Powering Centech and gerbings question

[Fightingpiper]

Am wiring in a centech fuse box. I want to power to go on and immediately off with the ignition so I don't want to tie into the accesory socket. I have the side tupperware off the bike but how do I access the parking light wires up front? What else do I need to remove to access the parking light wire?

 

Also what do you all use for controllers for your gerbings? I don't have any gerbings gear yet but since I have the tupperware off should I wire in permanet dual controller or do you guys find that the portable controller works better?

 

Thanks

[Ken H.]

I presume you're talking about triggering a relay that then switches battery power to your new Centech fuse block.

 

The easiest way is to actually run a lead all the way up to the light socket itself. You could find it in the wire harness coming off of the ZFE controller, but it's a lot of digging for no good reason.

 

Out of curiosity, why the concern with the delay shut down of the accc'y socket (as a relay trigger point)?

 

ISFA the Gerbings, I'd suggest sticking with their controller. All the connectors are color coded, and match, no warranty issues, etc. I like the portable controller as it lets me use the clothing for other purposes. But admittedly the permanent mounted ones eliminate a lot of the wire clutter around you.

[Fightingpiper]

I presume you're talking about triggering a relay that then switches battery power to your new Centech fuse block.

 

Out of curiosity, why the concern with the delay shut down of the accc'y socket (as a relay trigger point)?

 

ISFA the Gerbings, I'd suggest sticking with their controller. All the connectors are color coded, and match, no warranty issues, etc. I like the portable controller as it lets me use the clothing for other purposes. But admittedly the permanent mounted ones eliminate a lot of the wire clutter around you.

 

Yep it'll be powering a relay/harness that I got from Easternbeaver.com. I'm installing driving lights front and rear and just didn't think I wanted them staying on for a minute or so after I shut down the bike. Granted It easier to tap into the power socket so why make more work for myself.

 

I don't forsee me using the heated gear for anything other than riding, I was going to order gerbings permanet dual controller and mount it on the left side above the power socket. I don't think I want the wire clutter of the portable controllers.

 

Thanks!

[elkroeger]

As for the heat controller, there are two options: Dual or single. the dual is more versatile, if you're with a passenger. Or the other option - the way the jackets are wired, you can control the gloves separately from the jacket. Regulating the gloves separately from the jacket seemed unnecessary to me. There are two other things that influenced my decision between the single and dual controller: simplicity. One knob, no thinking, no fumbling. And space for two knobs was an issue. Have gerbing's explain the wiring to you, as it can be confusing. As for your question, portable, or permenant: I went with the permenant unit because I don't like fumbling around looking for the knob, which may or may not have moved since I touched it last - especially in heavy traffic, at night, etc... But you can velcro the thing down, or come up with other solutions. The portable unit is more versatile if you have two bikes, or use it for other purposes. My other half brings hers in the car and plugs into the cig lighter socket. That way I can turn the heat down, and we're both comfy.

[T__]

Am wiring in a centech fuse box. I want to power to go on and immediately off with the ignition so I don't want to tie into the accesory socket. I have the side tupperware off the bike but how do I access the parking light wires up front? What else do I need to remove to access the parking light wire?

 

Also what do you all use for controllers for your gerbings? I don't have any gerbings gear yet but since I have the tupperware off should I wire in permanet dual controller or do you guys find that the portable controller works better?

 

Thanks

 

 

Jeff, if riding alone I like the simplicity of the Gerbings single PULSE WIDTH type controller.. That uses less power than a resistor type controller & regulates extremely efficiently.. The controller clips to my coat so the controls are within very easy reach while riding..

 

Personally I like the stand alone controller (not bike mounted) as that allows my heated wear to be used on any bike I ride,, or even in any type vehicle.. I use my heated clothing on my plow tractor when plowing snow in the winter & have even used it in my truck for short trips as it heats much quicker than my truck interior does…Also works good in a boat when fishing in cold weather..

 

Twisty

[elkroeger]

I had a vest for a few years, then switched to the jacket. sorta depends on how cold you're riding in, for how far, and how comfy you want to be. Vest was fine for me most of the time, but then my commute increased from 18 miles r.t. to 60, and I had to switch to the jacket. I'm contemplating electric socks now too....

 

generally it was fine, but I thought the vest was a little inadequate simply due to the lack of sleeves. To get my arms insulated enough to stay warm (with another jacket), the vest added extra, uncomfortable bulk to my torso. With sleeves, it really simplifies what you're wearing. Just add a light sweater if you need to, or not. The vest all by itself wasn't useful to me. I needed to keep my arms warm with a jacket regardless.

 

just my $.02.

[notacop]

I'm using an OLD Widder controller on my Gerbing and it seems just fine. I use the dash BMW outlet and put a Hook-n-loop patch on the left side fairing and the grabby part on the controller so I can easily attach and adjust the controller.

In another application I just used the velco on the Aerostitch leg and put the controller there.

[Ken H.]

I'm installing driving lights front and rear and just didn't think I wanted them staying on for a minute or so after I shut down the bike.

Most driving lights have their own relay for switching them on/off. Connect the trigger of that relay to a source that shuts down immediately.

 

For the Gerbings the "auto off" feature works well as you walk away from the bike having forgotten to unplug your lead. DAMHIK.

[Fightingpiper]

For the Gerbings the "auto off" feature works well as you walk away from the bike having forgotten to unplug your lead. DAMHIK.

 

That is exactly the reason I went with bluetooth for communications to the helmet.