Gromit Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 One of the reasons I have a defender is that I HATE cars that are smarter than their drivers; headlights that turn on automatically in the dark, automatic parking brakes, <BONG> your keys are in the ignition, <BONG> the door is open, <BONG> you shouldn't be allowed to drive etc. etc. However, for my arrogance, the gods have seen fit to have me leave the parking lights on a few times, and it might only be a matter of time before I come back to a dimly glowing truck with a flat battery. So, I think I should wire up a lights-on warning 'buzzer'. Wiring it isn't a problem, but I don't want a buzzer. I'd like a single "by-the-way dude, the lights are on" beep rather than the usual "YOU F*&"£$£$G MORON, YOU ARE GOING TO DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE" claxon type affair usually found. So, where would I find such a buzzer/sounder before my battery goes fla..... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 There are plenty of self contained buzzers like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/290572639282 for not a lot of cash but these would sound continuously driving you to self harm very quickly. However you could drive this from a 555 timer configured in the monostable mode, you'd need a few logic chips as well to 'notice' you left the lights on and a small voltage regulator I guess.... Hmmm someone must do a kit... and it would still be a buzz, not a nice soothing melodic caress suggesting you turn the lights off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 How about http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/200619772004 Apparently it's a melody.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zardos Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 You could uses a standard buzzer e.g. http://www.maplin.co.uk/miniature-buzzer-3213?ordercode=FL40T and then add a universal timer to shut the buzzer up after a set time e.g. http://www.maplin.co.uk/universal-timer-kit-3315 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastycrimper Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Funny you mention this.......I was just working in Peru and I am gutted I didn't buy these crazy sounders that all the tut-tuts have wired in them. You can get them for about £3 on our money. Really simple, just takes a live feed and can play ridiculously funny tunes......choice of about 100 various fun noises/tunes/phrases that are selectable or random. They wire them in place of the horns but there' no reason you couldn't wire one into the headlamp relay with a cleverer relay that activates this device the moment your ignitions off but the lights are on. It had loads of WWII submarine alarm noises etc etc.....there was even a quirky pirate voice that shouted "Capt'n Overboard" with a thick Cornish / SPanish accent that I was particularly fond of......but there was also "Turn your effing lights off" option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zardos Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Alternative look at http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/products/view/?id=374290 for a ding-done sounded twice Or there is a door bell that allows you to download your own sounds to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quagmire Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 My solution is the "YOU F*&"£$£$G MORON, YOU ARE GOING TO DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE" claxon type affair" I used an FL40T buzzer from Maplin, squeezed in a box with a relay that was a little bigger than a box of matches (the entire box that is, not the relay ). This is housed in my fusebox area and is plenty loud enough. I made one for my Dad too. Has saved me plenty of times- did take a while to get used to and at first it would make me jump! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 What would be of more use to me would be a 'vents left open' warning buzzer, going on the past few weeks experience with the rain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 What would be of more use to me would be a 'vents left open' warning buzzer, going on the past few weeks experience with the rain I could do with one of them as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve King Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 I'm sure with a micro switch and a bit of electrickery one could be made!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 There's a plan in my mind, going to have a look when the 110's dash goes back together. Either using a mechanical switch or a reed switch and a magnet mounted on the vent flap. Easy enough to do though with a relay and some sensible wiring Would need an override switch of course, since I often leave the vents open if the vehicle is to be parked up on a hot (dry) day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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