Phil's Mods

[Phil]

Hey Phil, I've been following your mods for awhile and wanted to be sure to tell you how awesome your write-ups are - really great job! :clap::bowdown: I'm interested in a few of your mods and have some questions that either you, or others, can answer.

1. Where did you get your voltage gauge? And do you have the steps on how to install it?
2. Did you use a fuse box when you installed the dash 12v outlet?
3. Do you know whether installing the HID lights eliminates the 'flickering' that is common in the OEM headlights?
4. What power line did you tie the glove box LED strip into?

Thanks!
Anita

Hey Anita!!!
Thanks so much for the comments!

Unfortunately I'll need to REMEMBER to answer on Monday from a real computer rather than this iPhone thing Because I need to look up a few things since my old brain has already forgotten how i did some things!

I CAN tell you that knowing I was going to get addicted to this mod thing, the first thing I did was to add a separate fuse block in the front of the bike, to which almost everything is tied. Including the glovebox light. Actually the glovebox light & under dash light go through an LED dimmer. That's one of the blue knobs you see in the glovebox.

I have a master switch for all of it. The tricker bit is that the switch drives a relay that controls the power to the extra fuse block. It's much cleaner..... And confusing

On the 12v accessory outlet, I can't remember Funny I was thinking about this yesterday!

On the HID vs flicker question.... No clue. Sorry.

I'll try to catch the rest of it on a REAL computer Monday.




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[Phil]

Hey Phil, I've been following your mods for awhile and wanted to be sure to tell you how awesome your write-ups are - really great job! :clap::bowdown: I'm interested in a few of your mods and have some questions that either you, or others, can answer.

1. Where did you get your voltage gauge? And do you have the steps on how to install it?
2. Did you use a fuse box when you installed the dash 12v outlet?
3. Do you know whether installing the HID lights eliminates the 'flickering' that is common in the OEM headlights?
4. What power line did you tie the glove box LED strip into?

Thanks!
Anita

Anita (from my 'real' computer)----

1. Where did you get your voltage gauge? And do you have the steps on how to install it?
   From- AEM Only- http://www.aemonly.com/digital-gauges-79/aem-voltmeter-gauge-258.html Installation is VERY VERY simple even if you only know a small amount about 12vdc electrical. When you remove the stock gauge, you'll pull out the plug that has all of the wires attached to it. Use a voltmeter (get a cheap one from Radio Shack if you like) and find out which of the wires is +12vdc and which is -12vdc (also called the ground). The meter will have (as I remember) 3 wires- a red, black and blue. The instruction sheet that comes with the meter will help here. You hook the red wire to the +12vdc and the black to the -12vdc. That's pretty much it!
2. Did you use a fuse box when you installed the dash 12v outlet? As I said in my previous post, the FIRST thing I did was to add an extra fuse block in the front of the bike. It added about 8 fuse positions. I'm PRETTY sure I added the 12v accessory outlet to that fuse block and put in a 10amp fuse. That means that it, along with everything else I've added, goes off with the push of one switch. As I said, doing this through a relay is the best thing, but it is more tricky.
3. Do you know whether installing the HID lights eliminates the 'flickering' that is common in the OEM headlights? I never had flicker in my OEM halogen lights so I can't comment.
4. What power line did you tie the glove box LED strip into? Through a dimmer into the extra fuse block I added. A COMMON fear with LEDs is that you'll unbalance or blow something. That is 'possible' but it is remote. I now have about 2000 LEDs on different parts of the bike and trailer with no issues. Ok... I blew a 3amp fuse and replaced it with a 5amp. But... all is good and everything plays nice together. My advice is try adding whatever you are going to do with LEDs, but TEST it first on the bike. Get alligator clip wires and try your ideas first, THEN do things more permanent.

HAPPY LIGHTING!!

 

[SpydherLuv]

You're awesome!! :bowdown: Thanks Phil! :cheers:

 

[glynnk]

Phil---Really nice and impressive! Enjoyed seeing some of your work in Woodville.

Glynnk

 

[cardboard]

Hey Phil got a question for you.
Got a Sony Bluetooth adapter like you show in the picture.
A pair of Sena SMH10 bluetooth headsets.
Zumo 550 GPS.
Iphone

When I pair the Iphone with sena headset, then blue tooth sony adapter to the Sena headset.
I can listen to the Iphone music, when the phone rings I can answer the phone and it will return to the Iphone music.
But when I have the sony adapter hooked up to bluetooth on the radio and I get a phone call , I can answer the phone but it will not return to the music.
Friend has a Clear Sounds Bluetooth adapter that will.
Got any ideas what might be happening that it will not return to the music on the Sony

Thanks.

