Flashing Third Brake Light with DIY

[bobolinko]

I was designing this and ran into one already on the market. The parts would cost me more than buying this so I bought it. It's the latest idea in getting the attention of dizzy drivers behind you. Here's a Link to the site that sells and explains the technology. http://kahtec.com/smart_stop.htm
I got the one with the delay. It flashes the third light 6 times the first time you apply the brakes then stays lit solid. It does not flash them again unless you leave your foot off the brakes for 8 seconds. Then it will flash them when you apply the brakes again.

I also have a DIY in a PDF that you can download to make things easier when installing.


I also put in a switch for my hatch light so that I can turn off the light while I have the hatch open for long periods.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by bobolinko

I was designing this and ran into one already on the market. The parts would cost me more than buying this so I bought it. It's the latest idea in getting the attention of dizzy drivers behind you. Here's a Link to the site that sells and explains the technology. http://kahtec.com/smart_stop.htm
I got the one with the delay. It flashes the third light 6 times the first time you apply the brakes then stays lit solid. It does not flash them again unless you leave your foot off the brakes for 8 seconds. Then it will flash them when you apply the brakes again.

I also have a DIY in a PDF that you can download to make things easier when installing.


I also put in a switch for my hatch light so that I can turn off the light while I have the hatch open for long periods.

Stiv and I were discussing this a couple of days ago. I think it's a great idea, as I've had a couple of close calls with idiots not paying attention. For $21-$29 (depending on the model) the Kahtec one is a good deal. Stiv and I were discussing circuits for total DIY, but by the time you're done you'd be looking at about $15 in parts.

[talnlnky]

this is way cool, I recently saw a car that had this capability, I thought it was an oem thing, and that if I wanted to do it to the yaris i'd have to mess around with some relays or something. It's not at the top of my list of must buys.... but as soon as I get rid of some debt it will be close by.

[smell my finger]

I saw this on a jeep wrangler about 3 weeks back. I was a couple cars back in a different lane and it got my attention. I wonder how many people will hit the car in front of them watching this if they are in a different lane?

[Meteorite_Marty]

I bought mine this week from http://www.kahtec.com/smart_stop.htm

I chose the Blinking Smart Stop Delay Version.

A good video to see it "live" is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4it-OewHkYo

Thanks for the DYI. I will definitely use it.

[henry33]

is this legal on the roads ?
looks fantastic

[Klink10]

Here in the US it is.

[poorsh2]

I bought one and installed it in the Third light housing. This made it alot easier to wire.

[Klink10]

Poorsh2....Now I like how you did that. Any DIY on your type install? Oh and what model did you end up with?

Never mind I just looked at the pic closer for model type. Old age creeping in.

How in the world did you disconnect the housing from its mounted position? My luck I'd break the fasteners.

[BLH]

Can you verify the one you modified is the LED style. I believe used with the sedan with spoiler and hatchback.
My 2007 sedan has the standard lamp style third brake light housing.

I just popped mine out and the modules description shows it is quite small. I ordered one and think it will fit inside my sedan's housing.

[poorsh2]

small screw driver pops the plugs right out and a philips head takes the screws out that are under the plugs then pull. Don't worry you can do it

[Lil Abner]

I just did this mod last night. Took me 5 minutes. Very cool find!

[Klink10]

Finally got mine in. Took a couple of attempts because I didn't break the wire coating good enough. I also thought I had a defective third brake light so on a whim I called the local stealer. Pray you never have to replace the lamp unit as I was quoted $140.00 to replace. All is well and thanks everyone.

[BuildCode]

Just ordered mine on Saturday, had it on Monday somehow, installed it today!

For the sedans with the LED spoiler, very easy to install it inline inside the trunk hatch, plenty of space to work with.

[Lil Abner]

HA, we are all getting them now. I ordered the "delay" one, and now I'm wishing I didn't. I'm starting to think I want the regular one. I take mostly back roads, so that delay might hurt me. I may have to sell the one I just installed...

[Klink10]

Originally Posted by Lil Abner

HA, we are all getting them now. I ordered the "delay" one, and now I'm wishing I didn't. I'm starting to think I want the regular one. I take mostly back roads, so that delay might hurt me. I may have to sell the one I just installed...

You know, I watched it several times and glad I didn't get the delay version. It flashes quick.

[toy_toronto]

This one could be a good alternative option from a price/feature standpoint? ($13.95)

http://www.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/MK178

selectable number of flashes: 5 or 10 times
selectable flash repeat interval: always or not within 5-7sec between two brakes
includes shrink tube to cover complete unit
flash frequency: 7 times per second

Specifications:
power supply: 12VDC
max load: 4A
dimensions: +/- 60x30x20mm/2.4x1.2x0.8"


* Things to consider:

1) It's a kit that could require assembly. If you know how to solder you save yourself a few bucks and have the flexibility of blink asap vs. "delay"
2) $15 min order

For the canucks out there, the vendor is located in Kingston, ON.
.

[Lil Abner]

toy_toronto, I didn't see any details on how to program it or anything?