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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is
the light sensor important?
A. Federal law requires a sensor to stop
the headlight modulation automatically when it becomes too dark. This
is to prevent blinding on-coming traffic to avoid an accident.
Modulating a headlight without this safety requirement violates the
law and takes a huge liability chance which might result from an
accident.
Q. My turn
signal lights dim with the headlight modulation?
A. This condition can happen when installing
a high wattage bulb that is greater than the bike's manufacturer
recommends. The bike's wiring harness and switchgear is most likely
undersized to supply the extra current required by the new bulb. A solution is to add a solid-state
"relay" kit. Also, an undersized or failing
alternator/generator or weak battery can case this issue with any
bulb.
Q. What type of bulb do I have on
my bike?
A. Determine what type of
female bulb connector you have. You can check your bike's manual, visually inspect your bulb,
or call your local motorcycle parts dealer and ask for what replacement bulb type fits
your bike. Most bikes use the 3-pin H4 bulb (high and low
beams in one bulb) or the 2-pin H7
bulb. See bulb pictures.
Q. Why does the VisiPath headlight
modulator not have a "shade delay"?
A. Federal regulations do NOT allow for any
delay when surrounding light falls below a specified level.
Q. Why is the VisiPath modulator module designed
not to mount directly onto the bulb?
A. Two reasons. First to give maximum mounting
flexibility for bikes with small headlight housing with
tight space. Second to avoid the bulb's high heat from degrading the
modulator components.
Q. How does the daylight sensor mount? Any drilling?
A. After plugging-in the modulator (no wire slicing) you route
the sensor wire from the modulator out through the headlight housing existing cable
opening and wire tie (supplied) it to one of bike's handlebar cables. The sensor wire is
plenty long for flexibility. The brake or throttle cable works fine. There is no drilling.
Q. I have a very small headlight housing will your modulator
fit inside?
A. In most cases yes. The VisiPath modulators are very small. The modulator
can also be mounted outside the headlight housing but this is the exception.
Fits inside most headlight housings.
Q. Will the modulator or sensor visually detract from my bike?
A. Not really. Remember the modulator usually sits inside the
headlight housing and is not visible. If mounted outside the housing it is
small and hard to notice. After the sensor in mounted to a handlebar cable if you ask a friend
to find it s/he will usually say "where is it?", even if you point to the
sensor's location.
Q. How effective is a modulator?
A. It has been proven that a flashing light is more visible than
one steady on. That is one reason why the U.S. Federal DOT has legalized headlight
modulators for safety. Its been reported that most motorcycle accidents involve front end
collisions. What's your safety worth?
Q. Can I connect two single headlight modulators instead of
using a dual unit?
A. The dual headlight modulator keeps the two headlights
modulating in sync. This is a Federal DOT requirement because alternating or wigwag
headlight modulation is reserved for public safety vehicles like police, fire, etc. You
don't want to get a ticket.
Q. Can I use a single headlight modulator
on a dual headlight bike?
A. Yes. It's best to place the single modulator
on a hi-beam bulb which gives better visibility. The second bulb would
operate as normal.
Q. Will the VisiPath headlight modulator work with Halogen and
Xenon bulbs?
A. Yes.
Q. Will the headlight modulator
shorten my bulb's life?
A. In our many years of experience no. The bulb's life will remain about the same.
There are no known reports of premature bulb failure we could find. If
you believe this is still a concern then consider this: a typical
replacement halogen bulb costs about $8. Given the bulb's normal
operating life is 4 years then the dollar cost over the life of the
bulb is $8 / 4(yrs) = $2(per yr). Now let us assume that modulating
will shorten the life by 25% (fictitious),
then the extra total loss over the bulb life would be $2(per 4 years).
That's CHEAP insurance to avoid a head-on accident and the high
medical bills if you survive.
Q.
Will my bike's headlight "pass" flash optional feature need
to be disconnected?
A. The pass flash battery positive wire going
to the bulb needs to be moved and connected to the modulator input, to another bulb, or disconnected.
Q. Is low beam
modulation supported by the manufacturer or seller?
A. No. Manufacturer/seller only
supports default high beam modulation installation. If user chooses
to modulate low beam they assume self support.
Q. The modulator or brake
flasher is not operating correctly when the engine is reved up.
A. Check the voltage regulator for spikes using an
oscilloscope (multi-meter or std dealer test equipment will not show
voltage spikes). The voltage required by our electronic parts is
maximum 15 VDC.
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