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Message |
ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
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 Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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| bluebeetle1968 wrote: |
| ZENVWDRIVER wrote: |
... why would you want your semaphores to flash, or blink? i'd think, if you were that concerned with others knowing your exact plan, you'd just add a set of conventional direction, blinking lights. So, there would be no confusion -
- other drivers don't think to look anywhere special for your change in direction - they just expect that everyone plays the same game - advising others, what your intentions are.
In conjunction with using my non-blinking semaphores, I use hand signals, about 100 feet before my turn and that tells other drivers, 1. that I am driving an old car and 2. that I am stopping, turning left or turning right - hand signals are discussed in most learning driver manuals. So, others should realize your intentions - the old fashioned way.
My first cars were a 1946 Chrysler Windsor and 1948 Plymouth convertible Neither had conventional direction indicators and only one center stop light - hand signals were the rule - returning to basic courtesy is all the fun of owning a pre 1955 vehicle. |
Over here in the UK - the modern motorist seemingly has no knowledge of arm signals...
While it is included in the highway code for the benefit of people riding horses it is no longer included on the test.... So people simply have no idea what the arm signals even mean - especially if your intention is to turn left and you signal that as such from the right hand side of the car! (My oval, like all standard UK cars is RHD...)
I have taken to wearing a long sleeve fluorescent jacket to ensure that my arm is visible to those behind me also – as especially while driving above 50MPH or so the semaphores simply do not function as intended, as they do not latch back down…
The users of our motorways are simply not even looking for someone giving arm signals at motorway speeds…
The blinking of the semaphore adds something in order to grab the attention of the modern road users who are so conditioned as to look for a flashing turn signal…
Additional high-level stop lights also guard against being rear-ended as low-down snowflakes again are simply invisible to the modern motorist – along with the attitude of “Oh its only a cheap old Beetle…” |
... all good points. if ever go to the UK, I'll remember everything you suggested - hope I can find a nice RHD TVR Vixen to drive around, instead of a bug.. you guys have all the best sports cars.
_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON
All super-heroes, wear a MASK |
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rod_vw
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2006
Posts: 416
Location: Shropshire, UK
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| Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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As 'bluebeetle1968' very correctly says above, driving an early car equipped only with semaphore indicators on British roads is a nightmare. He has the advantage over me in that his car is RHD, mine is LHD so even worse.
To try to alleviate the problem I have used LED bulbs all round EXCEPT the semaphores. It was my intention to fit the flashing LED festoon units shown by this supplier http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/festoon-bulbs.php .
However when I came to fit them I found that although quite compatible with VW semaphores I could not get them in through the small bulb access hole on my late semaphores so I would have to dismantle them to install. Having brand new Semaphores I was reluctant to do this so retained the normal bulbs.
To augment the semaphores I have added LED flashing indicators on front and rear bumpers wired to work in unison with the semaphores (twin discretely fitted flasher relays one for Left one for Right). The lights are plug & socket connected and are easily removable to make the car look more correct if required. Unfortunately 'pastellgreen' these may not pass German TUV approval but will be OK for me to come to Bad Camberg in June.
For information all the other LED bulbs that I purchased from the above supplier are superb making all the lights on a 1946 Beetle compatible with normal driving. I have abandoned originality in the rear light having fitted dual filament bulb holders and wiring to provide for additional brake lights.
The headlights are very bright but the design of early lenses does not present a defined light pattern but accepting that antiquity the car is quite drive-able at night within the speeds available from a 25ps engine!
_________________
Rod,
Please visit http://www.historicvws.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/historicvwclub/
1946 Beetle (Back on the road after over 50 years! Last major outing - Hessisch Oldendorf 2022)
2016 T6 Selfbuild Camper and a LWB MAN TGE in build. |
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pastellgreen
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 1049
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2019 5:21 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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| karmann1952 wrote: |
Here´s a good link! I have this relais in both cars!
http://www.rettung-fuer-den-winker.de
Vitus Huber from Munich produce this special relais.
Everything is working! Both semaphores also come out
and blink by emergency blinking 
Vitus his still selling them...
Greetings from germany
Claus |
Due to German law, I have also this special relay on my split making the semaphores blinking together with the dual filament in the rear litght... It is the most reliable, proper way to get the semaphores and rear lights working like that, without beeing in need of special bulbs or leds. I would always go with that. Also, I put this relay into my '61 because I had to install warning lights. Without this relay, there was no other way to get a positive result. |
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Splitdog
Samba Split Personality
Joined: February 16, 2004
Posts: 4125
Location: Planet VW
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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When I restored my '51 I added an extra wire in the rear harness and dual filament bulbholders. My semas, taillights, and indicator bulb flash together due to a trailer brake over ride device under the hood. 
