LED Lighting (again)

Hey all, like so many others I'm converting to LED signals and tail lights. I've read (and printed) SQL's tutorial on the process. But....I really don't want to dig into my PC board (XJ1100 maxim, 1982). So, can anyone tell me what value of resistor I need to add inline on my tail lights to fake out the monitoring system?
Thanks!

 

You need a total draw of 27 watts on each bulb. To figure out a load resistor rating you will first need to know the wattage of the LED assembly you are using and the current rating. After that it's just simple math. Here is a link to a calcualtor that will help you. http://www.csgnetwork.com/ohmslaw2.html

Alternatively you can just buy a pair of load resistors like these, and wire one per side, mounting them where they will get airflow and not contact anything that will melt.

 

http://ledcalc.com/#calc
supply, use 13 volts
Voltage Drop Across LED, if these were made for a bike use 12 volts
Desired LED Current, it should say this on the package someplace in milliamps
How many leds connected, 1
you need 4 resistors, one for each light

 

Thanks guys! I'm planning on just putting in the LED replacement bulbs to maintain the stock assembly. So I guess I need to put the loads on both the tail and brake circuit sides of the bulb. Thanks again for the links and help!

 

the tail and brake lights, you can just put the led bulb in and go. the reason for the load resistors on the turn signals is to make the stock flasher and cancel system work.
if you don't care about the auto cancel, then you get a led flasher and forget the load resistors

 

I was only going to use the load resistors so I didn't have the monitoring system constantly telling me my bulb was burned out. That'll work right?

 

Also, on this bike the front signals are dual filament running/turn so I'm thinking I'll need to have load resistors on the running light circuit to defeat the monitor.

 

to tell the truth, it's been so long since i've had that monitor system i don't know. the resistors will make the flasher and auto cancel happy. does it monitor the turn signals too?

 

Oh, nope. Only monitors the tail. My bad, disregard.

 

my bad, i guess you do need resistors on the brake and tail lights