12 VDC accessory on a 6VDC system?

topolover · 06-10-2008

Can it be done? I have a 12 VDC horn I want on my bike, expect it's a 6 VDC system.

Mr mischief · 06-10-2008

For a horn, yes, no such thing as a 6 or 12 volt horn!?!
(OK almost true)
If there is a small adjusting screw (and locknut) on the back of
the horn, connect up, press button, adjust until 'horn' type noise
to your satisfaction, or you need paracetamol / asprin for your
headache.

Bolt he horn to the bike first, as 'holding' the horn will disrupt the
'noise' output.

Mr mischief.

Mr mischief · 06-10-2008

Oops, must add, do check for AC or DC systems.
There are horns available, Vespa/lambretta etc specifically
designed to work on AC electrical systems.

Just use a multimeter, first on AC then on DC, that'll show
what yer' got.

Or just try your horn, first see that it works connect across
a known 12V DC (car is good), then just 'try' it on the bike.

One other thing, small bikes with 'magneto' type output
may not be able to provide enough 'Amps' for larger horns.

Mr mischief.

topolover · 06-10-2008

This one is an old electric boat horn. The little "beeep beeep" doesn't mean anything to the jerks out there. So something a bit deeper is apt to get their attention.

Mr mischief · 06-10-2008

Give it a try!
If you get blown backwards into the reeds, just use a bigger bolt to
hold it on - and watch out for the 'old boat' Captain.

How many amps is it rated at?

Mr mischief.

Mr mischief · 06-10-2008

Or an air horn zip tied to the hangdle bars is good. . .

fitbmxseries1 · 06-10-2008

i just yell alot........

topolover · 06-11-2008

I did a few times, but the dirty looks I get for the language I usually use does me no favors.

Mr mischief · 06-11-2008

Did it come out like a loud beep - like you'd been edited on TV. . .

Mr mischief.

topolover · 06-13-2008

Unfortunately not.

Looks like before I change the voltage system I'm gonna have to rewire the horn. Doesn't want to work.

06-10-2008	#1 (permalink)
topolover Boycotting winter.... BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 343	12 VDC accessory on a 6VDC system? Can it be done? I have a 12 VDC horn I want on my bike, expect it's a 6 VDC system. __________________ My toy- 1975 Kawasaki 175 F7D

06-10-2008	#2 (permalink)
Mr mischief Ideas are dangerous BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Queensland Posts: 417	For a horn, yes, no such thing as a 6 or 12 volt horn!?! (OK almost true) If there is a small adjusting screw (and locknut) on the back of the horn, connect up, press button, adjust until 'horn' type noise to your satisfaction, or you need paracetamol / asprin for your headache. Bolt he horn to the bike first, as 'holding' the horn will disrupt the 'noise' output. Mr mischief. __________________ Imortal. . .well, will I sink or swim! Last edited by Mr mischief : 06-10-2008 at 03:22 AM.

06-10-2008	#3 (permalink)
Mr mischief Ideas are dangerous BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Queensland Posts: 417	Oops, must add, do check for AC or DC systems. There are horns available, Vespa/lambretta etc specifically designed to work on AC electrical systems. Just use a multimeter, first on AC then on DC, that'll show what yer' got. Or just try your horn, first see that it works connect across a known 12V DC (car is good), then just 'try' it on the bike. One other thing, small bikes with 'magneto' type output may not be able to provide enough 'Amps' for larger horns. Mr mischief. __________________ Imortal. . .well, will I sink or swim!

06-10-2008	#4 (permalink)
topolover Boycotting winter.... BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 343	This one is an old electric boat horn. The little "beeep beeep" doesn't mean anything to the jerks out there. So something a bit deeper is apt to get their attention. __________________ My toy- 1975 Kawasaki 175 F7D

06-10-2008	#5 (permalink)
Mr mischief Ideas are dangerous BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Queensland Posts: 417	Give it a try! If you get blown backwards into the reeds, just use a bigger bolt to hold it on - and watch out for the 'old boat' Captain. How many amps is it rated at? Mr mischief. __________________ Imortal. . .well, will I sink or swim!

06-10-2008	#6 (permalink)
Mr mischief Ideas are dangerous BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Queensland Posts: 417	Or an air horn zip tied to the hangdle bars is good. . . __________________ Imortal. . .well, will I sink or swim!

06-10-2008	#7 (permalink)
fitbmxseries1 Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 654	i just yell alot........ __________________ I could be a tall horse jockey but horses are too slow.

06-11-2008	#8 (permalink)
topolover Boycotting winter.... BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 343	I did a few times, but the dirty looks I get for the language I usually use does me no favors. __________________ My toy- 1975 Kawasaki 175 F7D

06-11-2008	#9 (permalink)
Mr mischief Ideas are dangerous BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Queensland Posts: 417	Did it come out like a loud beep - like you'd been edited on TV. . . Mr mischief. __________________ Imortal. . .well, will I sink or swim!

06-13-2008	#10 (permalink)
topolover Boycotting winter.... BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 343	Unfortunately not. Looks like before I change the voltage system I'm gonna have to rewire the horn. Doesn't want to work. __________________ My toy- 1975 Kawasaki 175 F7D

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