Testing LED Strips

DSpinler · February 6th, 2012, 12:05 PM

I've finally received my order of LED strips from [insert random EBay dude here] and I want to test them before I go crazy installing them.

Does anyone have a quick easy way to test these without pulling fairings off the bike?

cbdallas · February 6th, 2012, 12:13 PM

Make yourself a couple of leads and hook them to your car battery....or the bike battery if you don't have a car.

DSpinler · February 6th, 2012, 12:19 PM

Even if I connect it directly to the battery, will I have to worry about giant sparks flying up when I connect them?

choneofakind · February 6th, 2012, 02:32 PM

Connect the negative terminal first (black one) when connecting things to the battery.

disconnect the positive terminal first (red one) when disconnecting things from the battery

you want it grounded first before you power up the circuit. That way you don't get massive sparks.

cuong-nutz · February 6th, 2012, 02:34 PM

You can use a 9V battery to test the lights. Red wire goes to the pos, white goes to neg.

Kevin2109 · February 6th, 2012, 06:29 PM

Its 12v FYI

If you have a 12v adapter laying around cut off the tip and use it

cuong-nutz · February 6th, 2012, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

Its 12v FYI

If you have a 12v adapter laying around cut off the tip and use it

Yes, I know but who likes to lug around a small motorcycle battery everywhere

A 9V battery has enough juice to test the LEDs. You can borrow one from a smoke detector in your house/apartment if you don't want to spend a dollar or so.

Kevin2109 · February 7th, 2012, 09:38 AM

But 12v is brighter

DSpinler · February 7th, 2012, 10:42 AM

Thanks guys!

I will try this later this afternoon. Does anyone want to see an install thread done, or has that been documented to death?

smackenz · February 7th, 2012, 11:32 AM

I dont think there would be any complaints about having the same info given through another teacher. Maybe u will have better ways at explaining some things than others. But if u choos not to there is enough step by steps for us to figure it out. So if u have the time id say go for it with lots of pics please

warlord · February 7th, 2012, 11:56 AM

You can use a regular 9v battery to test 12v led strips and bulbs. I always check new bulbs this way before I install them...

kcaja1 · February 7th, 2012, 12:28 PM

I just installed LED strips on mine too. Looks so cool.

choneofakind · February 7th, 2012, 01:06 PM

OOohhhh I like those white strips. Take apart your headlight and line the bottom of it with those like Audi's

then put your headlight on a relay so you can turn it off and cruise around with those Audi lights on. Baddest 250 around

kcaja1 · February 7th, 2012, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

OOohhhh I like those white strips. Take apart your headlight and line the bottom of it with those like Audi's

then put your headlight on a relay so you can turn it off and cruise around with those Audi lights on. Baddest 250 around

Good idea and I thought about it BUT, I'm lazy. I'll get to it when I get a chance.

oreX · February 7th, 2012, 01:38 PM

Radio Shack sells this little device for $2.59. Which is perfect for setting up small tests like this.

8x1.5v = 12v.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062251

You'll probably need some of these connectors too.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062219

So for about $6 you can have a nice little testing rig. Or you know just hookup a 9v battery to it. lol.

You could also use this setup if you didnt want to fuss with wiring the led's to your bikes battery. Im not sure how long it would take those led strips to drain the AA batteries though. It all depends on their mAh rate.

I actually have one of these things lying around, but I dont have any led strips. If I did I would wire up something and time it. There is a way to use the magical powers of math to calculate the run time, but you'd have to know all the specs of the batteries and led strips.

DSpinler · February 7th, 2012, 01:59 PM

Looks like they work! Will test the rest and get an install thread going once I get around to it. Might be a week or two. Also... on a 12V power source, they'll be brighter!?!?! #FTW

choneofakind · February 7th, 2012, 02:08 PM

Also Darrell, I don't know what your wiring plans are for these babies, but it would be good to get a small project box from radio shack (one that you can hide somewhere under your fairings) and put the LED's on a fuse, and a 12V regulator. That's what I would do, because these bikes put out near 14V when at higher RPM's don't want to blow out any LED's. I would also put them on a switch so I can turn them on and off at will.

