Brake light modulator with LED light?

pilotgeorge747 · January 19th, 2012, 11:38 AM

Last night I instaleld my FDB intergrated LED tail light and now my Rear Alert brake light modulator I have only works the first time the brakes are applied after starting the bike. After the first time the brake light just comes on and no longer flashes. If I turn the bike off and turn the bike back on again then the modulator does work again but only once.

Anyone know what the issue may be and how to possibly get my modulator working again?

saxnbass · January 19th, 2012, 12:12 PM

Every time you stop, flick the kill switch to reset the modulator?

choneofakind · January 19th, 2012, 12:35 PM

does it have to be off for a certain amount of time before it flashes? for example that way when you're riding and you stop, it flashes, but if you're at a stop light it won't modulate at the person behind you every time that you creep forward 6 inches?

Try waiting like 15 seconds or something before pulling the brake lever again?

pilotgeorge747 · January 19th, 2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

does it have to be off for a certain amount of time before it flashes?

Actually I just went out and tried it and it works again right away when you turn the bike off and back on again. It also seems to flash a couple of times (although not the usual amount of flashes) while the bike's electric (or engine) is on and the brake hasn't been applied for about a minute or two. It's almost like it needs time to build up more power or something although LEDs actually draw less power?

I'm undedcided but this only modulating after the brake light has been off for a minute or two MIGHT be better IMO. If a cager is following you and gets used to the tail light for awhile then the modulating will wake them up when you come to a stop. But if you apply the brakes again soon after it won't flash and become annoying. Plus if you really need to get someone's attention right after it already modulated you can always flash the lights on your own. Just an idea anyway, still interested in an explanation on what may be causing this.

leed · January 20th, 2012, 05:52 AM

I'm not familiar with the RearAlert, and can't find any info on it either (strange), but usually they're programmable to where you can adjust the flash rate, the flash duration, and the time between braking required to initiate flashing.

But, you have the concept right, that's the point of it only flashing on the 'first braking.' On the flip side, if your modulator isn't designed to have the delay, it is rather strange. LED's require no charging of any kind, and if anything, are more 'instant-on' than the stock filament bulb.

DaBlue1 · January 20th, 2012, 07:25 AM

The manufacturer of Rear Alert has gone out of business. The rear alert brake modulator was designed to work with incandescent bulbs. You may need to get one designed for both incandescent and LED operation. Signal Dynamics BackOFF Modulators

January 19th, 2012, 11:38 AM	#1
pilotgeorge747 ninjette.org guru Name: George Location: Florida Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250r 03 Yamaha R6 (Project bike) Posts: 271	Brake light modulator with LED light? Last night I instaleld my FDB intergrated LED tail light and now my Rear Alert brake light modulator I have only works the first time the brakes are applied after starting the bike. After the first time the brake light just comes on and no longer flashes. If I turn the bike off and turn the bike back on again then the modulator does work again but only once. Anyone know what the issue may be and how to possibly get my modulator working again?

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January 19th, 2012, 12:12 PM	#2
saxnbass ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Nashville, TN Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 CBR600rr Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Every time you stop, flick the kill switch to reset the modulator?

January 19th, 2012, 12:35 PM	#3
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	does it have to be off for a certain amount of time before it flashes? for example that way when you're riding and you stop, it flashes, but if you're at a stop light it won't modulate at the person behind you every time that you creep forward 6 inches? Try waiting like 15 seconds or something before pulling the brake lever again?

January 20th, 2012, 05:52 AM	#5
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	I'm not familiar with the RearAlert, and can't find any info on it either (strange), but usually they're programmable to where you can adjust the flash rate, the flash duration, and the time between braking required to initiate flashing. But, you have the concept right, that's the point of it only flashing on the 'first braking.' On the flip side, if your modulator isn't designed to have the delay, it is rather strange. LED's require no charging of any kind, and if anything, are more 'instant-on' than the stock filament bulb.

January 20th, 2012, 07:25 AM	#6
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	The manufacturer of Rear Alert has gone out of business. The rear alert brake modulator was designed to work with incandescent bulbs. You may need to get one designed for both incandescent and LED operation. Signal Dynamics BackOFF Modulators