Another electrical problem

[BrettB]

I just spent all weekend installing a JM 2003CB and a Kuvyakyn 3 position accessory switch (reservoir mounted) on my tourer.  One switch to the CB, one to the lower front lights, and one to a GPS.  The power to the switches comes from the battery (with an in line 30 amp fuse).  I got about half way into this and thought I was in over my head.  When I finished I realized I had two problems:  1) I should have run the power from something that goes through the ignition so I would only have power with the key on.  How can I access such a wire or terminal?  Is there one close inside the right side cover. 2)  The switch going to the CB works and provides power, but when the switch is turned off, the small green light showing that switch is on does not go out immediately as the other two do.  I glows for a few seconds then fades for a few seconds, then goes out.  Does anybody have any ideas for these two problems?     All help appreciated and yes, I am in over my head!

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

From the sounds of it you have done most of the hard work. For the power I would install a relay near the battery and control that relay with the accessory output under the right cover. That way you wont have to mess with the work you have done. As for the switch light fading, a lot of electronics back feed some power to switch when they are turned off. I would pick up a diode at Radio Shack and install it by the power input to the CB. That will allow power in and stop it from feeding back. You can actually install that diode anywhere along the power line to the CB. Have fun and ride safe.   

[Thunderbolt]

Go here http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/basicrelay.html and read about relays and how to wire them.  Chet has good explanations.  Use the accessory 5 amp ckt to key the relay feeding your power source for your switch bank.

[BrettB]

Thanks to both Vagrin and Thunderbolt.  Big relief..........I thought I was going to have to rip it all out and start over.  Needless to say, I wasn't looking forwrd to that.

And the info on "relay basics 101".............really good for a rookie like me.

Thanks again.

[sandy]

The CB switch light fades slowly (probably) because of a capacitor in the power supply in the CB. It backfeeds DC till it drains down. No problem.