Marker Lights Interrupt / Headlight Flash To Pass

richard5933 · February 08, 2020, 05:29:26 AM

My 4108 has an on-off-on toggle for the lights. To one side turns on the marker lights, to the other side turns on the marker lights plus the headlights.

On newer coaches and trucks, there are two other switches. One switch will momentarily interrupt the marker lights, and the other will momentarily flash the headlights.

I'm doing training to upgrade my CDL from class B to class A, so this is my first time in a modern tractor. Those switches are sure handier than flipping that toggle on & off.

Has anyone tried to add these features to their bus?

chessie4905 · February 08, 2020, 11:13:48 AM

Just change your switches to add a momentary position to them or add a momentary switch. While you are at it, add a setup that flashes your turn signal a number of times, then shuts off like some newer vehicles. Some cameras on side mirrors that are activated when turn signal is energized would also be nice.

luvrbus · February 09, 2020, 07:22:27 PM

My Country Coach has those features on the steering (Smart) wheel and easy to use with both hands on the steering wheel

sledhead · February 10, 2020, 05:40:12 AM

I have a momentary switch on the left side of the interment panel for marker lights and it is great to say thanks to truckers for letting me in. But I have noticed that lately not to many flash me back as I flash them to let them know they have passed ok ?

times have changed

dave

dtcerrato · February 10, 2020, 05:59:46 AM

YES! Times have changed across the spectrum... After 38 years of multiplex CB equipment in the bus - it's all gone & been remodeled...

bobofthenorth · February 10, 2020, 03:31:34 PM

Quote from: sledhead on February 10, 2020, 05:40:12 AMBut I have noticed that lately not to many flash me back as I flash them to let them know they have passed ok ?

times have changed

Too many steering wheel holders. Not enough drivers.

richard5933 · February 10, 2020, 08:50:42 PM

I was taught to "talk to the trucker" when i learned to drive a car in the 70s. Back then nearly all would respond with a blink of their marker/tail lights. I still do this whether in my car or the bus. I'd say I get a response about half the time nowadays, if that.

After staring at the wiring diagram some more it seems that all the wiring I need is in the driver's electrical compartment under my left hand. For the marker lights, I would need to pull one wire (feeding the marker lights in the switch) from the terminal strip and run it through a momentary NC switch and then back to the marker light terminal the current switch). That would interrupt the markers by adding the momentary switch to the feed.

For the headlights, I would need to tap a second power lead from the terminal feeding the headlight switch, run it through a momentary NO switch, and then to the terminal going to the headlight dimmer switch hi-beams piggy backing on the original feed.

Unless I missed something, this might be easier than I thought. Both momentary switches would be mounted to my left where they are easy to reach. Might even have two blank holes there.

Jim Blackwood · February 11, 2020, 08:24:31 AM

Didn't they used to have buttons on the floor for that?

Jim

Dave5Cs · February 11, 2020, 08:39:15 AM

I have three switches. #1 is headlights and markers+ clearance.
#2 is flashers.
#3 is clearance lights only. With this one I can flash the clearance lights or turn them off without turning off the headlights.

richard5933 · February 11, 2020, 10:42:06 AM

Quote from: Jim Blackwood on February 11, 2020, 08:24:31 AM
Didn't they used to have buttons on the floor for that?

Jim

Don't believe GM did that, at least not on this model. I think on transit buses the turn signals are floor buttons.

Jim Eh. · February 11, 2020, 11:46:22 AM

If you use a 5 terminal relay disrupt the output of the circuit you wish to "flash" connecting them to terminal 30 and terminal 87a. (NC terminals)
Once you energize the relay the light switch output will go to 87 a null terminal (nothing connected to it)and the lights will flash to off. If you wish to flash multiple circuits at the same time simply energize multiple relays with the same momentary switch. It won't overload the momentary switch as all you are powering is a small coil(s).

I once set up a truck with the output (87) going to my fog lights relay to get a wigwag effect so you would not be without forward facing white lights but you should use a diode equipped relay for that. (Fun with circuits 101)

Runcutter · February 12, 2020, 12:20:46 PM

Richard, if I recall correctly, the switch you're talking about is a horizontal 2-position, center off toggle. (Last time I drove a 4905 in service was probably 1976 or so, I'm assuming 4108 has the same instrument panel). If the switch is to one side, you have both headlights/markers; the other is markers only. Again, dim memory, but if it was in either position, moving it straight to the other side (passing center), then back, gave two flashes as the switch passed the center off position. Job done.

Are you thinking of a lot of work for little value? (Or is my memory faulty)?

Arthur