momentary switch to headlight hi/lo

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Relays
Forum Discription: Relay Diagrams, SPDT Relays, SPST Relays, DPDT Relays, Latching Relays, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=119033
Printed Date: May 20, 2024 at 10:48 AM

Topic: momentary switch to headlight hi/lo

Posted By: jeffcamera
Subject: momentary switch to headlight hi/lo
Date Posted: January 02, 2010 at 4:32 PM

So I'm trying to use a stock momentary (N/O) switch on a motorcycle to switch the headlight hi/lo beams. I bought a 1EHB5 DPDT latching 12V relay thinking it would simplify the installation (can't fit 4 or 5 standard relays in the headlight housing). I was thinking the latching relay would have a CLK, Reset or Cycle input like a JK Flip/Flop circuit. As you can see from the diagram this is not the case as the polarity of the coil has to be reversed to change the latched state.

My diagram is the closest I can get to a solution but it obviously doesn't quite work. When pulsing the switch the relay races back and forth as one would expect. Please let me know if there is any way I can make use of this relay, modify it or add some additional components to get this to work.

Thanks!

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Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: January 02, 2010 at 7:22 PM

https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp~TID~118848~PN~1#580683

I really think you will have a problem with your relay chattering. It is going to be hard to get it to just change state once and then rest. At least look at the relay in the above posted link. It was designed for your exact need. It works like the actuator on a retractable ball point pen. And less work for you too.

I just read your entire post and see that you already know about the chattering.

Posted By: jeffcamera
Date Posted: January 03, 2010 at 5:31 PM

Thanks for the reply! I'm going to go ahead and return the relay I purchased and just get the one that you linked to in that thread. I was searching all over for latching relays and never came across that one you posted which looks like it was made to do exactly what I need it for.

Thanks again!

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: January 03, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Until that thread I too had no idea it existed.