DSpinler · February 7th, 2012, 02:18 PM

All of that is in the plan for the install, as well as some quick disconnect wiring for when I need the fairings off again. Thank you to everyone on here (and Google) for posting great tips. The switch has already been installed. I'll get a pic when I do the rest cause there is too much snow and she's covered atm. Got one of these installed in one of the frame plugs and am loving how factory it looks.

massacremasses · February 7th, 2012, 05:10 PM

yeah 9v works just for testing to make sure they work.

I need to get some more to finish my project. I need another 7. thatll be 12 in all... WANT MY **** LIT UP LIKE ****ING CHRISTMAS.

Lets see it after its done. I like looking at every ones for ideas for my own

DSpinler · February 8th, 2012, 03:26 PM

I'm hoping to get it done this weekend, and when it's too cold to ride on Monday, I'll make sure to get pics up of the install and finished product, assuming all goes well. (Will also be shimming the carbs while she's naked)

oreX · February 10th, 2012, 01:25 PM

Look what arrived today! 5m of waterproof led strip. There are 300 leds and every 3rd led is cutable. I've heard that the bike sometimes puts out 14+ v when in high rpm? Does anyone know if this is true? If so then ill probably need to make a few voltage regulators before I put them on the bike.

choneofakind · February 10th, 2012, 01:37 PM

yes they do. a 12V regulator is a good idea for LED's intended for 12V

kcaja1 · February 13th, 2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

yes they do. a 12V regulator is a good idea for LED's intended for 12V

I did not use any regulator with mine and no issues yet for weeks now. I connected mine to the rear tail runnning light wires.

choneofakind · February 13th, 2012, 01:36 PM

Cool. It's still a good idea to use one when you have a part specified for one voltage, and a system that can vary in the voltage that it delivers.

jonthechron · February 13th, 2012, 05:39 PM

Correct, the battery is 12v. The charging system is 14v when the car/bike is turned on. I seriously doubt that feeding the LED strip 14v will harm it, check it specifications on the datasheet. Most leds/led strips are made to run on 11-15v anyways.

choneofakind · February 13th, 2012, 07:27 PM

Case where the voltage jump blew some LED's. It's possible. Unless your LED's are designed for a range of 12V-14V, a regulator is a good idea

DSpinler · February 13th, 2012, 07:37 PM

Yeah, would have gotten these installed this weekend but for the weather and sickness that just won't leave.

Don't worry, install pics and (hopefully) a write-up as soon as I get it done!

DSpinler · February 17th, 2012, 08:25 PM

Woved this portion to http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=96530

February 6th, 2012, 02:34 PM	#5
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	You can use a 9V battery to test the lights. Red wire goes to the pos, white goes to neg. __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

February 6th, 2012, 06:29 PM	#6
Kevin2109 KThanksBye Name: Kevin Location: Orange County Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.	Its 12v FYI If you have a 12v adapter laying around cut off the tip and use it __________________________________________________ ----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page!

February 7th, 2012, 09:38 AM	#8
Kevin2109 KThanksBye Name: Kevin Location: Orange County Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.	But 12v is brighter __________________________________________________ ----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page!

February 7th, 2012, 11:56 AM	#11
warlord ninjette.org guru Name: war Location: north chicago burbs Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ducati Panigale 899 Posts: 325	9v battery You can use a regular 9v battery to test 12v led strips and bulbs. I always check new bulbs this way before I install them...

February 7th, 2012, 05:10 PM	#19
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	yeah 9v works just for testing to make sure they work. I need to get some more to finish my project. I need another 7. thatll be 12 in all... WANT MY ** LIT UP LIKE **ING CHRISTMAS. Lets see it after its done. I like looking at every ones for ideas for my own __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

February 6th, 2012, 12:13 PM	#2
cbdallas ninjette.org guru Name: Charlie Location: Wylie, TX Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 650R Posts: 317	Make yourself a couple of leads and hook them to your car battery....or the bike battery if you don't have a car.

February 6th, 2012, 12:19 PM	#3
DSpinler Your Lord Funny Bits Name: Darrell Location: Fort Collins Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 95	Even if I connect it directly to the battery, will I have to worry about giant sparks flying up when I connect them?

February 6th, 2012, 02:32 PM	#4
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Connect the negative terminal first (black one) when connecting things to the battery. disconnect the positive terminal first (red one) when disconnecting things from the battery you want it grounded first before you power up the circuit. That way you don't get massive sparks.

February 7th, 2012, 10:42 AM	#9
DSpinler Your Lord Funny Bits Name: Darrell Location: Fort Collins Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 95	Thanks guys! I will try this later this afternoon. Does anyone want to see an install thread done, or has that been documented to death?