 

[Phil]

Hey Phil got a question for you.
Got a Sony Bluetooth adapter like you show in the picture.
A pair of Sena SMH10 bluetooth headsets.
Zumo 550 GPS.
Iphone

When I pair the Iphone with sena headset, then blue tooth sony adapter to the Sena headset.
I can listen to the Iphone music, when the phone rings I can answer the phone and it will return to the Iphone music.
But when I have the sony adapter hooked up to bluetooth on the radio and I get a phone call , I can answer the phone but it will not return to the music.
Friend has a Clear Sounds Bluetooth adapter that will.
Got any ideas what might be happening that it will not return to the music on the Sony

Thanks.

Hey Bro--- I read this an hour ago and have been thinking on it. Mostly trying to remember what my Sony does. And I can't remember (I'm on the road'. But you may be right and doing nothing wrong. I have gotten it back to music, but unconsciously I may be 'fiddling' with the Sena to get music back. Hummmmm. I'll check.


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[Phil]

More RT622 Trailer Mods

Actually, it's a continuation of 104-113--- http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?24907-Phil-s-Mods&p=382934&viewfull=1#post382934

The thought hit me that I might need light inside the trailer, if it is disconnected from the bike. I have the great halo of bright white LEDs, now how do I make that happen.....

STUFF:
1. Battery
2. Some simple way to take the battery in and out.
3. Diode to make sure the trailer battery is charged from the bike, but it doesn't power the bike!

I'm going to try to do a schematic of all this, but for now we'll use pics and description.

The trailer electrical is really very simple. Post #110 shows the 4 wires that we have. Of them, only the +12v and Ground are the ones we're concerned with. I started under the trailer to see where the wires entered the trailer body-

Not hard to see that here is where the wires transition into the trailer.

Peeling back the carpet, we see the entry point.

I also peeled back some of the plastic wire aromor so I could reveal the brown, +12v line. Remember that this is +12v that comes from the bike via the connector. Here you can also see that I've cut the brown +12v wire where I'm adding a diode.

Think of a diode as a one way valve. As in water, a one way valve only lets water flow one way, a diode allows electrons (electricity) to flow one way. Putting the diode right here, allows us to power the trailer from it's own battery and prevents that power from going back to the bike. At the same time, power from the bike will flow to the trailer to power the lights AND, if I want, charge the trailer battery. Good for safety and general good electrical principals. I left the wires long just to make things easier to see.....

Notice, I used an inline fuse holder. It really works well. Here's a closeup of the diode...

You can see I simply press fit it into the holder. If you do this, you'll want the white line on the diode on the 'output' side of the diode. Think of it like an arrow pointing to the direction of the electron flow. The diode is from Radio Shack and is good for about 3 amps. Here's an IMPORTANT STEP. Guaranteed you will forget that you have added a diode in a fuse holder! So, mark it....

Here's the pretty much finished diode project----

I've taped a spare diode in it's plastic bag next to the diode that's in use. Again... I'll forget and some day if I ever need a spare... there it is! The body of the trailer is fiberglass so it makes doing electrical work pretty easy, not having to worry about exposed wires, but still I try to use good practice to make sure everything is protected against wire chafing.

On to the battery.....
I selected this battery mostly because of its size. It's 12AH (meaning I can power all of my trailer LEDs, 2 amps) for about 6 hours without a recharge. I ALWAYS like to have a main fuse close to the battery. I also wanted a simple disconnect for the battery. AND... I wanted a way to hook it to a battery tender to top it off. Here's the result......

Notice, I've used heat shrink everywhere and I've removed stress from the battery terminals using a 'staycon pad' plus tie wrap. I've also terminated it in a female 12v accessory jack. Use the female jack here for several reasons: Safer since it's really hard to short the connection; makes it REALLY simple to connect to my existing battery tender; allows the rig to be used just like an accessory outlet, if needed.

Here's the finished project mounted in the trailer---

Notice on the left, plugged into the female accessory outlet is a male plug. Again, Radio Shack. The other end of the plug is attached to the main +12v line in the trailer and the Ground. That plug also has a switch and green LED. This is a simple master power and reminder! Keeping the battery in place is all Velcro. I've added a large section of the hook side to the bottom and the back of the battery. To make it even more snug, I added the strips that you see around the middle of the battery. It's rock solid!

Next, I'm going to add a separate hard switch to turn the white LEDs on/off without needing the remote. Easy to do, but I just didn't get to it yet .

 

[Arr MiHardies]

Did you melt your way through that wiring loom or outer cover to get to the wires?

 

[NancysToy]

Very nice, Phil! I have considered doing this, even though I don't have any accessory lights. I'm assuming that by 12V+ you mean the running light circuit? There is no auxiliary power circuit on the RT-622 trailer. Owners contemplating this mod should also note that the 2010 trailer harness is different, using six wires. It still has a running light circuit, however, only the way the brakelights and turn signals work has changed.

