio on at random when the vehicle is off. Believe me, I know from experience
![]()
__________________
1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi.
Posts: 1,771
|
70c10.Just solder wires to the anode and cathode ends.
__________________
71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
67-72 Addict!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The TAX State!
Posts: 7,857
|
Thanks Bob!. That defroster idea was slick!
__________________
Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|