February 7th, 2012, 11:32 AM	#10
smackenz ninjette.org member Name: Simon Location: Toronto Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawi 250 Posts: 118	I dont think there would be any complaints about having the same info given through another teacher. Maybe u will have better ways at explaining some things than others. But if u choos not to there is enough step by steps for us to figure it out. So if u have the time id say go for it with lots of pics please

February 7th, 2012, 01:06 PM	#13
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	OOohhhh I like those white strips. Take apart your headlight and line the bottom of it with those like Audi's then put your headlight on a relay so you can turn it off and cruise around with those Audi lights on. Baddest 250 around

February 7th, 2012, 01:38 PM	#15
oreX ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Orlando, fl Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2013 636 - ABS Posts: 173 Blog Entries: 1	Radio Shack sells this little device for $2.59. Which is perfect for setting up small tests like this. 8x1.5v = 12v. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062251 You'll probably need some of these connectors too. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062219 So for about $6 you can have a nice little testing rig. Or you know just hookup a 9v battery to it. lol. You could also use this setup if you didnt want to fuss with wiring the led's to your bikes battery. Im not sure how long it would take those led strips to drain the AA batteries though. It all depends on their mAh rate. I actually have one of these things lying around, but I dont have any led strips. If I did I would wire up something and time it. There is a way to use the magical powers of math to calculate the run time, but you'd have to know all the specs of the batteries and led strips.

February 7th, 2012, 02:08 PM	#17
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Also Darrell, I don't know what your wiring plans are for these babies, but it would be good to get a small project box from radio shack (one that you can hide somewhere under your fairings) and put the LED's on a fuse, and a 12V regulator. That's what I would do, because these bikes put out near 14V when at higher RPM's don't want to blow out any LED's. I would also put them on a switch so I can turn them on and off at will.

February 7th, 2012, 02:18 PM	#18
DSpinler Your Lord Funny Bits Name: Darrell Location: Fort Collins Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 95	All of that is in the plan for the install, as well as some quick disconnect wiring for when I need the fairings off again. Thank you to everyone on here (and Google) for posting great tips. The switch has already been installed. I'll get a pic when I do the rest cause there is too much snow and she's covered atm. Got one of these installed in one of the frame plugs and am loving how factory it looks.

February 8th, 2012, 03:26 PM	#20
DSpinler Your Lord Funny Bits Name: Darrell Location: Fort Collins Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 95	I'm hoping to get it done this weekend, and when it's too cold to ride on Monday, I'll make sure to get pics up of the install and finished product, assuming all goes well. (Will also be shimming the carbs while she's naked) __________________________________________________ --- Your Lord Funny Bits ---

February 10th, 2012, 01:25 PM	#21
oreX ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Orlando, fl Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2013 636 - ABS Posts: 173 Blog Entries: 1	Look what arrived today! 5m of waterproof led strip. There are 300 leds and every 3rd led is cutable. I've heard that the bike sometimes puts out 14+ v when in high rpm? Does anyone know if this is true? If so then ill probably need to make a few voltage regulators before I put them on the bike.

February 10th, 2012, 01:37 PM	#22
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	yes they do. a 12V regulator is a good idea for LED's intended for 12V

February 13th, 2012, 01:36 PM	#24
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Cool. It's still a good idea to use one when you have a part specified for one voltage, and a system that can vary in the voltage that it delivers.

February 13th, 2012, 05:39 PM	#25
jonthechron ninjette.org sage Name: Jon Location: Usa Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): magHitVE Posts: 649	Correct, the battery is 12v. The charging system is 14v when the car/bike is turned on. I seriously doubt that feeding the LED strip 14v will harm it, check it specifications on the datasheet. Most leds/led strips are made to run on 11-15v anyways.

February 13th, 2012, 07:27 PM	#26
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Case where the voltage jump blew some LED's. It's possible. Unless your LED's are designed for a range of 12V-14V, a regulator is a good idea

February 13th, 2012, 07:37 PM	#27
DSpinler Your Lord Funny Bits Name: Darrell Location: Fort Collins Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 95	Yeah, would have gotten these installed this weekend but for the weather and sickness that just won't leave. Don't worry, install pics and (hopefully) a write-up as soon as I get it done! __________________________________________________ --- Your Lord Funny Bits ---

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