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View Full Version : Map Light Attempt

crazykz
03-27-2005, 08:18 PM
I've been looking for a way to put a light under my dash to help light up my tankbag area when I need to read a map. I decided to get a small neon 3" light for car accents to try and see if it would work. I believe if it's dark enough it would work but we'll have to wait and see.

If this one doesn't work at least I have 12V under the dash and a small box to store any electronics in with a switch on it.

Got all the parts at RadioShack and the light at Advanced Auto Parts. Redid the light wiring so I could reuse the power connector. I managed to find a matching female for it at RadioShack. I'll include some pics of it here.

BTW, Velcro has an industrial adhesive version which works great on aluminum. They also have one for vinyl now that works great on connectors.

Curt
sherob
03-27-2005, 08:27 PM
You are killing me... that is so cool! :D
CruisingDog
03-28-2005, 02:23 AM
Doesn't your GPS have a backlit display or haven't you added a GPS yet ?
crazykz
03-28-2005, 08:16 AM
Doesn't your GPS have a backlit display or haven't you added a GPS yet ?

I have a 2610 mounted on the shelf. The GPS does have a backlit display but it's not enough light to light up the tank bag area. I use maps and the GPS. I use the GPS for guidance and the map for a wider overview of where I'm going.

I have an LED light that I velcro to the front of the tankbag that has suited me well but I'm trying to take it to the next level. I want to be able to read it at a flip of a switch and not have to worry about holding something or fiddling with something while I'm looking at it. I'm being picky but that's what I do.

Thanks,
Curt
lddave
03-28-2005, 09:05 AM
I have used a Little Lite gooseneck lite attached to the dash shelf. The on off switch is a reostat type with varing levels of light output. It has a clear and red tinted light lense cover. The red lense worked best because my eyes did not have a problem refocusing back to night driving after looking at the maps which was the problem with the clear lens. I removed it a while back when I defarkled the ST a few months back.
crazykz
03-28-2005, 09:21 AM
I have used a Little Lite gooseneck lite attached to the dash shelf. The on off switch is a reostat type with varing levels of light output. It has a clear and red tinted light lense cover. The red lense worked best because my eyes did not have a problem refocusing back to night driving after looking at the maps which was the problem with the clear lens. I removed it a while back when I defarkled the ST a few months back.

I did buy one of those but I returned it because it wasn't the automotive one. Not sure if that really makes any difference though.

Did you use the automotive one or the regular one?
motojedi
03-28-2005, 10:33 AM
http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16336&cat=264&page=2

Here's a link to aerostitch's solution.
fraz
03-28-2005, 11:36 AM
My ex AA ST1100 came with a map light already fitted.
John Anthony
03-28-2005, 02:38 PM
Curt - what a great idea! Looks like a pretty clean install as well. Thanks for sharing.

John
lddave
03-28-2005, 04:49 PM
I did buy one of those but I returned it because it wasn't the automotive one. Not sure if that really makes any difference though.

Did you use the automotive one or the regular one?

It was the automotive one butt it was not meant for outdoor use .
Butt I had no problems where it was mounted on the shelf with rain or the other elements. It survived one Iron Butt Rally and a trip to the artic circle and the other riding thrown in .