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Under Seat Lights

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 7:38 pm
by GeorgeSK
As threatened, I finally got underseat lights on both the PCX and the Forza. I need the lights because I am often between students or coming home in the dark (at least during the non-DST part of the year).

On the Forza, I used two 3 volt LEDs wired to a small battery pack and a simple switch. One LED is low, and illuminates the bottom of the cavern, and one is high to get the more accessible area at the top. When the weather is cold, the seat support can't handle the added weight (well, it couldn't keep the just the seat up, actually), but it seems that if the temps are above 60 F, I don't absolutely need the stick).

Here is that install:
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On the PCX, I went with a 12V LED cluster and got a quick connect to attach to the battery tender connection. I mounted this light at a point under the seat that aims it pretty much right into the entire compartment. I'm really happy with this installation.

Here is a closeup of the LED cluster:
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And the whole assembly before install (I ended up shortening the wires considerably, but this shows how simple the wiring is):
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Mounted under the PCX seat (a bit fuzzy - camera couldn't focus because it was dark):
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And now, in all its brilliant glory:


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Re: Under Seat Lights

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:16 am
by Wingscribe
Thanks for the write-up! I've never been considered particularly bright, so at least I can do something with my scoot!

Seriously, though, this is a simple, elegant solution...I keep to the daylight hours mostly (Wife says I have to be home before the street lights come on or she'll change the locks) but if stuff changes for me, I will definitely steal your design.

Thanks again!

Mike

Re: Under Seat Lights

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:29 am
by Jge64
If I wanted an underseat light, I would go easy and with a battery stick on LED light like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Anywhere-Motion-A ... hi&sr=1-21

Re: Under Seat Lights

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:51 am
by BobS
Glen - wouldn't those LED lights be constantly getting activated by anything moving around in the seat box?

A tap-on light might be a better choice - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R7PM36/ref ... B00GD8OKY0

Re: Under Seat Lights

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 10:03 am
by Mel46
Fair warning: I put one of those tap-on lights under the seat on my PCX and it worked quite well until summer came. Then the stick on quit sticking and the light fell off. It gets a bit hot under the seat as is, but summer makes it even hotter. As for the duct tape you are using, well I used that on the inside of my tail box, and the same thing happened in the summer. You will need some kind of tape that can handle high temperatures, or you can us some very small, short screws. On the tap-on lights all you have to do is twist the unit to the left and the unit will separate to show 3 AAA batteries on the main unit, with nothing on the base itself. Put a small screw through that into the seat and that should reinforce the double sided tape.

Re: Under Seat Lights

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 10:37 am
by Jge64
3m vhb can be used under the hood, so never a prob under the seats....