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Cheap/Easy Double-Relay LED Lightbar Switch Setup

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by MedCityMoto, Dec 29, 2023.

  1. Dec 29, 2023 at 8:56 AM
    #1
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto [OP] SciTech Nerd

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    I know there's $150+ offroad light/relay switched panel setups out there in the world, but I don't want a big panel I have to mount somewhere when I don't need all the extra options it'd introduce. All I really want is two things for my LED lights I'm adding flushmount to my '16 TRD Pro grill:
    1. In-cabin/dash switch that enables the ability of the LED lights to be powered on
    2. Trigger for the LED lights actually on/off to be the high beams of the headlights
    A double relay solution for ~$30 total seems like a great approach here, but am I missing something obvious or some simpler inexpensive solution? Seems a fused 12V tap to battery, one wire out the firewall to relay 1, powering relay 2, triggered from high beams and powering the LEDs seems a fairly straightforward route, yeah?

    ("Please excuse the crudity of this model. I didn't have time to build it to scale or paint it.")

    DualRelayConcept copy.jpg
     
    texasrho83 likes this.
  2. Dec 31, 2023 at 11:40 AM
    #2
    Chad D.

    Chad D. New Member

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    I see no reason at all that this won’t work perfectly. To dumb it down, you will only have light bar power when you’ve enabled the new interior switch, and then turn on your high beams. Want to use high beams like normal? Just leave the new switch off.

    Also, this shouldn’t interfere with any of the OEM harness or lighting system. If, for any reason, you do get some interference, just put a diode on the high beam tap line to prevent any potential feedback. I doubt you’re gonna have any trouble though!
     
    MedCityMoto[OP] likes this.
  3. Dec 31, 2023 at 4:02 PM
    #3
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto [OP] SciTech Nerd

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    Right on, but I like to check to see I'm not overcomplicating things reproducing a solution that already exists, worth asking!

    I think I've even found the right dual-relay waterproof holder I want for $29, switch from eBay for $8, already have more than enough 14 & 16ga wire and waterproof connectors, so when everything arrives I'll just drill some holes in my grill :eek2: and plug it all in.
     
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  4. Jan 7, 2024 at 7:51 AM
    #4
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto [OP] SciTech Nerd

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    The hard part's over, I made two templates and installed the lights themselves, wired them into a plug and it's ready for the rest of the circuit to arrive. Dual-relay setup won't be here until later this week, so next weekend's looking likely to power them up.

    20240106_175917.jpg
     
    texasrho83 likes this.
  5. Jan 7, 2024 at 7:57 AM
    #5
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    That looks good, never would have thought of putting lights there.
    What lights are they?
     
  6. Jan 7, 2024 at 8:05 AM
    #6
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto [OP] SciTech Nerd

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    The empty blank space has been looking at me for a while, and while I was tempted by the other routes of double-row light bars behind the grill, I figured this would be a functional use of the space.

    This is the Hella Black Magic sold about $50/ea on Amazon, the dark overall coloration makes me happy along with the reviews about brightness, durability/longevity and warranty support. Next I may grab their 40" single-row for the hood bulge and make that functional too, run off this same circuit.
     
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  7. Jan 7, 2024 at 8:52 AM
    #7
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    That's pretty cool, I may have to look into that.
    Always trying to make my tundra look a little different from the rest of them, without being too much..

    Looking forward to seeing pics of the finished lights and output..:thumbsup:
     
  8. Jan 7, 2024 at 9:53 AM
    #8
    Willard

    Willard New Member

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    You can simplify it down to one relay if you use the cabin switch to intercept the high beam tap.

    Additionally, with a little more wiring, you can use a three position switch to bypass the high beams and turn the lightbar on by itself. It would be:

    1. Lightbar activates with high beams
    2. Off
    3. Lightbar on
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2024
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