View Full Version : On/Off switch for heated vest
cpsseals
10-25-2007, 12:38 PM
During this time of the year, I require heated cloths, but not all the time. I just finished a 7-hour ride that saw temperatures from 34 to 68. My heated vest works very well at the cold temperatures but is too warm at the higher temperatures. To compound this, I was riding through the mountain passes and the temperatures can change around every bend. I had to stop the bike and plug back in to the male/female plug when I got cold.
When I got home I stopped at the hardware store and picked up a cheap, inline, mini lamp switch and mounted it on my vest power cord. I can now switch the vest on and off just by feeling the switch click. Eyes stay on the road. Why vests don't come with this $3.50 switch from the factory is a mystery.
Instal is simple, just take an 1/8" out of one of the wires, place into the switch and screw on the cover plate. The cover has 2 prongs that complete the circuit of the broken wire.
I have included pictures in case anyone else has the same problem and is looking for a simple solution.
Cheers, Al
Nice,
Might want to use some dielectric grease around the contacts and then seal it with black (the stuff with out ammonia) RTV silicone due to weather...
Mark
I think they perfer you to buy their $100 controller , I ran a on/off switch last year on a loaner jacket and it worked just fine :D
ConqSoft
10-25-2007, 02:15 PM
I forsee blown fuses in your future. :D Might want to find a more weatherproof switch to use. ;)
Or put the switch inside your weather proof jacket to keep it out of the elements... of course if it gets hot... OUCH!
Mark
cpsseals
10-25-2007, 03:21 PM
I bench tested it for a couple hours and the switch didn't heat up at all... thankfully the vest did! So I just tuck it under my jacket and pull it out when I need to turn in on and off. I am an avid scuba diver and have gallons of AquaSeal that I could use to make a 100% waterproof switch. But I'll try it the quick and simple way first. I'll will post any problems.
Cheers, Al
Uncle Phil
10-25-2007, 03:25 PM
I use a similiar setup for when I go to the U.K. on the rental bike. Had lots of rain and fog over there and never had a problem. Maybe I was just lucky.
I use a similiar setup for when I go to the U.K. on the rental bike. Had lots of rain and fog over there and never had a problem. Maybe I was just lucky.
Uncle Phil, you were born lucky!
:)
Mark
c-lapier
10-25-2007, 03:35 PM
My Gerbings liner offered a thermostatic "controller" <$60.00> or an on/off sw. <$13.00>.
cpsseals
10-25-2007, 03:41 PM
My Gerbings liner offered a thermostatic "controller" <$60.00> or an on/off sw. <$13.00>.
The maker of my vest didn't offer any such options, and it appeared that the other 3 guys I was riding with had the same problem I did. But if this works, and by the posts I have read in this thread are an indication that it will, it makes a very inexpensive alternative.
Uncle Phil
10-25-2007, 04:06 PM
MARK - You know, I guess you're right! ;)
Mellow
10-25-2007, 05:38 PM
My Gerbings liner offered a thermostatic "controller" <$60.00> or an on/off sw. <$13.00>.
Yeah.. I'm not so sure my on/off switch that came with my gerbing is all that much better than this option.. I've never taken it apart though to peek inside.
Jim Davis
10-25-2007, 11:37 PM
Ok, I read where ST owners pay over half a grand on a topbox and tons of money on PIAA lights, and they want to save a few bucks on electric plugs and now heated clothing controllers.
Cheap is cheap, but having to switch your heated clothing on and off sucks. It's better than unplugging/plugging in I guess.
A good controller is amazing. It keeps the temperature just right and rations out the power. It has a visual indicator of how much heat is on, and an easy adjust knob from zero to max power with infinite settings in between.
Powerlet's Single Digital Controller is $72, lasts forever and you get exactly the heat you want, not too much, then too little, and so on.
You spent a fortune on your ST, aux lights, topbox etc so spend a bit more and ride in real comfort.
Go ahead, you deserve it!
cpsseals
10-26-2007, 03:23 AM
It has a visual indicator of how much heat is on, and an easy adjust knob from zero to max power with infinite settings in between.
Powerlet's Single Digital Controller is $72
MMMM $72 for something to take my focus off the road? Cheap may be cheap, but simple and safe works just fine for me .
dduelin
10-26-2007, 05:33 AM
MMMM $72 for something to take my focus off the road? Cheap may be cheap, but simple and safe works just fine for me .It would seem to me that compared to constantly cycling the switch on and off to stay comfortable compared to setting it and forgetting it the latter takes less concentration and might be safer.
For occasional use I think the on/off switch is fine and for long period use an adjustable controller is the way to go.
Jim Davis
10-26-2007, 05:55 AM
MMMM $72 for something to take my focus off the road? Cheap may be cheap, but simple and safe works just fine for me .
No you've got it backwards. A controller means you don't have to keep taking your focus off the road to switch it.
Ask anyone who's used a controller after having a simple switch. You don't have to take my word for it.
Look, your switch idea was good for a heated vest with no switch, but face it, it does not come close to a real controller which allows you to get exactly the amount of heat you need and don't have to keep switching it.
Uncle Phil
10-26-2007, 06:26 AM
Hmmm, I've got both and use both - depending on the circumstances ... ;)
Mellow
10-26-2007, 07:16 AM
Mine is usually on or off... and I don't really find it annoying or particularly distracting to flip the switch.. but, I'm in TX and we have 2 seasons... 363 days of Hot and 2 ice days... go figure.
I was thinking of hooking my powerlet to one of these so it's easy to hit with my thumb... and just turn the whole powerlet off/on. Plus, I get two other switches for something.
http://www.wingstuff.com/images//store1/pgroups/20158_image1.gif
http://www.wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/238_Lighting_Accessories/20158_Black_Brake_Side_LED_Accessory_Switch_Block/?goto=%2Fpgroup_list%2Fgl1800%2F238_goldwing_Light ing_Accessories%2Fdes%2F
gregj
10-26-2007, 07:30 AM
That's very similar to the switch on an old pair of Widder gloves. Never had any problems with the switch in the rain. But it was a PITA turning it off and on. A controller is the way to go. I have Gerbing gloves with a dual portable controller, and is the cats arse. :D
Mine is usually on or off... and I don't really find it annoying or particularly distracting to flip the switch.. but, I'm in TX and we have 2 seasons... 363 days of Hot and 2 ice days... go figure.
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In CA we have all 4 seasons..
Riot
Fire
Earthquake
Mudslide
:D
Mellow
10-26-2007, 02:06 PM
In CA we have all 4 seasons..
Riot
Fire
Earthquake
Mudslide
:D
LOL....you don't say much these days.. but when you do.. :hat1:
cpsseals
10-26-2007, 02:20 PM
In Canada we have only 3 seasons...
1, Preparing for winter...
2, Winter...
3, and recovering from winter...
So I am almost the opposite of Mellow... Stays on most of the time and only have to turn it off once or twice on a long ride...
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