Knight Rider Scanner. Need some help

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iMacKnight

Joined Dec 21, 2011
4
Hello. I am trying to modify a prebuilt circuit I'm working on. Basically this unit is a "scanner" for a Knight Rider replica. I bought the control box from JC Whitney (see link). Anyway, the following is what I am trying to accomplish. I would like to add one effect and modify the other. The effect I would like to add is what is reffered to as the "all on" effect. The following you tube link will give an example... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEkjbvH8bKE
Watch the video from 1:26 to see what I am talking about. As you can see from the video all lights on the bar come on and then start "scanning". The second thing I would like to do is have my current light bar, which looks like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2OUOjDxBr0&context=C36aa856ADOEgsToPDskJmq98DRrtpJILK_4zuIX9M to give off a better trailing or "comet tail" effect as seen in the first video. I am new to electronics so I really need some help on this one. I am told the trailing effect can be done with capacitors but I have no idea which ones to get and whether or not I can just wire them in-line with the wires to the light bar. I also have no idea how the "all on" effect can be done. Plus I would also like to upgrade to brighter bulbs.Thanks for any help you guys and gals can give.
 

SgtWookie

Joined Jul 17, 2007
22,230
Hello, iMacKnight,
Unfortunately, our Terms of Service contains this paragraph:

6. Restricted topics. The following topics are regularly raised however are considered "off-topic" at all times and will result in Your thread being closed without question:
  • Any kind of over-unity devices and systems
  • Automotive modifications
  • Devices designed to electrocute or shock another person
  • LEDs to mains
  • Phone jammers
  • Rail guns and high-energy projectile devices
  • Transformer-less power supplies
Since this is definitely an automotive application, I'm afraid that the rules prohibit discussion of it. We're not automotive engineers, and modifications to safety features may violate laws and jeopardize safety.

If you feel that you must pursue this idea, there is a short list of other forums which may be of help in this thread: http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=54400
 

Thread Starter

iMacKnight

Joined Dec 21, 2011
4
Hello, iMacKnight,
Unfortunately, our Terms of Service contains this paragraph:



Since this is definitely an automotive application, I'm afraid that the rules prohibit discussion of it. We're not automotive engineers, and modifications to safety features may violate laws and jeopardize safety.

If you feel that you must pursue this idea, there is a short list of other forums which may be of help in this thread: http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=54400
I see. Well with that being said I'll take this chance to point out that this particular circuit does not require an automotive engineer it requires the expertise of an electrical engineer. While it may have automotive applications it certainly does not require much, if any, automotive knowledge. Electrical or otherwise. Secondly, I hardly see how this would be a modification to a "safety feature" as it is simply considered an accessory like fog lights, running lights, etc. Lastly, no laws are violated with either the building or use of this device. To be more specific, in my state (Virginia) it is not illegal to have a red flashing light on any vehicle (that is not emergency, police, fire) unless it is in use on a public road. In other words if I were to turn it on while driving I would be in violation of the law as I am not a policeman, firefighter or EMT. Not if I simply had it mounted and hooked up to the vehicles electrical system. If you feel the need you may check the code of Virginia Title 46.2 concerning vehicle equipment. I may be a "noob" to electronics but I have been proactive in finding out specific laws in my state and how they will effect this project.

I must say that having read your response I don't feel that this forum has thus far been very helpful. I came here because of my limited knowledge of electronic circuits. The project I am undertaking requires a slight bit of electronis knowledge and after having read through a couple of threads on here I had hoped to find a way to expand the little knowledge I have of the subject. It is obvious after your response that I will likely be treated as an idiot who doesn't do his homework (which is what I was attempting to do by coming here in the first place). I apologize if I have violated any rules here and if you must close my thread by all means do so, and I will make sure I do not ask questions here again.
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
I am truely sorry, but it falls under the classification.

The All About Circuits forum Administrative Team has elected not to host discussions of automotive electrical system modifications/enhancements due to safety concerns, the potential of legal ramifications and the possible circumvention of vehicle regulations at the state and federal level.

This thread is against the AAC forum rules, Chapter 6, as seen here:

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/l_tos.html


Automotive modifications of any kind are strictly forbidden. Therefore, this thread will be closed.

Please try to understand the reasons behind this action, and feel free to browse and use the forums.

You might find answers to your questions in one of these forums:

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/sh...ad.php?t=54400

Another good forum (one I visit) is ElectroTech.com.
 
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