Adding turn signals to 2015+ HD tow mirrors

phydiux · January 6, 2015

What about for those of us who don't have a programmer or solder iron? I could get a soldering iron from a local auto parts store or hardware store. But not sure on the programmer or how much both of those would increase total cost.

What do you mean making a small run? Sorry, just trying to understand all possibilities with this project.

Also is the $75 for the PNP version that you made?

Well, keep in mind that a project this small and precise is probably a little out of the realm of doable for most people unless you're an electrical engineer or simply kind of crazy and obsessive about details. I'm not an electrical engineer. Most people aren't comfortable designing their own boards or soldering surface mount components, let alone programming mircoprocessors. I enjoy the challenge of making something very small and developing the software for it, so that's why I did this.

The programmer I have was about $40, but from past projects, I already had it and so I simply used it. Once you start making things like this, it makes it easier to make more things like this in the future.

I also have a Weller soldering iron, with an exceptionally fine point tip which would be required to solder something like this. Chances are very good you wouldn't be able to put this together using something like a pencil iron you pick up at Radio Shack; you need something with a smaller tip to it or you won't be able to individually solder things up.

Yes, around $75 was for the PNP versions.

The connectors and terminals are manufactured by a company called JST and are available from suppliers online and aren't that expensive:

The connectors are:

ARVWSB-18C-3AK is the male wire-to-wire connector; they cost about 75 cents each

ARVPB-18C18-3AK is the female wire-to-wire connector; the cost on these is also about 75 cents each.

Terminals for them are:

SNAC3W-A021T-0.64, which are about 8 cents/each

SAIT-A03T-M064, which are about 4 cents/each.

So, you're looking at a total of about $7 for the connector components, not counting wire or the few hours of work you have to put into them. But, you can't just use those cheap yellow/blue/red barrel crimpers you picked up at the local auto parts store; these pins are small and need a crimp tool designed for small pins.

henrypbui · January 7, 2015

if you are still not planning on not making these, could you send me the program to the microprocessor and the schematics? Of course I could reimburse you for your files also.

phydiux · January 7, 2015

Hey Henry,

Since there are a number of people wanting these, I'm trying to figure out what my best option here is. I actually designed up a through-hole version:

But, I'm not happy with it because it's simply huge compared to the surface-mount version that I came up with and because I think making this design available would not be very helpful to people. I mean, seriously, who's going to buy this bare PCB, then go source all the other parts for it and solder it up? It's not cost effective, it's large, and nobody would end up with a controller they're really happy with.

The SMD version really is the only way to go with this, but the main problem there is that most people won't be able to solder or program it themselves.

I was looking into having a small run of a few dozen boards made, but haven't gone to that extent yet because that's me laying out a nontrivial amount of cash and a bit of effort just so others can buy them. By no means am I asking for a group buy or for people to commit to them, I'm simply stating issues with this type of distribution.

So, what's the best option?

Would you be willing to buy a PCB you could solder and source components yourself?

Or would you want a complete controller, programmed and ready to splice into your harness?

austingta · January 7, 2015

Hey Henry,

Since there are a number of people wanting these, I'm trying to figure out what my best option here is. I actually designed up a through-hole version:

throughhole_design_v1.jpg

But, I'm not happy with it because it's simply huge compared to the surface-mount version that I came up with and because I think making this design available would not be very helpful to people. I mean, seriously, who's going to buy this bare PCB, then go source all the other parts for it and solder it up? It's not cost effective, it's large, and nobody would end up with a controller they're really happy with.

The SMD version really is the only way to go with this, but the main problem there is that most people won't be able to solder or program it themselves.

I was looking into having a small run of a few dozen boards made, but haven't gone to that extent yet because that's me laying out a nontrivial amount of cash and a bit of effort just so others can buy them. By no means am I asking for a group buy or for people to commit to them, I'm simply stating issues with this type of distribution.

So, what's the best option?

Would you be willing to buy a PCB you could solder and source components yourself?

Or would you want a complete controller, programmed and ready to splice into your harness?

If you are actually interested in making these, you can charge people in advance, and then make them to order. That way you don't get stuck.

That's what the seller of the mirrors does. It took weeks to get them after you pay. So everyone is already cool with that.

henrypbui · January 7, 2015

So, what's the best option?

Would you be willing to buy a PCB you could solder and source components yourself?

Or would you want a complete controller, programmed and ready to splice into your harness?

So, what's the best option?

I would suggest a board with the programmed micro-processor, and components and directions either soldered or as a kit

Would you be willing to buy a PCB you could solder and source components yourself?

I am willing to do that myself, but not sure about everybody else. As long as it comes with the program for the processor or programmed processor and directions, I should be good. I am kind of rusty on building electric boards myself, but soldering, no problem.

Or would you want a complete controller, programmed and ready to splice into your harness?

That would be ideal for most people and then they can also use this for other uses also on other lights.

MThompsonjr115 · January 8, 2015

Great work!

A plug n play would be awesome, but obviously time consuming and expensive.

The next best thing would be a ready to splice option. That way there's a little less troubleshooting to do for all the people who attempt to make it themselves.

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Rabbit Runner · January 9, 2015

What you've put together is really slick. Would definitely like a set for my truck plug and go. I'm guessing not realistic from your end. I would be more than happy to solder and splice if I had all the parts that are needed put together and a little instructions on what goes where. I'm not sure how the programming works but happy to try to tackle that too or I see you are are also from Michigan?

phydiux · January 11, 2015

It's a heat wave here, hitting a high of about 33 degrees today.

That meant it was time to get the controllers installed:

I'm very happy with how they turned out.

rice2coal · January 11, 2015

I am very intrested in a plug and play set. PayPal ready. Charge accordingly. PM me what you are wanting for a set. Really hoping you change your mind and produce these.

oldscsc · January 11, 2015

Impressive circuit design skills. Quality of work looks excellent!

austingta · January 11, 2015

Very cool. You are a talented man. I'd like a set too.

stevenray_c · January 11, 2015

Sweet!! Count me in as well.

mefly2 · January 14, 2015

It's a heat wave here, hitting a high of about 33 degrees today.

That meant it was time to get the controllers installed:

I'm very happy with how they turned out.

LOL; heat wave here, too ! High of 25 F. here today.

Picked up my mirrors yesterday at local dealer. Retail / list price is $507.57 each and $49.46 for the switch. Your discounted price will vary - but they did get them in for me ...after repeatedly telling me that they could not possibly work on my truck.

Now I need a couple of your controllers!

jfeezie · January 14, 2015

I'm in for a pair of controllers if you decide to make them! Very slick!

enmity02 · January 20, 2015

Count me in as well! I have been holding off on the wire mods until the spring when it's not -1000f in MN (Although a nice 30f today in MSP). In addition if you are looking for a partner on this I would throw my hat into the ring, I dont know much about PCB design or fab, but I can do detail solder work and wiring.