Column turn signal

[Tocoti]

Hello
It's been a while.
I just have a question on self cancelling column mount turn signal.
Point me to a good thread .
I have almost 3 thousand miles on the MK4 and the only thing I need is a turn signal switch that is self cancelling. I've seen a few choices and was wondering if you like yours.

[carlewms]

I have the Russ Thompson version and so far (though electrical testing, go karting) it works as advertised.

[frankeeski]

Not exactly on the column, but this is the route myself and many others went.
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?181-Probe-Turn-Signal-How-To&highlight=ford+probe

[walt mckenna]

I have been using Russ Thompson's for 3 years now with no issues. It fits nice and look like it belongs.

[Gumball]

I, too, have the Russ Thompson part, but mine is modified a bit. Russ left off the button from the end of the stalk and made just a small tip, then reversed everything so that the lever points to the right. The benefit to that direction is that it's not hidden under the cowl in what is a tight area on the finished cars.

Here's a link to a short thread, followed by a pic of my turn signal switch/lever assembly.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?2507-Russ-Thompson-Turn-Signal-System-Great-Part

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/Installed_DriverSide_zps8113aec8.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/Installed_DriverSide_zps8113aec8.jpg.html)

[edwardb]

Another vote for the Russ Thompson turn signal setup. Not cheap, but excellent quality. Does what it's supposed to do and makes the overall dash to steering wheel transition look much more finished. I use the pushbutton for lo/hi headlights and flash to pass.

[Jeff Kleiner]

As an option that doesn't require you to reconfigure your steering column you might want to take a look at a Signal Dynamics self canceling electronic module. I've used them on 4 builds and recommended the same to several others who have also used it. Their latest version incorporates logic for turn signal override of the brake lights like we're used to seeing on more conventional vehicles which will allow all 4 rear lamps to be used for brake lights greatly increasing visibility.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/penta-star-module/

If you decide to go this route let me know and I'll walk you through how to set it up for various switching options (pushbuttons, rocker or toggle---I've done all 3).

Cheers,
Jeff

[ram_g]

As an option that doesn't require you to reconfigure your steering column you might want to take a look at a Signal Dynamics self canceling electronic module.


+1. My solution too, about 70% satisfied. Not 100% because I find myself frequently needing to press it again either to extend the duration or cancel it because I gave it too much of a duration. But it works well enough that I wouldn't do anything now to retrofit the Russ Thomson setup. Also, it is silent in operation, meaning there is no audible feedback that the flashers are on. I rigged up a simple buzzer circuit to fix that, works well.

You might also look at this:
The Clever Turn Signal (http://www.gasautosolutions.com/)

I have no experience with them but they are a forum advertiser (see Vendor tab). The description sounds good.

[WIS89]

As an option that doesn't require you to reconfigure your steering column you might want to take a look at a Signal Dynamics self canceling electronic module. I've used them on 4 builds and recommended the same to several others who have also used it. Their latest version incorporates logic for turn signal override of the brake lights like we're used to seeing on more conventional vehicles which will allow all 4 rear lamps to be used for brake lights greatly increasing visibility.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/penta-star-module/

If you decide to go this route let me know and I'll walk you through how to set it up for various switching options (pushbuttons, rocker or toggle---I've done all 3).

Cheers,
Jeff

I like this solution as well, and will implement it in my build.

One thing I like, and I am sure Jeff will correct me if I am wrong, is that you can use a momentary switch. This means, you can press left or right, have the switch return to "neutral," so to speak, and then let the auto cancel take care of the rest. I think this is a useful solution, and it fits in with the rest of your dash and switches.

I hope I helped.

Regards,

Steve

[ram_g]

you can use a momentary switch. This means, you can press left or right, have the switch return to "neutral," so to speak, and then let the auto cancel take care of the rest.

Yes, but...the amount of time it flashes before cancelling is a function of how long you press the momentary. A momentary press of the momentary (so to speak) flashes it 6 times (IIRC). Press the momentary for several seconds and it flashes indefinitely (and you then press the momentary again to manually cancel it). So the issue is (see my post above) you have to guess how long you need the flasher. I find I often guess wrong. After all it is just a timer circuit, does not do anything to detect the turn.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes, but...the amount of time it flashes before cancelling is a function of how long you press the momentary. A momentary press of the momentary (so to speak) flashes it 6 times (IIRC). Press the momentary for several seconds and it flashes indefinitely (and you then press the momentary again to manually cancel it)....

Pretty much. A quick 1 second activation of the momentary switch gives you 5 -10 seconds (I'm guessing on these times; the Signal Dynamics description on their site has the actual durations) like you'd use for a lane change. Hold the button a little longer and you get 20ish seconds like you would use for a rolling turn and longer still gets 60 seconds, maybe more, as if you were stopped at a red light waiting to turn. Any time you wish to cancel it you just flick the switch again. I've used a momentary rocker oriented horizontally so that rocking it to the left=left and vice versa. I've done the same with a toggle. On another I set it so that pushing the toggle up=right and down=left just like the movement of the stalk in our daily drivers. Still another got two pushbuttons side by side; left=left, right=right. All different for the owners' preferences but in all cases they were mounted on the dash to the left of the steering wheel and can be reached with a finger without having to take a hand off of the wheel.

Jeff

[John4337]

I use the North Racecars signal, also works great.


http://www.northracecars.com/OtherItems.html

Good luck with your decision

John

[Driver_WT]

As an option that doesn't require you to reconfigure your steering column you might want to take a look at a Signal Dynamics self canceling electronic module. I've used them on 4 builds and recommended the same to several others who have also used it. Their latest version incorporates logic for turn signal override of the brake lights like we're used to seeing on more conventional vehicles which will allow all 4 rear lamps to be used for brake lights greatly increasing visibility.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/penta-star-module/

If you decide to go this route let me know and I'll walk you through how to set it up for various switching options (pushbuttons, rocker or toggle---I've done all 3).

Cheers,
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

How do you make the hazard lights work if you are using a double throw momentary contact toggle switch or a rocker switch?

Thanks.

Wade

[chopthebass]

Russ Thompson is what I would recommend. I couldn't use it though as it made my steering wheel to close to me, as I'm using a QR steering wheel. But I got to hold the part, and the quality is amazing.

[Paparazzi]

Russ Thompson is what I would recommend.

I second that. An incredibly high quality piece of workmanship. Not cheap but in my opinion makes the dash look complete particularly when combined with the custom bezel from Mike Everson.

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