Topbox Brake Light flash Module
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601 Posts
Thanks, I will do further tests combining different pins if you have brake lights on yours
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601 Posts
Went to the dealer today, they told me the CanBUS programmation for the B is not the same as the GA for the topcase connector.
I don't know if there is a way to change that ?
If it's too complicated, I'll just take the power from one of the cases brake lights
I took pictures of the GA connectors while there
I don't know if there is a way to change that ?
If it's too complicated, I'll just take the power from one of the cases brake lights
I took pictures of the GA connectors while there
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@Snowboy On my B I confirmed what you found: Voltage does not change on any of those pins when brakes are applied. Only 3 pins had 12V power (constant) - there was 1 pin with 7 volts and the others were 0.
So, as your dealer said, even though the wires may be there, they are probably shut down via the bike's programming configuration. Sounds like your dealer is reluctant to turn them on or doesn't know how.
While I had the seat off I poked around a bit and it looks fairly easy to pull your brake light power from either the left or right pannier wiring which is easily accessible. The wires are even exposed so you could use a positap fairly easily. There are quick disconnect plugs (one each side) so you should be able to pop the connector loose and determine which is the brake light power and test with your new light to see if there are any CanBus errors before you take the plunge.
I might do something like this myself but the B already has pretty good exposure with those 2 huge pannier stop lights so if I add anything it would need to be up much higher to make any difference - Like the top of the OEM top case.
So, as your dealer said, even though the wires may be there, they are probably shut down via the bike's programming configuration. Sounds like your dealer is reluctant to turn them on or doesn't know how.
While I had the seat off I poked around a bit and it looks fairly easy to pull your brake light power from either the left or right pannier wiring which is easily accessible. The wires are even exposed so you could use a positap fairly easily. There are quick disconnect plugs (one each side) so you should be able to pop the connector loose and determine which is the brake light power and test with your new light to see if there are any CanBus errors before you take the plunge.
I might do something like this myself but the B already has pretty good exposure with those 2 huge pannier stop lights so if I add anything it would need to be up much higher to make any difference - Like the top of the OEM top case.
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601 Posts
Finished the job yesterday and guess what... The strobe won't work.
There is a single wire for running light and brake, thus there is a constant 2.15v that lights the LED low and when you apply the brakes, it jumps to 12v and the LED goes full power. Ground is brown, brake light is Blue on the pannier connector.
I used a sealed quick connector for when I remove the Shad plate from the bike.
Good news is my Shad plate LED does both functions but since the current never goes to 0 v, the strobe circuit cannot be triggered as is. I will look into it to see if there is an easy solution.
There is a single wire for running light and brake, thus there is a constant 2.15v that lights the LED low and when you apply the brakes, it jumps to 12v and the LED goes full power. Ground is brown, brake light is Blue on the pannier connector.
I used a sealed quick connector for when I remove the Shad plate from the bike.
Good news is my Shad plate LED does both functions but since the current never goes to 0 v, the strobe circuit cannot be triggered as is. I will look into it to see if there is an easy solution.
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15 Posts
I actually just started another post regarding this. I just got a 2018 GA and it has only Brake Light for the top case. I am also looking for information to convert it to Running Light and Brake Light.
If anyone has done that successfully, kindly share the details.
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10,122 Posts
For the K1600GT/GTL the Skene IQ-160 converts the top case 'brake only' light to run/brake. Pretty good bet it will work with the GA. I'd give them a call/email.
http://www.lights.skenedesign.com/K1600-IQ-160.shtml
Duane
http://www.lights.skenedesign.com/K1600-IQ-160.shtml
Duane
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15 Posts
Thank you. I will do it tomorrow itself
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601 Posts
I asked the dealer and they said the GA is not programmed like the B, thus why the connector does not have all the lights.
Maybe someone knowing how the BMW programming works can solve this easily.
I just installed a quick connector on the brake wires to feed my added brake LED light
** Wiring of the B/GA is different from the GT/GTL
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2,941 Posts
A skeene is a good option, but a better option, if you think you'll be doing more stuff, is a Hex ezCan (or Denali CanSmart). Why have 3-4 modules you have to install vs. 1 that does everything in a tiny clean package? It costs a bit more, but if you plan to add driving lights and other accessories, it is the better way to go.
Clearwater is the Cadillac of all these.
All of these you have to cobble and splice wires. Makes no sense. Clearwater you do none of that. Very clean and looks factory
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10,122 Posts
@mkr1966, you'll get no argument from me with regard to the Clearwater offering plug/play solution for the top case. I've been modifying my '12 GT for over 7 years, many, many, many... But when I bought the GT there was little, if any, after market support. If/when I buy a newer bike I'll attack lights, front/rear/run/brake, etc, ONE time and Clearwater would be a logical choice. It would be hard to justify the Clearwater expense 'just' to convert the top case to run/brake.
Duane
Duane
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2,941 Posts
I had the Clearwater. . Functionally is certainly similar. But, I sold the Clearwater CanOpener for the ezCan. If the Clearwater is the Cadillac, then the exCan is the Ferrari.
The ezCan is entirely self-contained, switching, fusing, everything. For the ClearWater, you needed external relays and fuses for some stuff...it only provides triggers.
The ezCan is one box about the size of a Bic lighter. The Clearwater was 2-3 similar sized boxes interconnected with wires and by the time you add the relays and fuses...it is a much messier design.
Clearwater makes great stuff (I have Clearwater lights and swear by them) and they were out long before the ezCan and I have not doubt the CanOpener functions well, but the ezCan design is far superior.
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