_________________
CH³NO²
Z = z² + C
Der Blitzkrieg Kafers
#notacallooker |
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bluebeetle1968
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2013
Posts: 69
Location: Swindon, UK
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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| ZENVWDRIVER wrote: |
... why would you want your semaphores to flash, or blink? i'd think, if you were that concerned with others knowing your exact plan, you'd just add a set of conventional direction, blinking lights. So, there would be no confusion -
- other drivers don't think to look anywhere special for your change in direction - they just expect that everyone plays the same game - advising others, what your intentions are.
In conjunction with using my non-blinking semaphores, I use hand signals, about 100 feet before my turn and that tells other drivers, 1. that I am driving an old car and 2. that I am stopping, turning left or turning right - hand signals are discussed in most learning driver manuals. So, others should realize your intentions - the old fashioned way.
My first cars were a 1946 Chrysler Windsor and 1948 Plymouth convertible Neither had conventional direction indicators and only one center stop light - hand signals were the rule - returning to basic courtesy is all the fun of owning a pre 1955 vehicle. |
Over here in the UK - the modern motorist seemingly has no knowledge of arm signals...
While it is included in the highway code for the benefit of people riding horses it is no longer included on the test.... So people simply have no idea what the arm signals even mean - especially if your intention is to turn left and you signal that as such from the right hand side of the car! (My oval, like all standard UK cars is RHD...)
I have taken to wearing a long sleeve fluorescent jacket to ensure that my arm is visible to those behind me also – as especially while driving above 50MPH or so the semaphores simply do not function as intended, as they do not latch back down…
The users of our motorways are simply not even looking for someone giving arm signals at motorway speeds…
The blinking of the semaphore adds something in order to grab the attention of the modern road users who are so conditioned as to look for a flashing turn signal…
Additional high-level stop lights also guard against being rear-ended as low-down snowflakes again are simply invisible to the modern motorist – along with the attitude of “Oh its only a cheap old Beetle…”
_________________
Jan 1968 1500cc - The family project! Celebrating 30 years off the road....
June 1957 "Big Window" Oval Beetle! Yes it does really exist.... |
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ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:56 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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... why would you want your semaphores to flash, or blink? i'd think, if you were that concerned with others knowing your exact plan, you'd just add a set of conventional direction, blinking lights. So, there would be no confusion -
- other drivers don't think to look anywhere special for your change in direction - they just expect that everyone plays the same game - advising others, what your intentions are.
In conjunction with using my non-blinking semaphores, I use hand signals, about 100 feet before my turn and that tells other drivers, 1. that I am driving an old car and 2. that I am stopping, turning left or turning right - hand signals are discussed in most learning driver manuals. So, others should realize your intentions - the old fashioned way.
My first cars were a 1946 Chrysler Windsor and 1948 Plymouth convertible Neither had conventional direction indicators and only one center stop light - hand signals were the rule - returning to basic courtesy is all the fun of owning a pre 1955 vehicle.
_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON
All super-heroes, wear a MASK |
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Markosz
Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2011
Posts: 3
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:52 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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I have recently bought a 51 split. it have been sitting in a barn for a long time.
Yesterday we put some 6v power on the split, and my semaphore's popped out and starting to blink.. The semaphore's are not the correct ones for 51'' (ther for 53'''/55''
But i cant find out yet how i comes ther ''blinking''.. |
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JPB1
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017
Posts: 52
Location: Hawaii
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2019 8:47 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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| Bruce wrote: |
Does anyone know if the quality of these has improved? |
Were there problems?
I've did not have any, and I've been using them for over 10 months now, on a near daily driver
Do tell.... |
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Bruce
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003
Posts: 17290
Location: Left coast, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2019 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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Does anyone know if the quality of these has improved?
_________________
| overheard at the portland Swap Meet... wrote: |
| ..... a steering wheel made from a mastadon tusk..... |
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mikeandkirsti
Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2009
Posts: 286
Location: EU
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2019 5:03 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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Not having read all the above as it might have been discussed, but you can buy a semaphore bulb that blinks. Just swap the bulb and the light will blink when the semaphore is up. No wiring, no relais, nothing. Just a new bulb.
That would be my choice. I am however not in need of blinkers or any of the crap, I just use the semaphores as they came from the factory with no issues so far (34 years of driving with just sems). |
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bluebeetle1968
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2013
Posts: 69
Location: Swindon, UK
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| Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 4:47 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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I have been working on the flashing LED festoons for semaphores....
Once I have them ready to go I will post more info!
Should be reasonably priced too....
_________________
Jan 1968 1500cc - The family project! Celebrating 30 years off the road....
