THE GOAL: I have a vehicle equiped with turn signals, but no running lights. I would like to be able to use the turn signals as combination turn signals/running lights. For a variety of reason, I cannot replace the pigtails or the sockets to accommodate dual-filament bulbs. Instead, I've come up with the following solution:
THE SOLUTION: Use a relay (one per side) and connect the turn signals to the normally closed circuit (power to the turn signals coming from the tail light). Activate the relay by use of the turn signal lever on the steering column. The automotive flasher unit then turns the turn signals off by switching the relay to the normally open circuit (to which I have nothing connected).
THE PROBLEM: Standard automotive flashers (the thermal type) require some load in order for them to operate (flash properly). My design above does not place a load on the flasher, and thus my turn signals don't flash. One option would be to place an artificial load on flasher by using a low resistance, high wattage resistor. This works, but generates a tremendous amount of heat (which I really want to avoid). I've looked into creating my own flasher using a 555 chip. But since I'm very new to electronics, I'm not sure if this would solve my problem, either.
Any help is appreciated!
Regards,
Greg Bender