Case #85: Five Equals Four with a Diode OR
By Design News Staff -- Design News, June 4, 2006
Trailer rental firms insist that tow vehicles provide operating lights — turn, tail and brake lights for every towed vehicle rented. Easy to do if the tow vehicle is wired that way, but a pain if it has separate turn and stop lamp circuits. John's solution is a pair of diodes, some quick disconnects and an inexpensive wiring harness. He used Schottky diodes for low- voltage drop, rated 3A to handle 36W of trailer lights. He then threw in a few quick splice connects for the rear tail light wires and the mate to the trailer's 4-Way Flat and was set quicker than he could say "You haul!" Oh, yeah — be sure the vehicle and tow hitch can handle the trailer, cargo and tongue weight.
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| Trailer Lights Hookup Kit Parts List | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amt | Part Description | Allied Part # |
| 2 | 3A Schottky diode | 273-0620 |
| 4 | Quick splice connector | 534-1240 |
| Additional parts required: Champion Trailer # 4378 car side trunk connector | ||
This Gadget Freak is undergoing an update. Please revisit this link soon for the full instructions.
For parts information, call (800) 433-5700, or go to www.alliedelec.com/gf.asp
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Where are the instructions?
- 2006-6-9 02:25:12 EDT -
I've used a device that uses an exclusive OR chip for this application for several years. I bought the first one and have since made others for myself and friends. Diodes won't make an XOR function, but using 4 transistors and some diodes should make a working gate.
- 2006-17-8 09:54:35 EDT -
When will the details to Gadget Freak #85 be completed? I'd like to see the schematic.
- 2006-27-7 08:14:43 EDT -
Gadget freak case 85, where's the schematic?
- 2006-25-7 05:15:32 EDT
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