 traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Any experience with the traffic light tripping magnets?
I was told ANY magnet of a min. size would work. Sorry I forgot the size stated, but I did get the recommended size, and it doesn't seem to make any difference.
Will try a larger magnet, but was wondering if there would be any negative [effect/affect (no comments, not interested)]on a magnetic field that close to my oil,or electrics, like the kickstand sensor?
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254 |
a load of bollox from what i hear/see. i have rare earth magnets(small and very very strong) on both my oil filter and oil drain plug and they do feck all for changing lights. ive never seen any debris on the drain plug during oil changes and i dont care to open the filters. no problems electrically either, well not to do with the magnets anyways.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 33
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 33 |
I don't have a traffic light magnet on this bike but did try one on a Yamaha FJR I had, and it DID NOT work...every morning I sat at the same light I was hoping it would work on...I forget which one it was, it was about two inches long and maybe 3/4" wide...Jim
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
was wondering if there would be any negative effect on a magnetic field that close
Are you planning to have children?
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 128
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 128 |
Cars don't use magnets, but the sensors are sensitive to metal mass. If you use a magnet make sure to align it directly over the black cut out lines in the pavement. I don't use a magnet, when I pull up to a traffic signal I make sure either my front wheel or rear wheel is stopped directly on the thin black lines of the sensor. I understand the wire is the sensor and have never had a problem with this technique. I have also heard if you are stuck at a light that will not cycle, put your bike in neutral and drop your kickstand onto the line and that will trip the light. Don't forget your kickstand down or you'll stall as soon as you engage your shifter.
- I love the rain the most when it stops.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
Quote:
it was about two inches long and maybe 3/4" wide...Jim
Again, are you planning on having chilren?...   
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
I tried a magnet on a certain light that refuses to let me go and even though I've tried everything as far as positioning over the buried wire it won't change that light. Luckily wisconsin has a law stating if you're on a bike and waiting over 45 seconds (I think) you can check traffic and go.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
I've heard the same thing for Florida, after 3 minutes, you can go. But I'd hate to have to try that one on a cop.
No more children for me, I've already got my bonneville, so theres nothing left to trade for!
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
The magnets don't work because their magnetic field is not focused enough to be effective. You can correct this by lining your helmet with tinfoil and gluing 2 deer whistles to it..... 
More flags
More fun!
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
You can correct this by lining your helmet with tinfoil and gluing 2 deer whistles to it.....
So then the traffic light will hear me comming? 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
You can correct this by lining your helmet with tinfoil and gluing 2 deer whistles to it.....
So then the traffic light will hear me comming?
No, but you will gather enough attention that they should see you in the intersection, thereby enhancing your safety. AND, if you turn your head just right, the tinfoil will reflect radar as well as give you channel 7. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551 |
Quote:
I've heard the same thing for Florida, after 3 minutes, you can go. But I'd hate to have to try that one on a cop.
No more children for me, I've already got my bonneville, so theres nothing left to trade for!
In SC you can go after 2 minutes. I have done it with a City Cop in the next lane no problem.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 387
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 387 |
Look on the bright side, you will not trip the red light cameras.
Sono qui per la birra
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335 |
Someone told me that if you position your bike right and touch your side stand to the sensor loop, you can trip it. I've never tried it, though.
-Joe Merlino
Boston, MA USA
1982 BMW R100 (decomissioned), 2003 America
Triumph: Cool enough for The Fonz, cool enough for me.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
In the AMA's magazine a year ago or so, they had an article that said that you can call your city (or county) transportation department and they are suppose to fix those loops that dont pick up bikes. I guess there is some kind of sensitvity controller in the traffic control box (usually on the corner) that they can adjust by just turning a knob.
Soren
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165 |
I just treat them as stop signs
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
I remember the "trick" about putting down the kickstand back in my MSC course. There's one light in Kent, WA, at the intersection of 108th Ave SE & SE 216th St that is like that. I'd sit and wait & wait for that light to go green so I could go left. I'd have to wait until a car came up behind or I'd try the kickstand.
What a pain in the butt!!
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664 |
Quote:
lining your helmet with tinfoil and gluing 2 deer whistles to it.....
Deon,
I've lined my helmet with tin foil for years now, but that is to keep the aliens from reading brain waves and locating me for another abduction.
I use a magnet from a mag drive pump, and it works on most sensors that previously would not trip. There are only a few in the area that will not turn green for me. I am happy with a magnet under my frame. I've had other riders ask me what I had done to make some stubborn lights turn green.
Ride Safe,
Dennis
Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
A .22 will take care of most stubborn red lights.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551 |
Here in SC we can go after 5 min. wait if it is safe. Even so it is hard to make a left sometime.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664 |
Whitt,
Looks to me like waiting 5 minutes at an intersection in unsafe in itself!?
Ride Safe,
Dennis
Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
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Re: traffic signal trip.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244 |
I have one on my TBA and have not noticed any ill effects on the bike, nor me. As to its efficacy, I am not so sure. There is a left turn in my area that fails to change even with two bikes in the box so unless I get a magnet that does affect my ablity to have children then I may be out of luck. What the guys at my Abate course told me is that if you find an intersection that does not trigger when your bike is in the box then you can call the local athorities and let them know, they can dial up the sensitivity on the box. Just depends on how nice your local folks are I guess. Apparently the sensitivity can be set on the signal so there you go.
05 BA, Goodwood Green, Chevy605 pipes , ai removed, Freak kit, K&N pods, 145 main/42 pilot / 3 turns out, bags and screen
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