Kisan Electronics headlight modulator - issues

pinthea · Post by **pinthea** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 6:38 pm

I've been having a problem with the P115W-AC headlight modulator (which is allegedly the one appropriate for the Genuine Buddy scooters since our headlights are (allegedly) AC and not DC, and we need a particular kind of adapter). Compounded is the fact that the factory-shipped model does not fit because of interference and close routing of the speedometer cable, so we need a 2-part wiring harness to make the thing physically fit in there.

I haven't been able to get my modulator to work and the Kisan support folks have been non-responsive to my repeated requests for support and warranty repair. While I initially made contact with one tech support guy, he has not called back, doesn't respond to any status inquiries, etc...

It's dragged on for almost 2 weeks now. I've done my best to be polite and respectful in my communication, but I'm at wits end so all I can do is help others to avoid a bad company.

I would recommend folks on modern buddy forums perhaps look elsewhere for a headlight modulator solution, unless you don't mind it taking a very long time for response and resolution if you ever need support or warranty service.

Your mileage may vary.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:05 pm

I installed their brake modulator a few years back and had no issues whatsoever. Then again, I didn't have any problems that required customer service/support.

Rob

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:25 pm

Ditto Rob's comment above. The only problem I had was the connector stuck out to far. I made a temporary jury rig which is still connected. They did send me a flat plug after a few weeks, so they did respond to my problem. This was several years ago though.

mfavata · Post by **mfavata** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 12:29 am

I have a Stella, and not a Buddy, but how is it that the Buddy's headlights are AC and not DC? If it is an H4 bulb, it would appear to be DC to me.

pinthea · Post by **pinthea** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 1:52 am

If your headlight isn't on/lit/shining until the engine is actually started and running, you would need a headlight modulator that is made for AC power.

If your headlight turns on/lights/shines as soon as you turn the key and is on before you even start the engine, you would need a headlight modulator that is made for DC power.

(For the benefit of future readers, keep reading the other posts in this thread, since the above is not necessarily true)

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 4:27 am

pinthea wrote:If your headlight isn't on/lit/shining until the engine is actually started and running, you would need a headlight modulator that is made for AC power.

If your headlight turns on/lights/shines as soon as you turn the key and is on before you even start the engine, you would need a headlight modulator that is made for DC power.

But why do you need a headlight modulator whether it's for AC or DC, i.e. what exactly does a headlight modulator do?

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia "The Olive Pit"

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 4:30 am

Flickers your headlight between high and low beam for enhanced daytime visibility. The good kits have a daylight sensor, as modulating in some jurisdictions is illegal at night.

pinthea · Post by **pinthea** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:13 am

Just so someone else can stumble across this post in the future, my comment above isn't necessarily correct, at least as far as my 2012 Buddy 170i goes.

(As an update to the original post in this thread about problems getting a response from Kisan, I am getting responses now which I am happy about and what follows is information learned from the interactions with them. I will thank them publicly for being responsive NOW and I am hopeful this leads to a happy resolution.)

It is true that GENERALLY if your headlights don't go on until the engine is started your headlights are likely AC and not DC.

But, there exists the possibility that the headlights actually are DC and there's perhaps a relay in place that stops the flow of current to the headlights until such time as there is power coming from the engine. Maybe so as not to take current away from the ignition process. Maybe for some other reason.

This is what I suspect is actually the case on my 2012 Buddy 170i.

With a digital multimeter I measured between 11V DC and 12V DC at the headlight connectors with the engine running, that's DC folks, not AC. The bulb I'm using is the highly recommended PIAA replacement which is, wait for it, 12V DC.

So although the power for the headlight MAY initially be powered by the engine and MAY originate as AC, it could be that it is rectified into DC, or just be DC all along and have a relay preventing lighting up until the engine is running.

Proof is in the pudding, folks. It looks like a DC headlight modulator is what is required for my scooter, not an AC modulator. And DC headlight modulators are available from lots of companies online whereas it seemed only Kisan offered an AC modulator.

(And just today I once again called my local shop and had the tech confirm whether the headlights are AC or DC. They said AC. I don't think that's correct given my direct measurements with the multimeter).

When in doubt, take a measurement...

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 6:53 pm

All I know fur shure is that the 125 Buddy is AC. That may have been changed on the 170. My Vespa and Ural are both DC.

Glad to hear that Kissan got back to you.

pinthea · Post by **pinthea** » Tue May 07, 2013 1:06 am

So it's confirmed. I returned the AC modulator to Kisan and they sent me a DC modulator and it works perfectly in my 2012 Buddy 170i.

The one that ended up working is their model P115W-S, PathBlazer with H4 plug-in for tight spaces (flat back). This is because our speedometer cable has such a tight clearance to the back of the headlight.

My headlight now does correctly and successfully modulate.

If in doubt, folks, do try to take a direct reading with a digital multimeter to CONFIRM whether your headlight is AC or DC driven, because a call to your local scooter shop may give you the wrong info that will lead you down the wrong road (as it did with me).

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Tue May 07, 2013 1:22 am

PeteH wrote:Flickers your headlight between high and low beam for enhanced daytime visibility. The good kits have a daylight sensor, as modulating in some jurisdictions is illegal at night.

Not always true. The headlight modulator that was installed on my MP3 500 only flickered the low beams (at the same time...not one, then the other). It actually only allowed them to dim then made them come on full again, rather than go completely out each time...I think some states prohibit modulators that allow the lights to go completely out between each flash, though why they care about that is beyond me

).

SOME headlight modulators flicker between the low and high beams. Just like with the brake light modulator, that varies per company and model (well...the flicker rate and pattern of the brake light modulator can vary per company and model that is).

The daylight sensor that was on my MP3 was so sensative that if a cloud passed over head it would stop modulating--starting again as soon as the cloud was gone.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Tue May 07, 2013 1:53 am

PeteH wrote:Flickers your headlight between high and low beam for enhanced daytime visibility. The good kits have a daylight sensor, as modulating in some jurisdictions is illegal at night.

No...it does not modulate between high and low beam, it does not "flash" them on and off...it most states that is illegal..it modulates the intensity and is 50 state legal.

Depending on the model it will modulate the low beam...the high beam...or whichever one is selected.

By law you must have a daylight sensor (50 state)

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Tue May 07, 2013 2:09 am

OK, OK, OK (I feel like Joe Pesci)! I don't know from this Kisan kit, but there are cheap modulators that don't dim, but instead either alternate between beams or just blip the high on in addition to the low. Yes, essentially defeating the switch. A work buddy installed (and later uninstalled) one, is the only reason I bring it up.

kisanelectronics · Post by **kisanelectronics** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:46 pm

Hey all,

I ran across this post a bit late in the game but if you have any questions about or issues with our stuff, don't hesitate to call me @ 888-464-5472 extension 12 or just email me at [email protected] . You can also post here in this forum and I can assist.

Brandon

Modern Buddy

Kisan Electronics headlight modulator - issues

Kisan Electronics headlight modulator - issues

Tech Support