Adding LEDs to GPS panel

[wingpilot08]

Had noticed that the incandescent bulbs on my GPS panel were not working and decided to replace with LEDs. Instead of buying new lights, I had some LEDs from a previous project.

Removed the GPS panel from the Wing (2008 HPNA) and removed the dash style connectors from the panel. Bulbs are "grain of wheat" type with blue rubber sleeve on the bulbs.

Reusing the bulb bases, I installed the 3 LEDs and added a touch of hot glue to secure the bulbs.

I used a wire wrap tool to make the connections to the LED in parallel and added a resistor. Again using hot glue to secure the wiring and resistors.

Once tested and knowing it all worked, I buttoned up the panel

And reinstalled on the Wing and tested.

[WingAdmin]

I looked at the picture of that resistor, and thought "that looks like it was done with a wire wrap tool!" Sure enough, I then read the text,and that's just what you used. I haven't used one of those in probably...35 years? I think I still have one somewhere, but I doubt I have any wire for it.

Looks good!

[wingpilot08]

I looked at the picture of that resistor, and thought "that looks like it was done with a wire wrap tool!" Sure enough, I then read the text,and that's just what you used. I haven't used one of those in probably...35 years? I think I still have one somewhere, but I doubt I have any wire for it.

Looks good!

Yep! It's a great little tool to keep around!

[wingpilot08]

worked on the other panel for the headlight adjustment..same issue, bad bulbs...replaced with LED .... now much better!!

[LDurocher]

Can you tell what kind of leds and where buyed them pls.

[wingpilot08]

The LEDs I purchased were 3mm Flat Top LED's ... similar to these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-LED-3mm-R ... 0005.m1851

Condition:
New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is ...
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Forward Voltage: 1.9-2.1v
Brand: Lighthouse LEDs
Current: 20mA Model:
3mm Flat Top
Wavelength: 620-630nm
MPN: 3MMFLATTOPLEDRED
Viewing Angle: 105-115 Degrees
Size: 3mm Flat Top
Mount Style: Through Hole (DIP)
Color: Red
Lens Color: Clear
Luminosity/Brightness: 8,000-10,000 mcd
LED Brightness Class: Super/Ultra/Extreme


If you are familiar working with component LED's you will know that you need to have resistors to reduce the current to the LED...otherwise direct connection to the 12v source will kill the LED(s). If you connect the LEDs in parallel or series, irt would require a 330 Ohm resistor:

Solution 0: 3 x 1 array uses 3 LEDs exactly

+12V----- +|>|- +|>|- +|>|----/\/\/\- R = 330 ohms
The wizard says: In solution 0:
each 330 ohm resistor dissipates 132 mW
the wizard thinks 1/4W resistors are fine for your application Help
together, all resistors dissipate 132 mW
together, the diodes dissipate 126 mW
total power dissipated by the array is 258 mW
the array draws current of 20 mA from the source.

[k2mpw]

For those who aren't "electronics" people....

LEDs are polarity sensitive. As you get them, one "leg" will be longer than the other. The LONG leg is the Anode or positive and the short is obviously the negative. So wiring them up it would be POWER.... Resistor..... Long leg then short leg to long leg then short to long... then short to negative.... The resistor can be on either end of the LED chain.

Personally, I would just use 22awg stranded wire along with solder and heat shrink. Wire wrap does take a little bit of a touch to get it right..

Great idea none the less..

[wingpilot08]

For those who aren't "electronics" people....

LEDs are polarity sensitive. As you get them, one "leg" will be longer than the other. The LONG leg is the Anode or positive and the short is obviously the negative. So wiring them up it would be POWER.... Resistor..... Long leg then short leg to long leg then short to long... then short to negative.... The resistor can be on either end of the LED chain.

Personally, I would just use 22awg stranded wire along with solder and heat shrink. Wire wrap does take a little bit of a touch to get it right..

Great idea none the less..

Started doing wire wrap in the late 70's...haven't lost my touch!

[WingAdmin]

For those who aren't "electronics" people....

LEDs are polarity sensitive. As you get them, one "leg" will be longer than the other. The LONG leg is the Anode or positive and the short is obviously the negative. So wiring them up it would be POWER.... Resistor..... Long leg then short leg to long leg then short to long... then short to negative.... The resistor can be on either end of the LED chain.

Personally, I would just use 22awg stranded wire along with solder and heat shrink. Wire wrap does take a little bit of a touch to get it right..

Great idea none the less..

Started doing wire wrap in the late 70's...haven't lost my touch!

I still have a wire wrap tool...somewhere. I doubt I have any of the wire, however.

[gregster56]

ok that looks like a good fix for the panel, how about the light markings on handle bar controls?
both my hand grip control lighting have stopped working on an 01 1800.

[newday777]

ok that looks like a good fix for the panel, how about the light markings on handle bar controls?
both my hand grip control lighting have stopped working on an 01 1800.

Hand grips controls didn't get lights until 2006 and up.

[Mick57]

Will this also work for displays on 2003 wing.
What colour LED’s
Also what was the resistor.

[wingider]

My left panel of the 2002 Goldwing is dark,noticed that 4 of the 5 bulbs are gone, replace these cost 45€
So try to led it up, I wil ask my Son if hé is willing to wil help me, hé is a electronic repair men

[newday777]

Will this also work for displays on 2003 wing.
What colour LED’s
Also what was the resistor.

Which 'displays' Mick57?

[sportsfreaked]

Great write up and thanks for providing the details and specifics. It's much appreciated for people who don't have a lot of electronic experience especially LED's. This is why this site is so great, members helping members work on their rides and saving money! Thanks again!!

[wingpilot08]

Great write up and thanks for providing the details and specifics. It's much appreciated for people who don't have a lot of electronic experience especially LED's. This is why this site is so great, members helping members work on their rides and saving money! Thanks again!!

An easier way to do this is is to purchase LEDs with a resistor already connected. Can be found on Amazon or Ebay for a fair price, normally sold in groups of 10 or 20 LEDs in numerous colors..
https://www.amazon.com/Yosooo-Pre-Wired ... 43&sr=8-10

When I did mine, I just happened to have spare parts available

Find This Item on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q8QK3P8?tag=goldwingdocs-20

[Floridapilot]

Great thread - I was wondering how to tackle this challenge. Good tip Wingpilot08 on the LED with resistors. 10 cents each!

[dadztoy]

I recently did this on my 2009, both in the radio section and handlebar control section. For the instrument panel I used a blue gel to tint the color of the bulbs as they were not accessible like the other lights. Took about 2 days to do everything but it sure looks sharp...

This mod is not for the inexperienced electronics person as it requires some pretty fair soldering skills... I used 3mm clay ledswith built in resistor.