June 1957 "Big Window" Oval Beetle! Yes it does really exist.... |
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dave1
Samba Member
Joined: September 12, 2003
Posts: 478
Location: United Kingdom, London
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| Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:26 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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I have a led blinking bulb on my 12v semaphores & they work great. You can also get 6v ones which I will put into my 6v split beetle once ready
Items purchased from vw just kamper in the UK |
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Splitdog
Samba Split Personality
Joined: February 16, 2004
Posts: 4125
Location: Planet VW
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| Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:22 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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My split is 12 volt, and I ran an extra wire in the rear harness for dual filament brake/running lights in the rear. Then a flashing circuit so my blinkers (rear only) and semaphore flash together. Light bulbs. Looks proper, and bright. (for a '51).....
_________________
CH³NO²
Z = z² + C
Der Blitzkrieg Kafers
#notacallooker |
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JPB1
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017
Posts: 52
Location: Hawaii
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| Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2019 8:42 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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Splitdog, solved a bad harness issue (original), makes it safer to drive at night, greatly lowers battery consumption (6V).
Can have the radio and full beams on without diming; use the technology out there to enhance the rideability/safety; everything is reversible back to stock if needed.
Alot of people said the same, offered suggestions to find the problem, nothing worked - this did; old cars are just old
[one day I'll do a harness replacement, not yet - with this stop gap measure] |
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avw1973
Samba Member
Joined: September 14, 2012
Posts: 51
Location: Winston-Salem
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| Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2019 5:23 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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| On a 1959 with semaphores. I used two switches on the column. Easy reversible solution. I was going to run an extra wire to bulb in the semaphore. My concern is that the driver behind me would not have a clue what the flashing on the side was for. |
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15window
Samba Member
Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 89
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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I got my 6volt led flashing festoon bulbs for my semaphores from Greg at http://www.vintagewarehouse.com/store/index.php
Work great, very bright, and just plug and play, 5 min job  |
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Splitdog
Samba Split Personality
Joined: February 16, 2004
Posts: 4125
Location: Planet VW
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| Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:06 pm Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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LED's in a vintage car? 
_________________
CH³NO²
Z = z² + C
Der Blitzkrieg Kafers
#notacallooker |
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JPB1
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017
Posts: 52
Location: Hawaii
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| Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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Could not load a video of the blinking Semaphores: 31mm AMBER FLASHING FESTOON BULB Choose type: EA2D - 6v 31mm with 7mm pointed caps (see below)
These are a simple remove out old bulb insert LED!
That simple - works great
LEDs http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/
Semaphores: 31mm AMBER FLASHING FESTOON BULB
Choose type: EA2D - 6v 31mm with 7mm pointed caps
Rear license plate light: WHITE FESTOON BULBS
Choose: Voltage and Size: 6v 36mm long ED2C
Heart tail lights and Hella Stop lights: 5W 12 LED BA15s RED
Choose Type: 6v BA15s Neg earth - AA2B
Front headlights, parking light: BA9s LED Bulb
Choose Voltage: 6/12v DIFFUSED - CE2B
Front Headlights: 5th generation H4 replacements (6V) – 6H4 5th Gen
DIPPED BEAM FIX KIT
Item# DBFK Choose Quantity: Buy 2 DBFK2
Reflector – semi-seal-beam
7" 6-Volt Stock Style H4 Headlight 55/60W 6V Halogen Super White Light Bulb Pair
https://www.octanelighting.com/ |
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JPB1
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017
Posts: 52
Location: Hawaii
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| Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 10:22 am Post subject: Re: Can the semaphores be made to blink? |
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LEDs http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/
Semaphores: 31mm AMBER FLASHING FESTOON BULB
Choose type: EA2D - 6v 31mm with 7mm pointed caps
Rear license plate light: WHITE FESTOON BULBS
Choose: Voltage and Size: 6v 36mm long ED2C
Heart tail lights and Hella Stop lights: 5W 12 LED BA15s RED
Choose Type: 6v BA15s Neg earth - AA2B
Front headlights, parking light: BA9s LED Bulb
Choose Voltage: 6/12v DIFFUSED - CE2B
Front Headlights: 5th generation H4 replacements (6V) – 6H4 5th Gen
DIPPED BEAM FIX KIT
Item# DBFK Choose Quantity: Buy 2 DBFK2
Reflector – semi-seal-beam
7" 6-Volt Stock Style H4 Headlight 55/60W 6V Halogen Super White Light Bulb Pair
https://www.octanelighting.com/ |
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kenbug67
Samba Member
Joined: February 02, 2009
Posts: 36
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| Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 4:28 am Post subject: Running snowflake |
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Hi all,
I assume most of you are using chip's wonderful product? I was looking at all the discussions on flashing semaphores.and LEDs and the wiring diagrams .. Seems to have flashing semaphores, flashing signal and the snowflake portion as the running light only .. It can't be done. Can some one help?? Seems the easiest way is for the snowflake to flash only and the stop / running lights to run same circuit...
I really want to have snowflake as the running lights and the the rest of the vertical LEDs (assume talking with respect to chips product) to work as signal/stop. Bearing in mind we are using flashing semaphores.. Did I confuse anyone?
Ken |
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