Is this switch good enough?

[Wraithwrider]

I picked up my FF50 driving lights today.

The switch that comes with the kit is not waterproofed and is shown below:

I intend to mount a switch by drilling a hole in the Touratech cockpit cover mounted around the instruments.

So the switch will be out of the way of rain and spray.

Will this switch do? Has anyone experience of using one?

If not any recommendations for a waterproof switch/supplier.

Also, I assume that the switch has 3 connections because it is lit when on. Which means it will need to be fitted to the +ve side of the relay to use this feature.

Peter

 

[Noel]

I personally would not use the switch, It's really intended for internal use and is of cheap quality, it does not need a seperate supply to illuminate it light's because it's in series of the circuit, if you have a maplins near you they have a selection of toggle switches, which you can purchase a rubber cover to go with it to make it water reistant. I used the auto switch supplied by nippy normans and can recommend it. ( I don't think Rob farmer makes them anymore)

 

[Wraithwrider]

So the auto switch works with the 1200?

it does not need a seperate supply to illuminate it light's because it's in series of the circuit

No but is does need an earth connection.

Thanx

Peter

 

[Paul Young]

Two better options, Peter.

1. Wire a relay to the headlight main beam so that switching to main beam switches the relay & this supplies the power to your FF50's

2. Get in touch with Rob Farmer & buy one of his autoswitch thingumies. This uses a pulse from the indicator cancel switch to operate a relay as above.

Neither of these requires any additional switch & both are relatively easy to do, with the relay sitting in the fusebox, where all the wiring is also easily accessible.

HTH,

 

[Wraithwrider]

Thanks Noel and Paul

I've ordered an Autoswitch from NN as it seems the neatest solution.

Paul - I actually want the lights on with dipped AND main beam. Dipped beam particularly needs a helping hand.

I'm keen to do a decent job with the wiring.

Peter

 

[Wraithwrider]

btw, 64 million dollar question (well assumption really) the autoswitch does work with (and comes with instructions for) the 1200 doesn't it?

Peter - who's not so sure

 

[Paul Young]

btw, 64 million dollar question (well assumption really) the autoswitch does work with (and comes with instructions for) the 1200 doesn't it?

Peter - who's not so sure

Oooeer...... CANBUS is a dirty word when adding electrical accessories.

Sorry Peter, I didn't realise it was for a 1200. I don't know whether you can add any extra lights without specialist knowledge.

 

[Raindancer]

Autoswitch

btw, 64 million dollar question (well assumption really) the autoswitch does work with (and comes with instructions for) the 1200 doesn't it?

Peter - who's not so sure

I spoke to Nippy Norman on Saturday regarding the autoswitch for the 1200.......He is still waiting for the guy in the states to come up with the product. Apparently he is trying to overcome the 1200GS electrical system.

Nippy assures me that once he receives them, he will advertise the item.

I had one on my GSA and it was excellent.

There have been many threads on wiring up lights to the 1200. I intend to wire mine through the Centech fuse box obtained from Nippy Norman. But I will wait until I can get the autoswitch.

Hope that helps

Regards

 

[Wraithwrider]

Yes Paul, the CANBUS isn't a problem ref the power i.e. I'll take it straight from the battery.

The relay switching can be supplied from the Aux socket with no problem either.

It's just the Autoswitch that I wonder about.

Peter

 

[Noel]

The auto switch works, using the cancel button, which creates an earth, so if the 1200 cancel goes to earth when depressed I thought it would work. (I know nothing about the 1200 though)

 

[Wraithwrider]

I've cancelled my order for the Autoswitch on advice from NN.

Peter

 

[gazza]

I have used the switch but mounted it just under the seat. Once you know where it is its easy to use, don't use it much so don't need it on the bars. Much easier to install here also, right next to the relay.

 

[Gecko]

I've been using that Hella switch on the dash for about 2 years no problems at all.

 

[Wraithwrider]

Gazza

Makes a lot of sense.

No need to run a relay coil wire forward.

Hmm.

 

[Banjaxed]

Hella one OK.

I too have used that switch for a couple of years without problems. Have mounted it in the dash just under the lip of the silver thingumijig...

 

[Wraithwrider]

Well Hella FF50 driving lights fitted on Gazza's last pair of brackets.

I got a switch and waterproof cover from Maplins and took the relay coil supply from inside the rear auxiliary socket and straight back to the battery. The switch, relay and the wiring all fit in the tray underneath the toolkit.

The lamp supply is straight from the battery via a 15 amp fuse. The wires are led under the tank and the lamps are earthed on the horn bracket nut.

All works and a great feeling to get it done.

I'll take some photos next week in case it may help anyone doing the same job.

Now to get out and set them up.

Peter