A couple of questions...

1. With this setup it seems the running lights would stay on all the time, depleting the battery. Is there a master switch?

2. What happens when the battery is really low? Would the Spyder's trailer running light circuit be overwhelmed?

 

[Phil]

Did you melt your way through that wiring loom or outer cover to get to the wires?

HA! Kinda looks like it, doesn't it:yikes:!
No... I just peeled back some of the tape they use to bind the wires together. The black residue is just some of the sticky stuff from the tape. There was plenty of slack on that part of the harness. In fact, there is plenty of slack on all of the trailer harnesses.

 

[Phil]

Very nice, Phil! I have considered doing this, even though I don't have any accessory lights. I'm assuming that by 12V+ you mean the running light circuit? There is no auxiliary power circuit on the RT-622 trailer. Owners contemplating this mod should also note that the 2010 trailer harness is different, using six wires. It still has a running light circuit, however, only the way the brakelights and turn signals work has changed.

A couple of questions...

1. With this setup it seems the running lights would stay on all the time, depleting the battery. Is there a master switch?

2. What happens when the battery is really low? Would the Spyder's trailer running light circuit be overwhelmed?

Scotty-
First, you're 100% correct, the circuit you use to get the +12v is the Running Light Circuit. It is powered when the key goes on. essentially it is like a switched +12v.

2. What happens when the battery is really low? Would the Spyder's trailer running light circuit be overwhelmed?
Good question but here's what I believe will happen. I have seen batteries, if very low, charge at a high rate. But generally batteries will only charge at a rate the current is supplied to them. This is the theory behind battery tenders. I'm not expecting the circuit to get overwhelmed. BUT... IF it would even try (like in the case that the battery might short internally), I have the 5amp fuse sitting right at the battery to take it off line. But again, great observation. I'll know in time! I've been running the battery off and on for some time now and today I'll hook everything to the bike and see if I can get a charge current reading.


1. With this setup it seems the running lights would stay on all the time, depleting the battery. Is there a master switch?

There actually IS a master switch. If you look at the plug, it has a switch built in with a small reminder LED on it. I think it will work well. It's located over the wheel well on the left as you open the back hatch.

 

[JCSMOKE]

Thanks Phil

Great advice, my plan is to get one of the camping trailers probably a leesure lite and adding lighting to that and maybe some kind of 12v heating device for the colder weather. I have been thinking about using one of the larger gel batteries to power it all and charging from both the bike and a solar pannel. Any advice?

 

[NancysToy]

Great advice, my plan is to get one of the camping trailers probably a leesure lite and adding lighting to that and maybe some kind of 12v heating device for the colder weather. I have been thinking about using one of the larger gel batteries to power it all and charging from both the bike and a solar pannel. Any advice?

To get a usable amount of heat requires a lot of wattage...at least 1,200-1,500, I'd say. You would need a huge battery to power that overnight. I'd stick with a propane unit, if I were you. We use a small propane heater for our Aspen Sentry camper, and a battery operated fan to move the air.

 

[JCSMOKE]

Thanks

To get a usable amount of heat requires a lot of wattage...at least 1,200-1,500, I'd say. You would need a huge battery to power that overnight. I'd stick with a propane unit, if I were you. We use a small propane heater for our Aspen Sentry camper, and a battery operated fan to move the air.

I will keep that in mind and look for other options.

 

[SteveMac]

Great write up as usual Phil! You da man bro. :bowdown:

 

[TuckMiddle]

