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Auto-cancel Turn Signal Design

PotvinGuy

Well-Known Member
Staff member
If you use a hot rod steering column (no turn signals, etc), then you either strap on one of those ugly turn signal boxes to it, or cobble up some kind of manual turn signals. There are auto-cancel turn signal units, but I haven’t found one that I like. They are all fixed-timer based and often require pressing a button multiple times depending on the situation. I want something simple to use and a little smarter. So I’m making one just for us. And I’d like your input before I finalize the design.

I envision 3 turn signal situations: 1) lane change, 2) turning without braking, and 3) stopping at a traffic sign or light and waiting to make your turn.

Here are the specs for our unit as of today: when you press a button (or toggle or rocker) to signal a turn, the turn lights will flash for a period. This period is user adjustable from 2 to 10 seconds. Pressing the button again during flashing will reset the timer and a full flashing period will follow. This should cover situations #1 and #2. For #3 (waiting to make your turn), when you apply brakes while the turn lights are flashing, the timer resets, but will begin timing again only when the brakes are released. So the lights continue to flash while you are waiting and then when you release brakes and are making your turn, the lights continue to flash for a full period.

The unit also has a hazard function, which flashes all turn lights while it is on.

Now most wiring kits supply an old fashion “can” flasher that won’t work with LEDs. So you either buy a flasher that is designed for LEDs or you buy resistors that add enough load to make the flasher work. Either way is $10-$15 and you have more stuff to wire and mount. I can do the flashing in the unit for $1. And could easily make it adjustable if that would be of interest.

Can you think of any other situations requiring turn signals?

Do you see any problems with the specs as described above?

Any other functions you would like the unit to have?

I’ve got the circuit designed and will breadboard it for testing. And then put the prototype in my bucket and road test it. Stay tuned.
 
I assume you're planning to use a microcontroller for the brain, but what are you thinking for the light driver. . . I've used a lot of high side driver IC's for things like this so that you switch the +12V supply to the load, so that the common/chassis ground works as usual.

They work way better than P channel mosfets and work with inductive loads as well.

I would think that maybe 5 to 25 or 6 to 30 seconds would be a better range to select within than 2 to 10
 
I assume you're planning to use a microcontroller for the brain, but what are you thinking for the light driver. . . I've used a lot of high side driver IC's for things like this so that you switch the +12V supply to the load, so that the common/chassis ground works as usual.

They work way better than P channel mosfets and work with inductive loads as well.

I would think that maybe 5 to 25 or 6 to 30 seconds would be a better range to select within than 2 to 10
No, I'm old school, relays and ICs and even transistors! Light driver...I was thinking power transistor or FET. Or maybe just a tough old relay; that'll drive any lights the user might dream up.
Timing: lane change might need a few seconds. Where would you need 25 or 30 seconds? And you can keep hitting the button if more time is needed. I could add buttons with different times, but hate to add complication. But range is no problem; I can make it 2 to 30 and let the user decide.
 
2) turning without braking,
Maybe turning without stopping would be a better description when you go to sell your unit.

For #3 (waiting to make your turn), when you apply brakes while the turn lights are flashing, the timer resets, but will begin timing again only when the brakes are released. So the lights continue to flash while you are waiting and then when you release brakes and are making your turn, the lights continue to flash for a full period.
Would this be the same as starting a timer when the brake pedel is released after setting at the stop light?

Any other functions you would like the unit to have?
Can it call a rollback wrecker from your insurance company after 30 minutes??? ;)

I’ve got the circuit designed and will breadboard it for testing. And then put the prototype in my bucket and road test it. Stay tuned.
I wish I could these kind of things. If it's mechanical it takes $K of dollars for the machine shop, but when it's electronic it's much easier and less costly.
 
Would this be the same as starting a timer when the brake pedel is released after setting at the stop light? Can it call a rollback wrecker from your insurance company after 30 minutes??? ;)
Yes, functionally exactly. The internal timer is held from starting until the brake is released. Yes, I call it the "Indy Option." The unit calls AAA when it detects you screaming and stomping your feet :whistling:
 
Not sure I understand the need for timing during lane changes , I.e. turn em on when I'm ready , turn em off when I'm done ..??
 
Yes, I call it the "Indy Option." The unit calls AAA when it detects you screaming and stomping your feet :whistling:
Cool, I couldn't think of a better name if I tried !!!

Why can't I put in the phone number that suits me best??? Why triple AAA? :sneaky::sneaky:
Just kidding of course, sound wonderful so far!
 
Not sure I understand the need for timing during lane changes , I.e. turn em on when I'm ready , turn em off when I'm done ..??
Why not, you don't have to install it if you are happy with what you have???
No one is forcing you to accept this and install them.
 
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I've had AAA come get me 3 times in the last 5 years. They have haulers everywhere, come quick and will take you 100 miles no charge. And if it's gas or a jump they have that too. Damn good bargain.
 
Will you have separate outputs; one for right and one for left? Only reason I ask is because I use microswitches on mine, one for each side.
 
Will you have separate outputs; one for right and one for left? Only reason I ask is because I use microswitches on mine, one for each side.
I think you mean inputs? Yes, the unit will work with 2 buttons or a 3-position toggle or rocker. A toggle or rocker would have a center-off position with momentary left and right positions.
 
I have 2 microswitches, one for right and one for left. Each circuit has a LED timer (after the switch) for flashing and are independent of each other., except for the earth.
 
I have 2 microswitches, one for right and one for left. Each circuit has a LED timer (after the switch) for flashing and are independent of each other., except for the earth.
Interesting. How do you switch them off and on? Are the microswitches like toggles, with on and off positions?
 
There is a lever on the top of the column which goes down via a rod to the bottom. The rod has a bar fixed to it which goes to one or other of the microswitches and completes the circuit. I tried many ideas to make an indent that feels like a normal car ending up with a S Steel 'spring' (its a part from the inside of a wiper blade) bent to locate the bar in line with the switch lever; if you see what I mean.

I have to return the signal lever manually but once its out of the detent it centres back on its on.

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Very interesting and sounds like attractive offering depending on price. I'm using "Blinkie" system which appears to have similar functionality.
Looking forward to following your thread.
 
There is a lever on the top of the column which goes down via a rod to the bottom. The rod has a bar fixed to it which goes to one or other of the microswitches and completes the circuit. I tried many ideas to make an indent that feels like a normal car ending up with a S Steel 'spring' (its a part from the inside of a wiper blade) bent to locate the bar in line with the switch lever; if you see what I mean.

I have to return the signal lever manually but once its out of the detent it centres back on its on.
Extraordinary workmanship. You have way more moxie than me!
 
Very interesting and sounds like attractive offering depending on price. I'm using "Blinkie" system which appears to have similar functionality.
Looking forward to following your thread.
Wow, is that the Blinkie that costs $400 or so? It is a very good looking piece. With mine there would be nothing on the column. You could put the buttons or switches wherever works best for you. And the unit could go under the dash or seat or most anyplace. I'll post updates on progress.
 
No, mine is the $275 dash version, or wherever, (see picture), not the version with aluminum housing that attaches to steering column. Yes, was a bit pricey but a nice unit. Have had it about 3 years.

Looking forward to viewing your progress.
 

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