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Re: reversing light
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:07 am
by silloyd
Like I said, me being fick, i.e. didn't consider the start up current. Thanks for the explanation.
So, does that mean you are using something like a 20-30A relay?
Re: reversing light
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:32 am
by IslipMinor
Yes, the 'standard' 4 or 5-pin relay is rated at 30A, or occasionally 20A, so they are ideal. For an original fit type switch the contacts would be rated to cope without a relay, it's only if a microswitch is used that a relay could be useful.
After fitting slightly higher wattage halogen rear side light/brake light bulbs, I had very poor brake light switch life so fitted a relay for this and had no problems for about 3 years since fitting it. Has anyone experience of using LED for the side/tail bulb? Brake light switches should last for ever with virtually no current draw!
Re: reversing light
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 11:09 am
by Declan_Burns
Richard,
I tried the LED on the rear indicators and wasn't happy as they were no brighter so reverted to halogen which are nice and bright.
Re: reversing light
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 7:06 pm
by RussLCV
Josh
You need a scrap Midget box and the remote can be removed and fits the Minor box and it should have the reversing switch already in it!
H
Re: reversing light
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 7:52 pm
by bmcecosse
That's it -10 a penny these Midget boxes.........
As for that talk of 'inrush current' - I seriously doubt it can be even 10 times the running current - if that's true - then switching on the headlights will result in a surge of 100 amps through my headlamp switch....... Errrr - it seems to have survived 46 years so far of that harsh treatment. The reversing light doesn't need a relay - KIS - Keep It Simple.
Re: reversing light
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 8:27 pm
by charlie_morris_minor
when i had a marina box with overdrive i did not have a relay on the reverse light circuit if that is any help.
Re: reversing light
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:57 am
by IslipMinor
The key point in the original post is using a 5A microswitch as the reverse light switch - it does not have the same rating as a standard OEM fitted switch, hence the suggestion that a relay would prolong its life. Definitely very simple!
The standard light switch is OK for standard bulbs, but when I fitted 100/80W bulbs it ran very hot, so obviously not up to that load - relay fitted and the switch is stone cold.
As already said, using higher powered brake light bulbs resulted in poor switch life, fitting a relay solved that one as well.
Modern cars use a simple philosphy, switches switch relays and relays switch loads - result is many many years reliability.
Re: reversing light
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 4:02 pm
by bmcecosse
Ahh - but 100/80 bulbs are not legal for highway use! When fitted on rally cars (off road use only) then indeed -a relay would be needed there.
Re: reversing light
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 2:28 pm
by Pab_Moggy
Roni wrote:It would be nice if it would fit but I don't think there is anywhere to fit it on a Minor gearbox.
This might give you another idea. I'm currently in a test phase of this modification.[frame]
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This sits on top of the reverse selector plunger, that moves up when reverse is selected, and activates the switch as shown.[frame]
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In forward gears and neutral[frame]
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and in reverse[frame]
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So far so good, it has been reliable, with a test light in the car.
The good thing I find with this setup is that it all fits under the rubber gear lever boot and wasn't that hard to do although it was a bit fiddly getting the switch lever adjusted correctly.
The actual bracket is a corner brace from a hardware store.
Roni, what switch is that? I'm currently looking at fitting reverse lights...
Re: reversing light
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 3:08 pm
by martin418
a very crafty and neat idea
Re: reversing light
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:12 pm
by aupickup
or use top cover from a midget or sprite gearbox
Re: reversing light
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:55 pm
by Roni
The Switch is just one that I found in an electronics store. It was one I bought for something else.
After 4 years it is still going strong, and reliably, apart from needing one re-adjustment of the arm.
Re: reversing light
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 8:33 pm
by callyspoy
Holy thread revival!
Been having a look at this and thought i'd give it a go myself in the coming weeks. I have bought myself a couple of microswitches to play with.
A great idea that i hadn't seen before and appears to be more accurate than a lot of other aftermarket types, kudos