Sway bar

I'm editing this first post to put the full list of mods, for ease of finding them:
___________________________
Phils Spyder Mods
======================
Additional front fuse panel
Mud Flap Lights
BrightSides front and rear
Kewlmetal Run-Turn-Brake light
Double Play Unit
12vdc dash convenience outlet
AEM Voltage Meter
TricLed TricFenderz - Amber / Red
Front DayRunners
RTGloRyder
Custom Various Stingerz LED sticks (Purple)
Black Magic Remote LED Control
DRL Cornering Lights with TDR control
Puddle Lights & switch
Master Accessory Power Switch & relay
LED Licenseplate light
LED Frunk Surround
LED Fendertip lights
LED Seatglow light
LED Trunk lights
LED Glove Box light
LED Under Dash light
Dimmers for Dash & TricFenderz lights
~~new 07/23/11~~
HID Headlights
LEDs under rear fender
-------------------------------
Bluetooth Receivers
Bluetooth Transmitter
4 Channel Audio Mixer
---------------------------
Extra WAGO LeverNuts
Billet Axel Covers Front end Dressup Kit
Green Filter
Swaybar
Elka Shocks (7/2011)
Utopia Backrest (6/2011)
Fog HIDs
Gizmo Mount Bracket
Küryakyn Widow Pegs
BRP Chrome Mirror Accents
BRP Chrome Exhaust Accent
~~~~~NEW 11/11 RT622 Trailer~~~~~~
Interior while LED halo of light
Front and back lid halo of Purple LEDs
GloRyders for trailer wheels (DIY, not stock)

================================================

Here's a pic of my RT SE5 PE as it looked when I started the mods:

Some of the things I'm working on:

1. Redo the power distribution to power the current and additional LEDs.
2. Adding quick disconnect so frunk can be easily removed, even with all the extra LEDs.
3. Redo mounting of the Fog HID ballasts
4. Add many more purple LEDs to frunk
5. Add purple LED that accents fog housing
6. Add master on off switch & relay for new power buss (see #1)
7. Add TricFenderz LEDs
8. Add mud flap LEDs (wire into turn signals)
9. Add dimmer for TricFenderz
10. Add white LED strips in glove box and under dash
11. Add dimmer for glove box and dash lights
12. Add 'puddle lights' under mirrors
13. Add wiring and separate switch for puddle lights
14. Add RunBrakeTurn LED strip to back of bike
15. Redo previous Bluetooth work to 'mix' audio from all Bluetooth sources rather than having them fight for supremacy order.
16. Seems like there'd something else??!!!

I'm fortunate to be one of the guys to have a heated garage with good working lighting and tool boxes. Took me a bunch of years to get tot this point, but I'm very blessed. So, I can take my time and do things the right way.

Stay tuned....

Heck of a list. Congratulations on the dedication of time and the bike looks great. I'm very happy with my new ELKA shocks. I noticed you mention a sway bar on your list. Did you purchase an after market one and would you do it again? I've been led to believe it wasn't necessary, but would appreciate your thoughts on one. I'm an old geezer and don't go over the speed limit much, but sure like the W. NC. E TN and N GA areas for hills, small mountains and great bike roads.
:yes:
Thanks
Tuck

 

[Phil]

Heck of a list. Congratulations on the dedication of time and the bike looks great. I'm very happy with my new ELKA shocks. I noticed you mention a sway bar on your list. Did you purchase an after market one and would you do it again? I've been led to believe it wasn't necessary, but would appreciate your thoughts on one. I'm an old geezer and don't go over the speed limit much, but sure like the W. NC. E TN and N GA areas for hills, small mountains and great bike roads.
:yes:
Thanks
Tuck

Hey there Tuck!! Thanks for the note.

Swaybar-- it was after market. I have a 2010 that was famous for having a wonky stock front end. The swaybar swap came before the ELKAs. I noticed a MARKED improvement. Then came the shocks a few months later. Adding the shocks made a HUGE difference. Now... There's no way to say if adding the swaybar AFTER doing the shocks if the change would be that noticeable.

So... Sure, I'd do it again.... In the same order. I know that's not much of an answer.....



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[cjackg]

HID Fog Lights

Phil, I know you did detailed coverage on installation of the HID headlights on the RT, but I'm not sure if there is anything on the HID foglight install.
If there is anything around on this, I am interested. Even a simple checklist of whats involved would be helpful.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[Phil]

Hey Jack-

I did HIDs on the fogs back when I had no clue what I was doing and didn't write about it . FUNDAMENTALLY it's about the same. I do have pics of the results, viewed from the back of the frunk in one of the earlier posts (#14).

The only real difference is that there is much more room to work with the fogs. I HIGHLY recommend removing the frunk to work on the fogs. I did it without removing and it was hard and I did a lousy job. A bit like wiring on a spark plug through the exhaust pipe .

The halogen bulb removal is the same. The dust cover is about the same and the wire up is just about the same. I found a spot for each ballast in a void between the fog housing and the frunk plastic.

I know that's not much. Sorry .



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[cjackg]

Thanks Phil... that helped to get me started on the foglights. I did them removing only the RT side panels and it got tedious but I managed without removing the Frunk. I used the XenonDepot foglight kit and it worked fine but the only thing I can see that is better than the $40. eBay kits is the nice rubber grommet and the nice pair of gloves. The installation instructions were as skimpy as the eBay kits. While I was installing these, the plastic base of one of the bulbs crumbled in my hand when I was twisting it into the socket. Now needing a replacement, I called the seller, KBCarStuff.com, and they declined to cover it under warranty, plus did not have any replacements in stock. They placed an order for one for $21+ with delivery expected in Feb!
At this point I decided to look around and found replacements on Ebay where I ordered a pair that was delivered in 3 days for $11. So much for good deals and service from XenonDepot.

Here is a pic of the XenonDepot kit ready to install, and also a pic of the OEM bulb with metal base and the new HIDs showing the flimsy plastic base.