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Author Topic: Smart Switch  (Read 976 times)
pocobubba
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Pocomoke , Md


« on: November 08, 2015, 07:49:31 AM »

Just installed the new Smart Switch on my standard , I already had the tank off so it was very easy , it was a tight fit getting the head light bucket back on but I got it , I'm sure it will work great , awesome quality .
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


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« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2015, 08:32:13 AM »

Now throw a 130/90 bulb in there and get ready to be blown away by all the light!
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Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
Roidfingers
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Tuscaloosa, Alabama


« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2015, 02:45:49 PM »

Mark T. Can you really run that much bulb with the smartswitch installed??? Just wondering because I just bought the smartswitch. Shocked
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


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« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2015, 04:01:05 PM »

BonS would be the one to ask on this.  However, my guess is, yes.  I am sure he built in plenty of capacity.  I don't know what gauge wire he used, but I'm sure it's at least 14 ga, and on his relays, no doubt they are 30amp or better.  He provides a ceramic plug which implies it's built for more power.  My mod uses two 30amp relays, 12 or 14 ga wires (I used 12 on Deerslayer, 14 on Jade) and hi-temp plugs - ceramic on Deerslayer, just a hi-temp one on Jade.  Been running a 130/90 headlight since 1998 with no bad effects on any of the parts including the OEM reflector and lens. No discoloration or fogging or evidence of heat degrading any of these parts in actual extended use. Never have had to do any maintenance on the switches.  Never had one of the headlight relays fail and they have thousands of miles on them.  But I'd take any limits written on Honda parts with a grain of salt - written by lawyers.  For example, the Hondaline Tourer hard bags are placarded at "20 pounds limit".  Really?

You can find the hi-powered bulbs at www.compacc.com They are far more effective than say the Cyclops 3800 lumen H4. I keep several 130/90's in my electric box in case they discontinue them for any reason. Mine have been lasting for  2-3 years or more and I ride a lot.  Haven't tallied it in hours but they are lasting me 30,000 miles or so. (I can be specific, I document all service including bulb changes, with dates and mileage)  If I average 50mph, (which I'm sure I don,t; lots of town riding) - that's 30,000/50 = at least 600 hours.  Of course this is just my actual experience - but any statistician will tell you, statistically insignificant.

Those Cyclops don't focus right.  But Seth says the 4000 lumen one he's pointed out, from China, focuses well.  I'll see, I've ordered a pair. Like to get the light without using so much juice, with the stock alternator on Jade. I have two H4 spotlights on Jade - basically I have 3 headlights.  Main, 130/90, the other two, 60/55.  Lights up the road CLEARLY for a measured half mile.  Far brighter than even our new Mazda CX5, and even beats the Gold Wing which is known for it's great lights.  Could go to the big bulbs on the 2 "spots" but there's no need.  I can see the brown deer now long before I have to.

You'll want to aim your light carefully to use all that power.  Traffic will tell you if you get it too high.  (I never get flashed)  If you burn out a bulb, you usually have to re-aim because they don't get the filiments in exactly the same place.
« Last Edit: November 13, 2015, 11:52:05 AM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
BonS
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Posts: 2198


Blue Springs, MO


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« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2015, 05:03:43 PM »

Mark T. Can you really run that much bulb with the smartswitch installed??? Just wondering because I just bought the smartswitch. Shocked
The SmartSwitch for single headlights comes with a 10 amp fuse. If you want to run the 130/90 then you'll need a 15 amp fuse. They can be purchased at any auto parts store. Otherwise you're fine.

The SmartSwitch is rated for 100 watts for a single headlight application and for 180 watts for a dual headlight application. The OEM standard single headlight 55/60 watt bulb, provides really decent light when driven to its full potential such as with the SmartSwitch. I strongly recommend upgrading the Interstate dual headlight bulbs to the 55/60 watt bulbs as this is within the design limits of the headlight reflector assembly and is imprinted on the headlight shell itself. I'd recommend staying with a 55/60 watt bulb on the Standard/Tourer to see if the improvement in your headlight is sufficient with the SmartSwitch alone. The next step I'd recommend is the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra at 55/60 watt. This is what I'm running and they're great.

Beyond that, extra lumens come at the detriment of bulb life, reflector life and stress on OEM wiring. Sylvania Silverstar Ultras provide about the same lumens as many higher wattage bulbs. The Ultras are designed to last for a year and a 130/90 bulb has a typical life of 100 hours. There isn't a standard for specifying bulb life. One reason is that the most damaging event in a bulbs life is cold starts. So bulbs that run for longer periods of time will last much longer than one that is frequently switched on and off.
« Last Edit: November 13, 2015, 04:08:59 AM by BonS » Logged

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