Ok, I am fascinated by alerting lights in general. I liked the wig wag waay before the strobes became popular.

I thought of an idea to make some using simple home made parts.

Parts list for my test unit.

552 flasher
SPDT Relay 12V
2 1157 Bulbs in sockets
12V power source

I wired these up as seen in the diagram and it worked fine in my test.
I dont know if this set up would support a set of headlights or not. The relay will, but I dont know about the flasher. Also there is no guarantee that the on/off time for both lights would be equal. Using an electronic flasher and 2 rated relays should solve both of these issues I believe.

Anyway, I put this out there to share and discuss.



And a small quicktime video.
http://bellsouthpwp2.net/h/l/hllon4whls/0101071757.3g2

 

I used to make them all the time for the law enforcement cars when I worked at the radio shop. Your design will work, but there is an easier way. I know that you know that they are not legal for you to have, but it has to be said. Yes the flasher you have will work on headlights.

 

Just for my own education, would you share your idea?

I thought of a bunch of different ways to make this work after I posted this, I'd like to see yours.

frank

 

I guess I'm too young but what the hell is a wig wag?

 

Alternating headlight flashers. Generally used by emergency vehicles to get attention.

 

Sure, I will do that tonight when I can draw it out and scan it in. There are several different ways to make them. I have made them with a couple of relays and a 557 flasher that was controlled by a remote and could be activated with an alarm output. The EASIEST way to make them is with a DPDT switch, a 557 flasher, and some 4 conductor wire. This is how the original Wig Wags were made (the ones in the square black box). They used to sell for about $40 and you can make them for about $6. I will get that done tonight. I will post both diagrams.

 

I had alteranting headlights back in the day, before Local Police had them.
I was a volunteer Firefighter/EMT in the 70's. Most guys on our dept used a ford flasher with the hot output shoved into the hot post on our hi beams. It flashed both at once, but if you happened to hit your brights by accident, while the flasher unit was activated, POW, burnt wiring, because we were to stupid to use fuses in line.

I was haulin a$$ down US41 in my 66 GTO, blue light going on the dashboard, and flashing a pair of Tung Sol 2000,000 candle power aircraft landing lights, responding to an extrication call when I spot a Trooper coming up on me, Holy Cow Batman, this guy is moving traffic like I've not seen before, he had alternating hi beams. Well boys & girls, I had my brights alternating within a week. This time with Fuses and Diodes to protect againts backfeed.
The system used two 3 post heavy duty Ford flashers.

My Fire Chief heard of this and said, the only vehicles authorized to use alternating hi beams is the State Police, I suggest you do not use them. I said Thanks for sharing that piece of info, see ya later. Never took em out, never got stopped or questioned.

www.galls.com sells a ready to go unit for $19.99, fuses, diodes and all.
item # FS039, I have two, one in my personal truck, one in my work truck.

 

A wig wag is a device that alternates lights. Usually used on emergency vehicles to alternate high beams, left, right, left, right. Also called this by the model train guys who want the alternating left right train notification signs.

If the small video works for you, it will expain it.

 

I didnt realize that galls had them so cheap. I must have been thinking of the strobes when I was thinking that they were more expensive than they were. $20 including wiring is not bad. Box is a little cheezy, though!

Thanks for the input.

I realize with mass produced electronics, this stuff can be had for cheap. I mostly wanted to see if this would work. If I do install it, it would be on the running lights and used for roadside stops (flat tire, etc). I am not interested in seeing the inside of any jailhouse.

 

As much as I miss wig wags, I love LED lights. They definatly command attention, and we're not allowed to have wig wags anymore

 

How about the MARS 888 light, the one in the center of an engine, truck or squad. I'm speaking of the light that sweeps 3 figure 8's across vehicles in front, and hits every possible reflecting piece to raise your attention,
Hey Moron, Look in the Rear View Mirror, AND MOVE OVER.

I hear tell that "They" are working in conjunction with radio mfgrs to have something that when an emergency vehicle approaches from front, back, left or right, it Mutes your radio, until it passes. I VOTE HELL YES.

 

Here are the diagrams that I said that I would post. The first one is the standard wig-wags like the ones you buy in the black box. The only think that is missing is the little red light. This is a standard DPDT switch, and a 557 flasher and some 4 conductor wire. Run constant power to the 'x' on the flasher.
Wig-Wag 1


The second one is another way you can do it. It uses 2 standard relays and a 557 flasher. This one is a switched power to both the 'x' and the relays. You can use a switch or a remote from an alarm. You could also switch ground if you prefer.
Wig-Wag 2

Sorry for the crude drawings. If you have any questions, ask.

 

I can imagine the fun I'd have with the square *** gangsters and their "beat".

 

So the output of the 557 alternates high and low, with each output being in the opposite state?

 

There are 3 terminals on the flasher. When you power the 'x' and load the other two terminals the flasher will alternate between them.