Hitchcocks Forum

Hello, I am trying to figure out how to put a charging light onto my bike, ie. a light that comes on when the battery is in a discharge mode.


Bike is 12 volt, regulator rectifier setup


The only thing I can think of is a current sensitive relay.


Has anyone tried this or know if it is possible


Thanks ..... Richard

What is wrong with the ammeter? The type of ammeter on Bullets flickers a lot because its cheap and the movement is not very well damped. Perhaps a very low voltage LED across the ammeter might work as this is like a diode and only switched on with the correct polarity, so since the current reverses between charge and discharge, the voltage must also change polarity. Just an untried idea. regards TrevorCH

I believe Al Osborne (AO Services) does a multicolour LED unit that does what you want?
REgards, Mark

To paraphrase Mr Caine, "i've had an idea" Thinking how to fit an ignition warning light that will illuminate when ignition on, engine stopped, and switch off when engine running but relight if batt charging/alternator fails.

The early 2000's Electric start models had a cut off device that prevented the starter being activated with the engine already running.. "presumably to assist the hard of hearing" This device was dropped in later years as deemed not necessary and only presented more reliability problems.

So as this 5 wire cut off device is still available as a spare, what about splicing it into the a.c. wires at the rectifier connector.

D.C. power in from any ignition (on) live wire in the vicinity, i.e. coil + live.

Live out from device used to feed starter switch but could now feed 4 watt warning lamp in nacelle.

Black wire 5 is the earth to frame.

If you have one already fitted controlling the starter, then why not splice in the warning lamp feed at the supply feed to the starter switch wiring connector, already sited in the nacelle.











I'm not sure how much AC power needs to be generated before cut off switch activated but it can't be much..

Retro fit into the left tool box as original.. Think the idea has legs…? cheers gwilly

Sorry trying to get a better shot of the diagram.. by the by original diagram by Mr Pete Snidal

Gwilly, looks good. I can get the part and will try it out. Thanks ..... Richard

Just checked the AO Services website, what you need is the Battery Status Monitor (Digital).
REgards, Mark

Paul Goff does a colour changing LED charge indicator. As regards the ammeter I have turned mine into a digital volt meter which tells what the battery voltage is whilst the ignition switch is turned on.
REgards PeteJ

AO services low voltage switch fits your criteria exactly. Our hosts LED Voltmeter part number 92070 will say a lot more about the state of the charge and can be fitted to the handlebar bracket.

Thanks again, looked at AO Systems and is exactly what I am looking for. Richard