need help finding power source for strobes
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Rural Ida Michigan
need help finding power source for strobes
I posted this in the electrical section but haven't had a reply: so...
I am installing a set of 4 strobes ans maybe in the future an overhead. But for now I want to run the 4 strobes (LED Code 3) that pull .6 amps each and I am looking for a point of orgin for power. I have look over the fuse box and don't see anything that I can tap into.
I haven't even started looking for a point to run the wires out of the cab, but I am making all the connections just below the driver seat.
Anyone have any ideas???
I am installing a set of 4 strobes ans maybe in the future an overhead. But for now I want to run the 4 strobes (LED Code 3) that pull .6 amps each and I am looking for a point of orgin for power. I have look over the fuse box and don't see anything that I can tap into.
I haven't even started looking for a point to run the wires out of the cab, but I am making all the connections just below the driver seat.
Anyone have any ideas???
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Greenvile, SC
I have most of all my electronics getting powered through 3 openings (w/former body plugs)
-One is directly behind the dash/instrument cluster- should pop out under the master brake cyl. I made my entrance with a watertite skintop strainrelief.
-Two is a opening; pssgr side threshhold area under the wireway. I made my entrance with a watertite skintop strainrelief from the underside.
-My third opening was in the passenger footwell/kickpanel area. Also here I made my entrance with a watertite skintop strainrelief.
I have 2 Whelen 6-head 90 watt pwr supplies and a single 90 watt 4-head pwr supply. plus some others wired and ready. Although I'm ony using the 4-head supply right now.
Overhead? You going with a semi-permanent lightbar?
-One is directly behind the dash/instrument cluster- should pop out under the master brake cyl. I made my entrance with a watertite skintop strainrelief.
-Two is a opening; pssgr side threshhold area under the wireway. I made my entrance with a watertite skintop strainrelief from the underside.
-My third opening was in the passenger footwell/kickpanel area. Also here I made my entrance with a watertite skintop strainrelief.
I have 2 Whelen 6-head 90 watt pwr supplies and a single 90 watt 4-head pwr supply. plus some others wired and ready. Although I'm ony using the 4-head supply right now.
Overhead? You going with a semi-permanent lightbar?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Rural Ida Michigan
As of now I have NO firm plans for a light bar. I belong to CERT, passes the Train the Trainer course and am heading for the Ham radio license next. I am intrested in Skywarn but for now I will be signing up on the Michigan registry after one more online test (1 step at a time). I use my lighting for things like traffic control or training purposes, and in the event of an emergency I may run across. I don't like the idea of a permanent mount so since the ones I am looking at are a bit pricey I am putting off that purchase.
I chose the 9 led code 3 strobes and find the clear in the rear backup lens are awesome. The install or yellow 9 led in the front headlight shell is a bit disappointing to me but I was just looking for some basic lighting that doesn't look so obvious.
I am personally running all the strobes to the area under my drivers seat (outside) and did find the hot for the brake box for the trailer package. Since I could not find any spots in the fuse box I may just use that feed. I am going to check out the the opening behind the dash cluster that you spoke of: that's right in the area I was hoping for. The 4 strobes should only pull about 2.4 amps at most so I should not be over loading the brake power circuit.
I chose the 9 led code 3 strobes and find the clear in the rear backup lens are awesome. The install or yellow 9 led in the front headlight shell is a bit disappointing to me but I was just looking for some basic lighting that doesn't look so obvious.
I am personally running all the strobes to the area under my drivers seat (outside) and did find the hot for the brake box for the trailer package. Since I could not find any spots in the fuse box I may just use that feed. I am going to check out the the opening behind the dash cluster that you spoke of: that's right in the area I was hoping for. The 4 strobes should only pull about 2.4 amps at most so I should not be over loading the brake power circuit.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,392
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From: Greenvile, SC
Personally, I usually run any emergency equip. off thier own source (direct to batt). Solely due to the nature of the "item" that I am running.
I like to make sure regardless of my situation I'll be seen (hopefully a few miles out). Piggybacking on another circuit never sat well with me...
Let me know when you get your Ham lic. and go into SkyWarn... I'm licensed to stay on the 460mhz (usually 460.325/500-local) and the upper 800Mhz for DHS.
I like to make sure regardless of my situation I'll be seen (hopefully a few miles out). Piggybacking on another circuit never sat well with me...
Let me know when you get your Ham lic. and go into SkyWarn... I'm licensed to stay on the 460mhz (usually 460.325/500-local) and the upper 800Mhz for DHS.
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From: Rural Ida Michigan
**Update**
Installed my Code 3 9 LED strobes in the rear and very happy with results... on the other hand the Code 3 9 LED amber strobes gave me poor results. I was restricted with the install point in the headlight and settled for up front close to the cover just off to the side of the head light. I swapped out to a pair of Code 3 6 LED clear and what a difference... I am much happier with the clear over the yellow. I laid out $90 each for the 9 LED amber LED so I will drop them on ebay for a quick sale.
I used a buddy's Whelan 3 rotor magnetic mount light and was very impressed with it (except for the amp draw). I'll keep looking.
For the power source for the strobes I found an open slot on the fuse panel not being used hot all the time and dropped in one of those "add a circuit" gizmos and I am good to go...
Thanks
Installed my Code 3 9 LED strobes in the rear and very happy with results... on the other hand the Code 3 9 LED amber strobes gave me poor results. I was restricted with the install point in the headlight and settled for up front close to the cover just off to the side of the head light. I swapped out to a pair of Code 3 6 LED clear and what a difference... I am much happier with the clear over the yellow. I laid out $90 each for the 9 LED amber LED so I will drop them on ebay for a quick sale.
I used a buddy's Whelan 3 rotor magnetic mount light and was very impressed with it (except for the amp draw). I'll keep looking.
For the power source for the strobes I found an open slot on the fuse panel not being used hot all the time and dropped in one of those "add a circuit" gizmos and I am good to go...
Thanks
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