lighting coil output & LED bulbs

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dingerjunkie
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lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by dingerjunkie »

Hello All,

Further along in the process with my KDX250 and I have an electrical question. This could relate to all KDX models, which is why I posted out f the model-specific section.

Is the output of the lighting coil AC or DC in the stock configuration? I'm considering running LED tail lights and possibly Cyclops LED front lights, and I know they require DC...and thus a full-wave rectifier if stock coil output is AC.

Anyone out there familiar enough to provide a clue?
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Re: lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by IDRIDR »

Timely question for me as well. My new-to-me 220 has no lights but I'll be adding some. Likely an LED tail light and a used Trail Tech X2 halogen and perhaps an extra LED light bar up front.
I think the output is AC but let's hear from the pros. I saw on another forum someone installing an AC to DC converter instead of a rectifier.

I'd like to see your Cyclops when its up and running.
2003 KDX 220. RB Carb & Head Mods. Desert pipe. She's a runner!
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Julien D
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Re: lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by Julien D »

The KDX electrical system is AC. Hope this helps you!
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Re: lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by bufftester »

It is an AC output with frame as ground. To covert to a battery enabled system you have to float the ground from the lighting stator off the frame and rework all your lighting to route all the grounds to the negative terminal of the battery. Not difficult to do. A rectifier is an AC-DC converter. To run LEDs you could just wire a rectifier in a half-wave configuration then you don't have to worry about changing grounds or adding a battery (though a battery helps smooth things out electrically).
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lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by dingerjunkie »

Thanks...will plan on wiring in a rectifier...no battery desired.
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lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by SS109 »

Unless the LEDs have an electronic controller you can run them on A/C. I know this works as I have run LEDs off of the stock A/C system on my KDX. Remember, a rectifier is basically a series of diodes which LED's are (LED = Light Emitting Diode). Just wire in an appropriate sized capacitor to help smooth out the current. Simpler and cheaper!
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lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by IDRIDR »

SS109 wrote:Unless the LEDs have an electronic controller you can run them on A/C. I know this works as I have run LEDs off of the stock A/C system on my KDX. Remember, a rectifier is basically a series of diodes which LED's are (LED = Light Emitting Diode). Just wire in an appropriate sized capacitor to help smooth out the current. Simpler and cheaper!
Good to know, thank you.

What about halogen bulbs? http://www.trailtech.net/lighting/halog ... ht_type=48
How do we determine the appropriate capacitor size?
2003 KDX 220. RB Carb & Head Mods. Desert pipe. She's a runner!
2006 KLX 250 w/351 big bore. A well-sorted dual sporter.
2006 KLR 650. Mostly stock.
2014 Suzuki DL1000.
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lighting coil output & LED bulbs

Post by SS109 »

IDRIDR wrote:
SS109 wrote:Unless the LEDs have an electronic controller you can run them on A/C. I know this works as I have run LEDs off of the stock A/C system on my KDX. Remember, a rectifier is basically a series of diodes which LED's are (LED = Light Emitting Diode). Just wire in an appropriate sized capacitor to help smooth out the current. Simpler and cheaper!
Good to know, thank you.

What about halogen bulbs? http://www.trailtech.net/lighting/halog ... ht_type=48
How do we determine the appropriate capacitor size?
Halogens will run on A/C. I'm not really sure on how to pick a capacitor. My lights worked well enough I didn't use one but was told it could help if I needed it. I would look for something online to figure it out or talk with an electrical guru. IIRC, we have one or two members that are electrical gurus.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
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