Headache Rack

[tcoombs]

3-Way Switches

There are some nice ones out there... you just have to hunt a little... ...

 

[SOLER]

Wiring

I got the SPDT switch in. It works just like I want... well, sort of. For those of you who don't know what SPDT is, I'll simplify. It's a toggle that's center off, and up is on, or down is on. When it's up, the lights are on, and when it's down, the lights come on when I shift into reverse. I have it wired like the diagram in this thread, but no relay.



I originally wanted two separate lighted switches, different color for manual on, and for on w/reverse. I can't do that with this configuration. Oh well



I was talking to the old man, and he didn't know why I needed the relay. He said, "one switch, no relay, KISS (keep it simple, stupid). And, I just have one indicator light letting me know when the lights are on, no matter which mode. That's okay, I guess.



Problem: I remember now why I needed the relay. I thought since I had a switch that could handle the amps, I wouldn't need the relay. Well, when the lights come on in the reverse mode, they aren't as bright as when in manual mode. So, the relay is going back in. And since this discovery, I am on the trail of why I was blowing fuses with my previous setup. More to follow... .



SOLER

 

[SOLER]

LEDs

On another note, I was looking for some white LEDs to replace the one's I have. I found some, ordered them, and they came today They are white, all right, but they light up RED



Now, don't get me wrong, they look sweet. But, I need some white ones that light up white. Anyone know where I can get some?



PICS ( I just put the "White" Led on the fender and jumped it across the battery)

 

[Kirwin]

I want one!!

Nice job SOLER. Now my question, If you didn't have the time or talent to build one of these, where would a guy buy one if he wanted too? Anybody recommend where to look? Thanks Ken Irwin

 

[SOLER]

Lots of places. Go to yahoo or google and type headache rack. You'll see lots of them.



SOLER

 

[rmcnamee]

SOLER, I'm glad to see everything worked out for you and your reverse circuit woes. Now "the old man" is right about not needing a relay, so long as the switch and wire you're using is of the proper rating and gauge for what you're powering. However, there are 2 reasons for running the lights off a relay instead of through a switch: (1) a relay to takes the "load" off the switch that is being used to turn the lights on and off and (2) current tends to flow more efficiently through a relay as opposed to a switch. This "more efficient" flow of electricity allows the lights to operate more closer to designed voltage/amperage draw, which is why the lights will be brighter when wired through a relay as opposed to through a switch.



You said you wired your set-up like my schematic, and while the results were favorable, you weren't totally pleased. I’m curious as what you’re looking to do. I ask because, there is almost always a way to accomplish something and maybe it can be done.



Ryan

 

[Po' Riggity]

Can someone answer me this. . I havent yet figured out for the life of me, the purpose of the headache rack. . what does it do exactly? Excuse the N00B questions... BTW, I do think it looks sweet.

Scott

 

[BarryG]

Po:

A headache rack is supposed to keep you from getting a headache from gear or materials or whatever from slamming through the back window into the back of your head. Many headache racks have what they call lumber stops as well so you can stack lumber from the tailgate end of the bed up to the the top of the rack at an angle works great for long ladders as well.

 

[SOLER]

relay

SOLER, I'm glad to see everything worked out for you and your reverse circuit woes. Now "the old man" is right about not needing a relay, so long as the switch and wire you're using is of the proper rating and gauge for what you're powering. However, there are 2 reasons for running the lights off a relay instead of through a switch: (1) a relay to takes the "load" off the switch that is being used to turn the lights on and off and (2) current tends to flow more efficiently through a relay as opposed to a switch. This "more efficient" flow of electricity allows the lights to operate more closer to designed voltage/amperage draw, which is why the lights will be brighter when wired through a relay as opposed to through a switch.



You said you wired your set-up like my schematic, and while the results were favorable, you weren't totally pleased. I’m curious as what you’re looking to do. I ask because, there is almost always a way to accomplish something and maybe it can be done.



Ryan

I'm going to put the relay back in using this switch. I realized when I set it up that the lights were dim because the relay wasn't there.



The only thing I don't like about this wiring is that I can't use two separate indicator lights. I was bummed at first, but after having it set up, I like it with one light. All I need to see is that they are on. The toggle of the switch is large enough that I can see what position it's in. Besides, it's obvious which mode it's in. If I'm cruising down the road and the indicator is lit up, I'm obviously not in reverse



All I'm going to do is wire in the relay and call it good.



SOLER

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

tcoombs,



I like your labels - especially the second one from the left, and the one on the far right.





SOLER - Nice headache rack. I plan on building my own, too. One of these days, if I ever get time. There's nothing like the satisfaction gained from doing something like that yourself.





Jim

 

[SOLER]

Absolutely right

SOLER - Nice headache rack. I plan on building my own, too. One of these days, if I ever get time. There's nothing like the satisfaction gained from doing something like that yourself.





Jim

I was really happy with the way it came out. I'm not bragging. I am just pleased with my results. I suprised myself. I'm going to do another one for someone, with more confidence.

 

[SOLER]

New Add ons

I got my SS grab handles on. They are a nice addition. Also, as noted in previous post, I got white red LEDs. I decided to put them on also. I priced White LEDs that light up White, and they go for over $80 each



Un-Freaking-Believable! I'll stick with the incandescent for now.



SOLER

 

[ProMac1K]

Sweeeeeeet!!!