Motolights

[deputy5211]

My MotoLights arrive today!

Any opinions on whether I can run these off of the same switch as the PIAA 1100x lamps under the cowling? Motolights will go on the calipers. I don't want to add another switch if I can avoid it.

If I can use a relay to accomplish this, what type of relay would I use and how would I configure it? I'm brand new to relays and such, so please Sesame Street me through this if you can.

TIA

[messenger13]

Did you buy the MotoLights brand new? If so, didn't they come with all the wiring, a switch, and a relay?

[deputy5211]

Did you buy the MotoLights brand new? If so, didn't they come with all the wiring, a switch, and a relay?

Brand new, Joe. They're not here yet, they arrive today. Just trying to get some information so I am prepared for the install tonight and understand my options in advance.

I am trying to avoid adding a switch for now, and was hoping to "slave" off of the existing switch used for the PIAA lamps.

[grifscoots]

They will have a relay. What kind of switch are you running to the Piaa's and is it gold plated or somethink?

I think the Piaa's should be aimed up and out where they do the best. The Motolights are mainly used for conspicuity.

I think being able to control the function of each set of lights is important as each one has a specific function. I had the Motolights and the Piaa's hooked to the Phoenix switch and the Piaa's were also slaved to the high beam.

I didn't run the Piaa's all the time because the bulbs are 35 bones a pop, those are some expensive conspicuity.

[Ranger6]

Like Joe said, if you are receiving your Motolights new from the manufacturer, then you will have everything you will need in the way of wiring harness, switch, relay, etc. including detailed instructions and diagrams on how to do it. Pretty straight forward, but it does require that you take down at least one side of the "Tupperware" in order route the wiring back to the battery. If you intend to run your lights all the time to create a "triangle of visibility" to other drivers, that is come on and stay on when the ignition is on and the engine running, then you can eliminate the switch altogether and tie the wire that triggers the relay into a 12V source that is hot when the ignition is on. Most folks use the parking lamp wire for that, and if I'm not mistaken there are instructions in with the Motolight kit explaining how to do this.

[deputy5211]

They will have a relay. What kind of switch are you running to the Piaa's and is it gold plated or somethink?

I think the Piaa's should be aimed up and out where they do the best. The Motolights are mainly used for conspicuity.

I think being able to control the function of each set of lights is important as each one has a specific function. I had the Motolights and the Piaa's hooked to the Phoenix switch and the Piaa's were also slaved to the high beam.

I didn't run the Piaa's all the time because the bulbs are 35 bones a pop, those are some expensive conspicuity.

The switch for the PIAAs has a double-wide housing with one switch and a blank. IIRC, Jeff said I could replace the blank with a second switch. Once I find the correct switch and get it installed, it is my plan to put the Motolights on that dedicated switch, for the very reason you stated. But, to get them online in the meantime, I would like to slave them off of the PIAAs.

Sounds like the relay in the kit will permit this. I'll just leave the hookup wires long enough so I can use the same wires to run to the switch when I get that part in place. It also sounds like I'm going to take the tupperware off tonight, at least on one side. I've been studying the Tupperware Party thread and docs, and I am up for it. Just need to find the instructions for removing the J-Pegs. :)

[messenger13]

If you intend to run your lights all the time to create a "triangle of visibility" to other drivers, that is come on and stay on when the ignition is on and the engine running, then you can eliminate the switch altogether and tie the wire that triggers the relay into a 12V source that is hot when the ignition is on. Most folks use the parking lamp wire for that, and if I'm not mistaken there are instructions in with the Motolight kit explaining how to do this.Here's a little diagragm that you may find helpful...


http://mail.bmwlt.net/~messenger13/pics/Relay_for_MotoLights_LT.jpg

[alstrickland55]

I have PIAAs and Motolights on my '02. I like to keep switches to a mimimum so I didn't use the switch that came with the either set of lights. I have all my lights running through relays controlled by an autoswitch. I connected the relay for the Motolights so they come on with the low beam lights. I have the relay in the PIAAs switched by the high beams. I am pleased with this arrangement because I have the additional visability of the Motolights all the time, and the addition light from the PIAAs when I hit the high beams.... and I have not extra switches to worry about.

[deputy5211]

Here's a little diagragm that you may find helpful...


Awesome, Joe. Just what I was looking for. Thank you.

[deputy5211]

Here's a little diagragm that you may find helpful...


Awesome, Joe. The diagram is just what I was looking for.

If I got this right, the connection between 87 & 30 is made when there is current on 85, right?

Thank you.

[messenger13]

If I got this right, the connection between 87 & 30 is made when there is current on 85, right?Egg Zachery!

[deputy5211]

I just finished putting the tupperware back on -- no extra pieces -- and it was not as much of a challenge as I thought it would be. OK, OK, you guys were right, and I was wrong. Truth be told, I could not have done it without all of the help and support from you all, and the step by step instructions were awesome.

I ended up using the stock harness and slaving off of the PIAA lamps for now. The switch is coiled up under the seat, to be replaced at some point with a switch on the two-gang housing that the PIAAs use.

I also had some help from my younger boy (middle child, poor guy), Guido, who is going to be fourteen two weeks from tomorrow. He did his best not to shine the light in my eyes, and really tried to read my mind about what tool I really wanted. He even reminded me about my colorful metaphors. :)

Anyway, thank you once again to all.

[messenger13]

Sounds like fun to be had by all. :) Good job Tony! :thumb: