1-Grab a key on hot to common on reverse micro.I understand using a micro switch mounted near shifter and a relay to operate backup lights, but how would I add an additional dash toggle switch to turn on the lights when not in reverse?
Try not to flip the switch when your in reverse :-D seriously tho, if you use a relay go the route of normally closed relay contacts to run the dash switch, this will serve as an electrical interlock because if your relay is high (reverse micro made up) your contacts feeding dash switch will open making it inoperable. Clear as mud!?Thanks Brayla, Ill just be running two lights with a total of 6 leds. I wont need to use diodes to prevent backflow current to the other switch? I usually don't overanalyize these things but figure ill get a clear picture while parts are coming in.
Say whaaaaat? I thought of using the relay just in case I added more lights. I need picturesTry not to flip the switch when your in reverse :-D seriously tho, if you use a relay go the route of normally closed relay contacts to run the dash switch, this will serve as an electrical interlock because if your relay is high (reverse micro made up) your contacts feeding dash switch will open making it inoperable. Clear as mud!?
Or you can do it with a relay =)Hopefully this will clear up your confusion. The way I've drawn it is the reverse lights will only illuminate if the ignition switch is on, automatically in reverse or on demand with the switch. The red wire marked "+12 volt switched power in" could be changed to a constant feed if you wish to be able to turn on the reverse lights without having the ignition switch turned on.
*Edit* using this method with terminal #87 attached to the battery you can use any type/size light you want (provided the wire & fuse you use is large enough to carry the current). Likewise you should use the same size wire for terminal #30 as you did to terminal #87
The wire size isn't critical on terminal #85 and #86 as the relay itself draws very little current.
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And this chart should help you decide what size wire to run to your lights.
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I tend to err on the side of caution.. Have you seen some of the LED lights people are buying?.... Someone slaps a 400 Watt ebay special pointed backwards and stuff is gonna go up in smoke lol..You dont really a circuit like with controlled with a relay. Just run Keyed fused 12v to micro then to light + then ground the bulb side.. 90% of Micro switches can handle the circuit load fine!
trueI tend to err on the side of caution.. Have you seen some of the LED lights people are buying?.... Someone slaps a 400 Watt ebay special pointed backwards and stuff is gonna go up in smoke lol..
Ehhh.... Maybe, depends on what he wants to do. I agree with the overthinking, I shouldn't have touched the thread cuz in my head it's a simple circuit but I get diarrhea of the mouth when I try to explain to someone.Don't over think this guys. It is no different than adding a light bar with the exception that you can add the micro-switch to automatically turn them on when in reverse. Everything else would be the same unless you wanted the ability to turn them on without the ignition on, in which case, you would use a non-switched power source or a direct feed from the battery.
Haha....I hear ya.....I use the edit button a lot when I type :smile:Ehhh.... Maybe, depends on what he wants to do. I agree with the overthinking, I shouldn't have touched the thread cuz in my head it's a simple circuit but I get diarrhea of the mouth when I try to explain to someone.