Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ang on February 13, 2012, 07:56:20 PM

Title: Rostra Switch
Post by: ang on February 13, 2012, 07:56:20 PM
Go easy on me as I am starting my Rostra install and I am sure will have a few questions on route. First one, do I need to use a relay with this switch. I am not sure if it lights up, I think it does.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: DonB on February 13, 2012, 09:38:49 PM
no
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: ZG on February 13, 2012, 09:43:13 PM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: Flathead on February 13, 2012, 09:48:30 PM
IIRC the only relay you'll need is for the brake circuit.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: The Pope on February 14, 2012, 03:47:35 AM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 14, 2012, 04:48:52 AM
no

Is that 'no' on the 'go easy' or 'no' on the relay?

We don't have a write up per se on this installation, at least I don't think we do.  I'll have to check.  If not, it would be nice to have one, though, for reference.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 14, 2012, 05:20:03 AM
Here's a write up I found.  Forgot about this one.  Must be slipping.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1675.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1675.0)
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: DonB on February 14, 2012, 05:36:24 AM
Is that 'no' on the 'go easy' or 'no' on the relay?

Just an answer to his question,
no u do not need a relay for that switch and yes it does light up
you do still need a relay for the brake trigger wire and it needs to be a 5 pin not 4
don't ask how I know
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: Rhino on February 14, 2012, 07:57:15 AM
Like Don said, yes it lights up and yes you need a relay for the brake. No idea what other relay you are referring to.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: ang on February 14, 2012, 08:30:17 AM
I have the relay installed for the rear light, but in some instructions it says I need a relay for the switch if it lights up. Just want to make sure.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: Rhino on February 14, 2012, 09:14:33 AM
I think they are referring to a 2 light switch that has an "engaged" light. I have the exact same switch that you do, a single light just showing power on and does not need a relay.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: jayke on February 14, 2012, 09:21:00 AM
That’s the standard Audiovox  / Rostra switch.  The gray wire is the background illumination for the switch.

To answer your question, the reason you might need a relay for the switch is to shut the power off to the gray wire so you don’t run your battery down. 

If you connect the gray wire to the key switched C14 accessory terminals, you don’t need a relay.  These accessory terminals shut off (no power) when the bike is turned off.

If you do this below , you’re good to go without a relay on the Control Pad:
The Gray wire from the Control Pad illuminates the Control pad at night. Connect this wire to the red / orange fused wire and attach both wires to the positive accessory lead.  Attach the Black wire from the Control Pad to the negative accessory lead.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: Rhino on February 14, 2012, 09:34:21 AM
That’s the standard Audiovox  / Rostra switch.  The gray wire is the background illumination for the switch.

To answer your question, the reason you might need a relay for the switch is to shut the power off to the gray wire so you don’t run your battery down. 

If you connect the gray wire to the key switched C14 accessory terminals, you don’t need a relay.  These accessory terminals shut off (no power) when the bike is turned off.

If you do this below , you’re good to go without a relay on the Control Pad:
The Gray wire from the Control Pad illuminates the Control pad at night. Connect this wire to the red / orange fused wire and attach both wires to the positive accessory lead.  Attach the Black wire from the Control Pad to the negative accessory lead.

Good point. I do have a relay to the main power to the Rostra Unit so it completely powers down when the bike is off.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: B.D.F. on February 14, 2012, 10:56:39 AM
A relay is always needed for the brake light circuit on the C-14 when installing a Rostra. You will also need an additional relay for the switch but only if you have a switch with an 'engaged' light on it. Rostra sells both types of switches, with and without engaged lights so it depends on which switch you have whether or not you need the second relay.

Brian

I have the relay installed for the rear light, but in some instructions it says I need a relay for the switch if it lights up. Just want to make sure.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: B.D.F. on February 14, 2012, 10:58:03 AM
No, as there is no engaged light on that switch, you do not need a relay to use it with a Rostra on a C-14.

Brian

Go easy on me as I am starting my Rostra install and I am sure will have a few questions on route. First one, do I need to use a relay with this switch. I am not sure if it lights up, I think it does.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: ang on February 14, 2012, 12:51:50 PM
Thanks for the help, no relay for the switch it is. I am drawing power from a switched fuse box so power is off when bike is off.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: ang on February 14, 2012, 05:17:55 PM
Well I have done my hook ups, I think correctly, and checked the 1 to 12 settings on the module but I can't get the unit to enter the diagnostic mode. I have left off the light green to black spotted wire as advised. I know there is power to the unit as the led does flash when I push the on button on the switch. I am going back to the garage to give it another try but wanted to get this question asked asap. Thanks.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: maxtog on February 14, 2012, 05:35:03 PM
Well I have done my hook ups, I think correctly, and checked the 1 to 12 settings on the module but I can't get the unit to enter the diagnostic mode. I have left off the light green to black spotted wire as advised. I know there is power to the unit as the led does flash when I push the on button on the switch. I am going back to the garage to give it another try but wanted to get this question asked asap. Thanks.

I don't know the answer, but it seems like every time someone posts about installing the Rostra- they have the exact same problem- diagnostic mode!

One day, I will install one of those things.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: DonB on February 14, 2012, 06:08:44 PM
Well I have done my hook ups, I think correctly, and checked the 1 to 12 settings on the module but I can't get the unit to enter the diagnostic mode. I have left off the light green to black spotted wire as advised. I know there is power to the unit as the led does flash when I push the on button on the switch. I am going back to the garage to give it another try but wanted to get this question asked asap. Thanks.

if u need some help give me a call 719 344 93 four zero
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: ang on February 14, 2012, 06:31:18 PM
Finally got it! Simple solution, please don't ask! I did all the tests as described in the manual , but had a problem with the last one. The led does not seem to flash at a faster rate when I spin the wheel, stays constant. I have been using Brian's install instructions, who I thank, and his instructions do indicate that the led should flash faster as the wheel is spun faster. Seems to me it can only be the VSS connection. Will check tomorrow as dinner is scheduled for Valentines!!!
Thanks for the offer of help Don, if I can't get this figured out I will give you a call.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: B.D.F. on February 14, 2012, 09:41:42 PM
If you have everything in the diagnostic mode working, including the VSS, then I would ignore the rate of flashing increasing with the speed of the rear wheel turning. That info. might be a mistake- it might also apply to the vacuum version (the earlier Audiovox rather than the later Rostra). You should be all set and ready for a test ride.

Best of luck,
Brian

Finally got it! Simple solution, please don't ask! I did all the tests as described in the manual , but had a problem with the last one. The led does not seem to flash at a faster rate when I spin the wheel, stays constant. I have been using Brian's install instructions, who I thank, and his instructions do indicate that the led should flash faster as the wheel is spun faster. Seems to me it can only be the VSS connection. Will check tomorrow as dinner is scheduled for Valentines!!!
Thanks for the offer of help Don, if I can't get this figured out I will give you a call.
Title: Re: Rostra Switch
Post by: jerhofer on February 24, 2012, 08:04:34 PM
I recently installed the Rostra cruise control with Brian's instructions and some personal help from him on a couple questions I had.  It works pefectly.  I set the cruise by my GPS and it only varies by a mile or so up or down.  Very consistent even on curvy, hilly roads.  Brian, thanks for your help.  Much appreciated and it sure is nice to be able to rest my throttle hand.