Help with lowering amp draw.

bbjsw10 · Full Member Joined: Jul 15, 2009 Posts: 64

Well I have some 55w driving lights I really wanna mount on my bike. The problem is they will overload my charging system. I am planning on replacing lights with LED bulbs, tail, turns, brake, and idiot lights.

y main question is what about the coils, I have 2 now. I believe they are oem coils. Could I replace those 2 with one, dual output coil and save some juice that way for my light?.

I really want these driving lights on here, I want the triangle effect they will provide to cars at night and allow me to be seen easier. Edit: And allow me to see more at night, Ohio = Deer..

One requirement is the coil must work with Pamco ignition as well. If a coil would save me about 3-4 amps over what I have now. This number would include me switching to LED's as well.

Thanks ahead of time. Bob

xsleo · Posted: August 14, 2009, 3:59 am Post subject: Re: Help with lowering amp draw.

If your bike is 79 or older, then you have two coils. Each coils is drawing juice 25% of the time, so both coils will be drawing juice 50% of the time.
A dual output coil, like the 80 and later bikes and the one for Pamcopete's ignition draw juice 50% of the time. Basically there won't be much difference in draw.
Doing the LED lights is a great way to cut down on current draw.
I have seen LED driving lights in the auto parts store. Some are round, some are long and straight. The straight ones have 6 or 12 LED's in them.
I have thought about getting a set and seeing how they work. They may not throw a good beam of light like a regular driving light. They should show up good to traffic.

bbjsw10 · Full Member Joined: Jul 15, 2009 Posts: 64

xsleo wrote:

I have seen LED driving lights in the auto parts store.
I have thought about getting a set and seeing how they work. They may not throw a good beam of light like a regular driving light. They should show up good to traffic.

I have seen those too. I already have a set of 55w sitting here and know what kinda light they put out. I am just afraid of the led ones not putting out enough light to see with. Ohio has a lot of Deer running around and I wanna see them coming better, or atleast increase my odds. + the led ones are pricey to me.

I believe coils depending on ohms of primary/secondary, makes some difference in how much power they consume. I could be wrong though, have been before. Jack or all trades, Master of none.

yamaman · Posted: August 14, 2009, 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Help with lowering amp draw.

Ohms law states that Amps = Voltage divided by resistance or A = V/R
So with Mikes "heavy duty" coil with a 4 ohm primary (this is the circuit we are charging)
A = 14.5V/4 = 3.5 Amps
As opposed to Mikes "green meanie" at 3.3 ohms primary
A = 14.5/3.3 = 4.4 Amps

Original points type coils are 4 ohm each, though as Leo said with half the duty cycle!

All this of course is 100% correct, unless somebody says otherwise!
Cheers

yamaman · Posted: August 14, 2009, 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Help with lowering amp draw.

Yes, you can convert to a dual lobe points cam & run single points with a dual output (pamco ready) coil. that will cost you between $50 (heavy duty) & $75 (green meanie) + postage, or go straight for the pamco for $129 + post or $155 with the green meanie with free postage!

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